Making Sheffield fairer and healthier
The Fair and Healthy Sheffield Plan, launched last week at The Sheffield Joint Health and Wellbeing Board, intends to close the unfair gaps in length and quality of life by prioritising improvements to the health and wellbeing of those who need it the most first.
The plan highlights the need for ‘brave and compassionate leadership’, recognises that good health and wellbeing depends on many aspects of people’s lives and emphasises how important it is for people to know how they can be part of making the changes
that they want to see.
The Sheffield City Goals show that fairness and health really matter to Sheffield as a city and that the current situation is not fair. Some people in Sheffield die younger and have worse health than others for many reasons including the impact of racism and discrimination, living in poverty, not getting a good education, having low-paying and insecure jobs, living in poor housing, the accessibility of quality food, the support from family and friends, what their local area is like, and how easy it is to access health and social care.
Greg Fell, Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning for Sheffield, said: “People consistently tell me how important good health is to them and we know that the unfair gaps we have here don’t have to exist. We can do something about it.
“Everyone in the city needs to do things differently to make Sheffield fairer and heathier. There’s plenty to do, working together across sectors and with communities. Greater and fairer investment in creating health and wellbeing and preventing illness is needed and of course,
being on top of the data we hold, keeping it up to date, measuring and reporting back on the changing Sheffield picture over time is how we will really make progress and keep on track. It’s essential we get this right and that we review constantly based on our learning and people’s feedback.
“All of this will help us to create a different future, and we must do it together.”
The Sheffield Joint Health and Wellbeing Board is made up of organisations from across Sheffield, working together to make Sheffield fairer and healthier. These
include Sheffield City Council, the NHS, Healthwatch, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, the Voluntary and Community sector, and South Yorkshire Police. Every member is an equal partner as everyone brings an important point of view.
The Fair and Healthy Sheffield Plan and information about The Sheffield Joint Health and Wellbeing Board meetings and events is at https://healthwellbeing.sheffield. gov.uk
To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our Sales Team on 0114 276 3633
ROCK N ROLL CIRCUS RETURNS WITH THE REV LEADING THE SHOW
Sheffield’s iconic Don Valley Bowl is set to host the 2025 edition of the much-anticipated return of the Rock N Roll Circus festival, with an all-day party in honour of Reverend and The Makers’ 20th anniversary. The live show - taking place on Saturday August 30th next year - will mark two decades of one of Sheffield’s most enduring and innovative musical collectives, fronted by local hero Jon McClure, affectionately known as “The Reverend.” The announcement
comes hot on the heels of a spectacular three-day Rock N Roll Circus event last month, which saw performances from South Yorkshire legends like Richard Hawley, Milburn, and Becky Hill. Now, the festival is going even bigger, as it becomes a staple in the UK festival calendar, providing an unmissable experience for fans.
Reverend and The Makers - who are currently in the studio working on a new album - have carved out a unique legacy in the British music scene. From their debut album
The State of Things, which produced the UK Top 10 hit “Heavyweight Champion of the World,” to their most recent release, Heatwave In The Cold North, the band has continued to evolve, innovate, and stay true to its artistic roots. Over the past two decades, Jon McClure and his band have consistently pushed boundaries, releasing six Top 20 albums and adapting to changes in the industry without ever compromising on quality or ambition.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” says Jon
McClure, frontman of Reverend and The Makers.
“We’ve seen the highs and the lows, but one thing has always stayed the same—our love for music and our love for Sheffield. I was at Rock N Roll Circus this summer and I loved it. This anniversary show is going to be something special. It’s more than a gig; it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built over 20 years. I can’t wait to share it with the fans who have been with us every step of the way..”
The Line-up: Sheffield’s Finest and More In true Rock N Roll Circus
2/10/1959 - The anthology series The Twilight Zone premieres on CBS television.
3/10/1873 - Captain Jack and companions are hanged for their part in the Modoc War.
4/10/1883 - First run of the Orient Express.
5/10/1955 - Disneyland Hotel opens to the public in Anaheim, California.
style, the 20th-anniversary show promises more than just incredible music. The festival line-up - curated by McClure himself, includes an eclectic mix of legendary performers and rising stars. Reverend and The Makers will be joined on stage by Groove Armada (DJ Set), and live performances from The Libertines’ Peter Doherty and Carl Barat, The Lottery Winners, Everly Pregnant Brothers, and Harriet Rose.
The Reverend and The Makers headlined date at Rock N Roll Circus will take place on Saturday
30th August from 12 noon until 11 pm.
Pre-sale tickets for this event will be available from 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER. To get access to pre-sale, fans must sign up here: https://bit. ly/RNRC25RevSignUp
General sale tickets will be available from 10 am on Friday 4th October via premier.ticketek.co.uk
Follow the Rock N Roll socials for more updates @randrcircus
For more information visit www.rocknrollcircus.co.uk.
Crossword Clues
across
6) Give orders (4, 3, 4)
8) Sticky tree (3)
9) High pitched bark (3)
10) Simple brochure (7)
12) Finished, dead (5)
13) Barmy (5)
14) Choose (5)
15) Old anaesthetic (5)
16) Gather together (5)
19) Furrowed brow (5)
20) Supernatural event (7)
21) Chicken (3)
23) Young fish (3)
24) Dance club (11)
DoWN
1) Cured pork (3)
2) Hard rain (5)
3) Move (5)
4) Horse (5)
5) Choice of all (3)
6) Settled in advance
(3, 3, 5)
7) Pottery (11)
10) Cash paid in advance (4, 3)
11) Inflict anguish (7) 17) Portion (5)
18) Dilapidated (5)
19) Fast of foot (5)
22) Small bite (3)
23) Animal coat (3)
Last Week’s Solution across: 6) All, 8) Accomplice, 9) Ask, 11) Ill-bred, 13) Crane, 14) Title, 15) Quite a novelty, 16) Burnt, 18) Asset, 19) Too wide, 20) Fee, 23) Astrologer, 24) Sty DoWN: 1) Bat, 2) Act, 3) Smile, 4) Old boy network, 5) Octet, 7) Last letter, 10) Fraudulent, 11) Instant, 12) Disease, 17) Toast, 18) Adult, 21) Egg, 22) Cry
6/10/1979 - Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit the White House.
7/10/1982 - Cats opens on Broadway and runs for nearly 18 years before closing on September 10, 2000.
8/10/1860 - Telegraph line between Los Angeles and San Francisco opens.
I say my secret superpower is detecting Indian flatbread in any given room.
My friends all say it’s naan-sense.
Most people are shocked when they find out... ...how incompetent I am as an electrician.
I don’t have a “dad bod.”
I have a father figure.
I’ve been diagnosed with a chronic fear of giants. It’s called feefiphobia.
My deaf girlfriend just told me, “We need to talk.”
That’s not a good sign.
I asked my wife what she wanted for her birthday.....
She said: “Nothing would make me happier than a pair of diamond earrings.”
So I got her nothing.
Today I yelled into a colander.
I strained my voice.
I asked 100 women which shampoo they preferred.
All of them replied: “How the hell did you get in here?”
Did you know that 97% of the world is stupid?
Luckily I’m in the other 5%.
What do sprinters eat before a race?
Nothing. They fast...
Which Yorkshireman replaced Alastair Cook as English test cricket captain?
1. Which Scottish singer had huge success with ‘Someone You Loved’ in 2019?
News, Information and Advice
HEaT HaCks savE MONEY
With fresh weather warnings for heavy rain and an Arctic blast set to bring freezing temperatures on October 13, homeowners must act quickly to safeguard their properties. Parts of the country are already reeling from more than 250% of the monthly average rainfall, leaving many areas vulnerable to the severe conditions forecast.
Whether battling the cold in an older, poorly insulated house or seeking quick, effective heating hacks, these methods promise to keep homes toasty while reducing energy usage.
Insulation:
Most houses lose over 25% of their heat through the roof, so always check your loft first. Loft insulation should be at least 25 cm thick. You can also add additional insulation to your walls and floors. It is more expensive to install than the roof, but you’ll reap the benefits quickly. Over a third of heat is lost through walls, but you can save £160+ a year on your energy bills from cavity wall insulation.
Older properties – pre1920s – are notorious for having minimal insulation.
Draught Prevention:
You’ll need a door seal if your front door has visible gaps around the frame. Stores like ScrewFix sell these online for under £20. For internal doors, try placing a padded draught excluder at the base. These are effective at retaining warmth in the room. Window seals, foam, or strips can also prevent window drafts.
Thermal Curtains:
Bedrooms are ideal for hanging thermal curtains, as we mostly draw them at night. They help keep the warmth in your room, meaning that you shouldn’t need your central heating on overnight. Upgrading your current curtains to thermal curtains can reduce heat loss by 25%. They are easy to source from most homeware stores and affordable.
Bioethanol Fireplaces:
Bioethanol fireplaces are a clean, safe way to heat a room without gas. They are quick to install, don’t require a chimney, and don’t emit harmful smoke or fumes like traditional log burners.
Underfloor Heating: Electric underfloor heating distributes heat
evenly across the room. It also offers much better temperature control than traditional radiators. This means that you won’t need to use it as often. And the room should stay warmer for longer, lowering your energy bills by up to 15% annually.
Smart Thermostats: Now is the time if you’ve not installed a smart thermostat yet. They are intelligent enough to learn the patterns of your home. This means your heating will only be used when the house is occupied. You can also pre-set your schedule or use your phone to kickstart it when you’re on the go. Hive thermostats can save you up to £110 annually. Google says users of the Nest device have saved between 8% and 16% a year.
Solar Panels: Looking for the best green alternatives to gas central heating?
Solar panels are one of the most eco-friendly options. They work by converting sunlight into energy using inverter technology. However, don’t expect to get your entire hot water supply from solar panels. They generally supply around 50% of average-sized households. And it could be less depending on the weather. So, you’ll still need an additional heating source to supplement this.
Heat Pumps:
Harnessing natural heat from the air, these devices provide three times more heat than traditional heaters, making them both eco-friendly and costeffective.
Biomass Boilers: These boilers use wood pellets instead of fossil fuels, offering a sustainable heating solution. However, they may be too large to fit into smaller homes. They also require a vent, which could make installation tricky if you don’t have a chimney.
Infrared Heating Panels:
The new kid on the block. You might be used to seeing infrared heating whilst in a pub garden or outdoor restaurant. But you can now install them in your home. Unlike most heating sources, they don’t need to heat the whole room. They work by heating objects so you will feel warm even if the air in the room is cold. Installation is also super affordable. Costing roughly the same as installing an electric radiator.
COvId & flU - jabs avaIlablE NOw
Eligible people in South Yorkshire can now book flu and COVID19 vaccinations as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter. Anyone eligible can book their vaccinations from 9am via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS app, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online. The vaccinations, which will be available from 3 October, provide vital protection to keep people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during busy winter months. This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the COVID19 jab.
Dr James Thomas said: “COVID-19 and flu remain very dangerous illnesses, so its vital people come forward for their jab if invited. In South Yorkshire we have a brilliant track record when it comes to vaccination uptake, and it’s important we continue that trend to protect those most vulnerable in our communities. For those with loved ones who are at risk, I encourage you to have a conversation about the risks of the illnesses, and the benefits of the vaccinations.”
Eligible people will begin receiving invitations from the NHS to get their jabs, while GP practices and
other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both vaccines. The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when viruses spread.
For the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children.
The jab, introduced earlier this month, is available to those aged 75 to 79, and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child. For those adults eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the NHS will make them available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit. However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations for children started in September for the new school year, to help stop the virus spreading, and pregnant women have been able to get their jab from 1 September. The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 3 October:
• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women
• frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
From 1 September:
• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
COUNCIl’s ElECTRICal CHECks
A new approach to carrying out both electrical testing and condition reports in tenants’ properties will ensure those who live in council properties are even safer moving forward. The new approach will ensure everyone who lives in a Sheffield City Council property will receive an electrical safety test every five years. The increased frequency of testing keeps the Council in line with the new Consumer Standards set for all local authority and housing association landlords which were put in place in April this year.. The Council owns more than 38,500 social housing properties, and these have been subject to a 10-year inspection cycle up to now. Under the new regulations, there will be 15,502 properties that fall outside of the five-year cycle window, as well as 6,436 properties that will fall outside that window by the end of 2024. The next steps are for the Council to seek two external contractors to carry out both sets of checks. Therefore, the committee has approved that £19,668,000, will be spent over the next five-anda-half years to ensure all these checks take place to keep our tenants safe.
As well as covering the cost of carrying out the safety checks, this will also cover the cost of any new electrical equipment that has to be installed to future proof properties.
The Oddfellows is a nonprofit, friendly society which has been established for over 200 years, with branches all over the world. Our branch covers South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire and September is our Friendship Month, where we try and bring lonely people together to socialise more and make new friends.
It was a pleasure to get to know so many new faces at our social events this September as we celebrated Oddfellows Friendship Month. The buzz you get from being in friendly company is indisputable, so thank you to everyone who came along to make this year’s celebrations so enjoyable and uplifting. We host social events and activities throughout the year in and around Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley, Worksop and North East Derbyshire. If you missed our most recent taster events but would still like to give our group a try, we’ve some
great events happening in our region. From meals out, social afternoons, bowling, crazy golf, walks, a trip to the panto and Christmas get-togethers. You’re most welcome to join us.
We know that people can often feel anxious about the one-on-one nature of making new friends, but giving one of our group events a go definitely takes the pressure off this. They’re hosted and you can join in as much or as little as you want by leading the conversation or by simply sitting back and listening. The important bit is that we’re getting together. I’m happy to send any interested readers a schedule of upcoming events. You can get in touch with me via email at Julie.Davis@oddfellows. co.uk or by telephone on 01709 838673. You can also find details at www. oddfellows.co.uk/events. We look forward to meeting you soon.
A Lincolnshire holiday park offering holiday cottages, touring, camping and caravan holidays near Skegness. Relax, unwind and escape to the country with a stay at our Lincolnshire holiday park. Set in 14 acres of countryside, we offer a range of accommodation options, including static caravans, holiday cottages, touring and camping pitches - so there’s something for all tastes and budgets.
Chalk Lane, Burgh Le Marsh, Skegness PE24 5HN
Beer tax hike ’not the answer for healthy puBs or communities
CAMRA – the voice of UK beer drinkers and pub goers – has responded to reports that the Chancellor will raise taxes on beer in the upcoming Autumn Budget.
CAMRA is urging everyone to use its quick and easy online campaigning tool to contact their local MP ahead of the Autumn Budget in order to get a fair deal for pubs, pints and people. We are calling for a further reduction in draught beer and cider duty, a reform of the Business Rates system in England, a VAT cut for hospitality businesses, a review of the definition of cider and a 50% juice minimum in cider, as well as the removal of unnecessary rules that prevent sales of takeaway pints.
Take part in the E-lobby here:
https://action.camra.org.uk/ page/156994/action/1
CAMRA Chairman, Ash CorbettCollins, said:
“Pubs are at the centre of communities across the UK and provide the best environment for moderate alcohol consumption in a social setting. Hiking beer tax in the Autumn Budget – at a time when pubs and brewers have
battled against the odds to survive – is not the answer for healthy pubs or communities.
“In particular, the Chancellor should be looking at cutting tax on draught beer – meaning beer brewed for, and consumed in pubs, social clubs and taprooms – and reforming the grossly unfair business rates system to give a fair deal to pubs.”
new book remembers when Sheffield nightlife really was the Limit…
One of the city’s most iconic venues of recent decades is remembered in a brand new book just released.
Neil Anderson’s new ‘Take It To The Limit’ celebrates West Street’s Limit venue and its pivotal role in the rise of the city’s electro pop movement of the early eighties. Sheffield artists like the Human League, ABC (who performed under their earlier Vice Versa moniker), Cabaret Voltaire and Comsat Angels all played some of their earliest gigs at the venue.
The Limit booked U2 when few other venues would entertain them - 13 punters turned up - and staged the UK debut of the B-52’s.
The club originally opened as a punk venue in 1978 with Siouxsie and the Banshees being the first national live act to perform.
The Limit also hosted the one and only time that city-born rock giants Def Leppard supported Sheffield’s own Human League – it was part of a local band festival in the very early days of the venue.
The Limit was so successful it financed the transformation of the then derelict Sheffield Lyceum into a music venue with everyone from the Clash to Joe Cocker playing sell out shows.
Author Neil Anderson said: “The Limit was a true one-off and its legacy is still felt as strongly today as it was when it shut for the last time in 1991.
“It was instrumental in Sheffield’s chart dominance of the early 1980s and it was so successful that it even bank-rolled the transformation of the then derelict Sheffield Lyceum into a concert venue. The Limit went on to host 13 years of club nights from early punk, mid-eighties goth to early rave and dance.”
Sheffield’s Limit crammed in some pretty interesting claims to fame during its history. ‘Take It To The Limit’ book covers scores of them over its 160 pages.
Here’s a few more little known facts about the venue:
The Limit was only given a licence on the condition that they agreed to never book the Sex Pistols in their lifetime. They honoured the condition—probably helped by the fact the band split up within months of them opening.
The Bay City Rollers wandered in one night after a show at Sheffield City Hall. They were expecting adulation—but they were totally ignored.
An unknown Wham! once performed on a Saturday dinnertime. They weren’t invited back.
Saturday afternoon matinee performances for the under-18s were a regular thing back in the club’s early days—everyone from the Undertones to the Cockney Rejects performed.
The Limit was the brainchild of George Webster and Kevan Johnson.
‘Take It To The Limit’ is available from www.dirtystopouts.com and all good bookshops for £21.95. ISBN: 9781908431714.
GOOdS VeHICLe OPeRatOR’S LICenCe
TT PLANT ANd hAuLAge LTd of uNIT 4 oRgReAve dRIve
SheffIeLd S13 9NR
is applying to change an existing Licence as follows:
to add an operating centre to keep 6 goods vehicles & 2 trailers at: coNSTRucTIoN houSe, bRoAd oAkS,
SheffIeLd S9 3hh
Owners or Occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 Days of this Notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.
A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
178 mAIN RoAd, SheffIeLd S9 5hq
I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol: Monday to Friday 05:00 – 22:00 Saturday 06:00 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 20:00
Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to The Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 22nd October 2024
For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents
For full details & to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service. Telephone: 0114 2734264 or by e-mail to licensingservice@sheffield.gov.uk
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for this offence is unlimited.
GOOdS VeHICLe OPeRatOR’S LICenCe
SheffIeLd SuRfAcINg LTd of
uNIT 4 oRgReAve dRIve
SheffIeLd S13 9NR
is applying to change an existing Licence as follows: to add an operating centre to keep 12 goods vehicles & 2 trailers at:
coNSTRucTIoN houSe, bRoAd oAkS, SheffIeLd S9 3hh
Owners or Occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 Days of this Notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.
A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
TUESDAY
Coronation Street: At Paul’s funeral, Billy is horrified to find Paul’s estranged father Denny, drunk and skulking in the shadows as Billy orders him to behave and keep out of sight. Tyrone and Fiz are gobsmacked when Hope brags about stealing a vape from the corner shop. How will they deal with their wayward daughter this time? Dee-Dee confides in Kit that she phoned the wedding venue and the holiday company and Joel has seemingly already got their deposits back. Ryan Connor gives Carla an official-looking letter at the factory and her face falls when she reads it. When a hungover Billy goes to the undertakers for Paul’s ashes, he’s stunned to discover that Bernie already has them. Daniel shares his plan to use some of his son Bertie’s trust fund money to help Bethany, but Ken advises him to think again.
Emmerdale:
When Moira learned she had a brain tumour, in some ways, it was a huge relief. So Mack and Matty have moved into Butler’s – as Cain is in Scotland with Zak – to help erratic Moira carry on running the house and the farm. But Mack’s been struggling to keep a handle on everything. And when a gate is left open causing some of his sister’s sheep to flee – and others to die, it’s a huge red flag. Laurel and Charles find themselves having another passionate moment, even though they’ve tried to call it quits. But the cat is out of the bag when Laurel’s teenage son Arthur walks in and catches them snogging! Chas enjoys some secret excitement of her own, sharing a charged look with Liam across the bar. Should Ella be worried about the future of her relationship with Liam?
Eastenders:
Bianca has set her sights on Reiss, and she’s determined to prove he had something to do with his wife Debbie’s death! When Sonia was imprisoned for smothering a comatose Debbie with a pillow, Bianca knew the kind-hearted nurse couldn’t be to blame. When Ian lets himself into the pie shop, Cindy and Junior panic. Will Ian find them together? Yolande discovered the shocking news that the Pastor had taken his own life. Still reeling, she’s comforted by her family when she has another visitor, the Pastor’s widow Stella Clayton. Has Stella come to attack her? Hoping to bond with his brother, George offers to show Kojo the ropes behind the bar at the Queen Vic and things begin to thaw between the pair.
MERCURYH LIDAYS
luxury
Fully
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
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ALL SQUARE FOR THE BLADES AT POMPEY COnSiSTEnCY
United earned a hardfought point on the south coast after a 0-0 draw against Portsmouth.
A tight encounter saw chances for both sides, but the Blades kept another clean sheet, a fourth in a row, and maintained their unbeaten start to the Championship season.
Following victory over Derby last weekend, United manager Chris Wilder named an unchanged starting XI, with Vini Souza once again taking the captain’s armband. Portsmouth were forced into a late change when Conor Shaughnessy pulled up in the warm up with Tom McIntyre promoted from the bench.
Referee Matthew Donohue went to his pocket after just two minutes to show the yellow card to McIntyre after he brought down Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
The first real opening of the game arrived on 17
minutes when a mistake at the back from United allowed Paddy Lane to run into the area, but his low drive was tipped around the post by Michael Cooper.
This spurred on the home side who forced a flurry of corners, the last of which ended with a superb defensive headed clearance by Sydie Peck. The home side then enjoyed a strong spell, with United again having to defend more corners, whilst Josh Murphy saw a long-range strike easily held by Cooper.
United’s best opening arrived on 26 minutes when an intelligent clip in behind by Alfie Gilchrist freed Rak-Sakyi who burst into the area. The Crystal Palace loanee then picked out Gustavo Hamer whose header towards goal was beaten away by Will Norris who flung himself to his right to save. More opportunities
arrived as United started to grow into the contest. On the half-hour mark good work by Peck and Souza, saw the latter drill a pass to Rak-Sakyi who again moved into the area, before cutting the ball back to Souza who fired over the bar.
It was Gilchrist and RakSakyi combining again soon after when the former measured his pass in behind to perfection.
Rak-Sakyi this time got to the by-line, cutting the ball back into a dangerous area but straight to a blue shirt as the home side survived.
Anel Ahmedhodžić saw yellow for dissent before the break, whilst Gilchrist, for the second time in the half, defended stoutly to stop a Murphy centre.
Just before the break, Cooper produced a stunning save when Marlon Pack’s free-kick deceived everyone and looked destined for the corner, until the United
stopper somehow flicked the ball over with a fingertip stop at full stretch.
At the start of the second half, the home side were forced to defend when Burrows’ deep corner was headed into a dangerous area by Harry Souttar, but the ball was headed clear.
Rak-Sakyi again burst to the by-line soon after, but his low centre was parried away by Norris.
The Blades maintained their dominant position, keeping the ball better and creating more chances.
On 57 minutes Gilchrist’s centre was headed towards goal by Kieffer Moore, but Norris was well positioned to make a routine save.
Just past the hour, Wilder made a double change with Andre Brooks and Rhian Brewster replacing Rak-Sakyi and Callum O’Hare.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, Wilder made a third change with Femi Seriki replacing Gilchrist.
STiLL TiME TO jOin TEAM ROVERS
Grant McCann has made no secret of his determination for Rovers to win Sky Bet League Two this season but there is another league table he wants the club to finish top of beforehand.
And there is plenty of pride at stake with Rovers sitting as reigning champions in the Prostate United fundraising challenge.
Led by Grant and assistant manager Cliff Byrne, the participants representing Rovers raised an impressive £18,000 for Prostate Cancer UK to storm to the top of the fundraising table last year.
With the target set of retaining the title, supporters are invited to join the Rovers team to raise vital funds for the charity, which supports
research into the disease from which one man dies every 45 minutes.
Prostate United is a yearly fundraising challenge that invites football club staff and fans to run, walk or cycle a distance every October. Since it began in 2018, the challenge has seen more than 300 staff from 60 professional and non-league football clubs raise more than £500,000 for the leading men’s health charity.
Grant, Cliff and staff ran 5km every day last October but have pledged to up the distance to 10km for this year’s challenge.
The daily distance undertaken by participants is of their own choosing, as it whether to run, walk or cycle.
All supporters who sign up for the Rovers team
will be invited to take part in at least one group challenge alongside the coaching staff. And the top fundraising supporter on the team will also receive a special prize from the club.
Anyone able to raise £500 will receive an exclusive new Prostate United football shirt from renowned designer Ed Cowburn.
McCann said: “As a club we were hugely proud to claim the title of the top fundraisers for last year’s Prostate United challenge.
It’s a fantastic initiative that has really united the football community for a great cause, and we hope that even more clubs and fans back it this year.
“To see our names in the Hall of Fame, along with the founders and those who have been involved in the challenge since the beginning, is a real honour too.
To sign up for 2024, visit prostateunited. prostatecanceruk.org and make sure to join the Rovers team when you do.
On 71 minutes Peck drove forward with the ball, then slipped it to Brewster whose effort was blocked with the ball falling to Seriki whose deflected strike was tipped over by Norris.
Tyrese Campbell replaced Moore for the closing stages, and he forced Norris into another save from a tight angle after being found by fellow sub Brewster.
Portsmouth sub Harvey Blair was booked late on for hauling down Burrows. With just a minute remaining, the home side missed a glorious chance when Pack’s corner was headed over by Jacob Farrell when well-placed to score.
Right at the end, Pack was carded for bringing down Seriki, the whistle then followed which saw a mini fracas resulting in more cards handed out by the referee.
SWFC CLUB STATEMEnT
Sheffield Wednesday can confirm a lifetime ban from all club activities and premises for the individual responsible
DRFC CLUB STATEMEnT
Doncaster Rovers Football Club can confirm a lifetime club ban has been issued to an individual
Consistency is the key moving forward – that was the post-match message from Danny Röhl after a dramatic afternoon at Hillsborough.
The Owls edged out league leaders West Brom 3-2, with substitute Anthony Musaba deciding the game after the Baggies wiped out a 2-0 deficit.
Wednesday had the final word and Röhl, while proud of the character of his players, called for consistency throughout the full 90 minutes.
He said: “I am proud of my team, we showed a lot of character to win the game. Now we need to be consistent for 60 minutes, for 70 and 90, all the way to the end.
“This is a small step today, but nothing more. We now have two away games coming up, let’s see how consistent we can be on Wednesday at Bristol City.”
Röhl was happy with the points against one of
for an abhorrent social media post. The post was relative to the tragic passing of West Bromwich Albion supporter Mark Townsend following a medical emergency at Hillsborough on Saturday. responsible for a hateful social media post. Since the post was made at the weekend, the club has received multiple reports from members of the public that are understandably distressed regarding
the division’s strongest sides and laid down the gauntlet for continued improvement.
He said: “We have come back stronger after the international break but I believe we should have five more points.
“That is the where we should be. We have to keep improving game by game. I am pleased with the goals we scored today against a very good team.
“My players know my demands, we had
individual meetings with all the team before the game, so that was the morning, and it was a 12:30 kick-off!
“We spoke about what we can expect today, what we can exploit and some of these things we did very well.
“Now we keep moving forward, the Championship is the most demanding division and we have to be ready for all these demands.”
The individual has been charged by the police and will face the full force of the law.
The Owls condemn absolutely this outrageous behaviour and underline their zero tolerance policy towards unlawful activity on all social media platforms. The Club’s thoughts remain with the loved ones of Mr Townsend and the wider West Bromwich Albion community at this incredibly difficult time.
the content.
Rovers were able to identify the individual responsible for the post and immediately instigated the lifetime ban from all club activities. They are also working closely with South Yorkshire Police regarding the post. Doncaster Rovers vehemently condemn the behaviour of the individual responsible and reiterate our zero tolerance stance towards online hate speech.
