the countdown to christmas starts!
The countdown to Christmas is on, with Sheffield Christmas markets set to return and an all-new festive weekend on the cards. It might only be October but the Council are already gearing up for Christmas. The Christmas markets will be back this year from Thursday 14th November, right up until Christmas Eve. On top of that, Sheffield City Council will be hosting their ‘Crackers for Christmas’ event, which will see a weekend of festivities held from Saturday 16th until Sunday 17th November.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee, said: “Christmas is set to be bigger and better than ever this year, here in Sheffield. Not only are the incredibly popular Christmas markets back, which offer a massive boost to local traders and businesses who are able to sell and showcase their goods, but the city centre will also play host to a full weekend of family friendly performances and activities, at the Crackers for Christmas event. We hope to see Sheffield residents and
visitors to the city head down over the course weekend and enjoy this fantastic new event to the city.”
The Sheffield Christmas Markets have grown massively over the years, from just a handful of businesses to a full shopping experience with over 50 cabins. The markets celebrate Sheffield’s great independent traders, with over 80% based locally and for 2024 they will be spread across Town Hall Square, the Peace Gardens and onto The Moor.
Visitors can expect three Alpine Bars, a traditional German
sausage grill, Yorkshire pudding wraps, toasted marshmallows, churros and many other food and drink experiences. They’ll be able to jump on the carousel at Barkers Pool or admire the stunning Christmas tree in Town Hall Square. The iconic big wheel will be back on The Moor and kids will be able to come and meet the big man himself at Santa’s grotto at Tudor Square, with plenty more to see and do for the whole family. 2024 will also mark Sheffield’s very own festive weekend, Crackers for Christmas. The weekend- long,
free event will feature musical performances, dance acts, panto, street entertainment as well as crafts and storytelling for the kids. The city will also be lit up from Cambridge Steet to Barkers
Pool, Pinstone St and the Peace Gardens from 4pm daily, until Thursday 5th January. Christmas Markets opening times: Pinstone Street: 10am – 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am – 8pm Friday and Saturday.
The Moor: 10am – 6pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am – 7pm Friday and Saturday. All bars are open 10am until late.
ThE SOUl TRAIN STEAmS INTO ShEFFIElD FOR A gREAT NIghT OUT!
soul Train will soon steam into Sheffield with a fine feast of soulful gems. Harking back to the wonderful days when the dance floor was king, the show features a fun presentation of 60s and 70s soul classics. From early soul days of Tamla Motown, Stax and Atlantic records though to disco and beyond as the show brings on the good times. Featured in a fun feel good production are classic hit songs byStevie Wonder, Isley
Brothers, Supremes, Gladys Knight, O’Jays
Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, Donna Summer, Candi Staton, Whitney Houston, Billy Ocean, Lionel Richie, Tavares and many more great artists that still keep us singing and dancing. Show producer and performer Wayne Kennedy goes back to his roots having sold well over one million concert tickets for his theatre shows.
The Stage - Superb - Remarkable -
Tremendously Entertaining!
The BBCMAGNIFICENT! Wonderful memories and always a fun night out !
Tickets: £20
Telephone Box Office 0333 666 4466
https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/ king-of-tunes-ltd/tmodzoap
Further information on how to get onboard atwww.SoulTrain.org.uk www.facebook.com/ soultrainshowuk
9/10/1959 - A day after being captured, Marxist revolutionary “Che” Guevara is executed for attempting to incite a revolution in Bolivia.
10/10/1780 - The Great Hurricane of 1780 kills 20,000-30,000 in the Caribbean.
11/10/2002 - A bomb attack in a shopping mall in Vantaa, Finland kills seven.
12/10/1266 - King John of England loses his crown
Crossword Clues
across
7) Location (4)
8) Quick passage (5, 3)
9) Menu of many choices (1, 2, 5)
10) Visa (4)
11) Frighten (5)
13) Friend (7)
15) Delineating (7)
17) Embellish (5)
20) Low murmur (4)
21) Relaxed (4, 4)
23) Gravel from erosion (8)
24) Manifest (4)
DoWN
1) Spoken (4)
2) Ballerina (6)
3) Money-lending (5)
4) Ennui (7)
5) Torpidity (6)
6) Stranger (8)
12) Roundabout (8) 14) Blow up (7)
16) Sorcerer (6)
18) Engage superficially (6)
19) Earliest to arrive (5)
22) Container (4)
Last Week’s Solution across: 6) Call the tune, 8) Gum, 9) Yap, 10) Leaflet, 12) Kaput, 13) Dotty, 14) Adopt, 15) Ether, 16) Group, 19) Frown, 20) Miracle, 21) Hen, 23) Fry, 24) Discotheque DoWN: 1) Ham, 2) Sleet, 3) Shift, 4) Steed, 5) Any, 6) Cut and dried, 7) Earthenware, 10) Lump sum, 11) Torture, 17) Piece, 18) Tatty, 19) Fleet, 22) Nip, 23) Fur
jewels in The Wash, probably near Fosdyke, perhaps near Sutton Bridge.
13/10/1923 - Ankara replaces Istanbul as the capital of Turkey.
14/10/1586 - Mary, Queen of Scots, goes on trial for conspiracy against Elizabeth I of England.
15/10/1888 - The “From Hell” letter sent by Jack the Ripper is received by investigators.
I couldn’t work out how to fasten my seatbelt. Then it clicked.
If you’ve never worn a blindfold when playing darts before then you should try it, You don’t know what you’re missing!
Approverypriate! Sorry.. that was very in appropriate.
Did you hear about the Baker who got an electric shock? He stepped on a bun and a currant shot up his leg.
What’s blue and not very heavy? Light blue.
What do you call a man with a map on his head? Miles.
I approached a very beautiful woman in the supermarket and said.. “I’ve lost my wife here, can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?” “Why?”
“Because every time I talk to a beautiful woman my wife appears out of nowhere.”
A man is recovering in hospital after being struck by falling jigsaw puzzle boxes. Police are piecing the evidence together as we speak.
Just found out my uncle has left me a stately home in his will. I have no idea where Sod Hall is, I’m just off to Google it now!
I’ve asked my girlfriend to polish my medieval battle uniform whilst I go to the pub. She always said she wanted a night in, shining armour.
1. Which public body was the UK’s largest employer in 2017?
2. In the Pokemon universe, which Pokemon has the #001 Pokedex number?
3. Brian Jacks dominated the 1979 and 1980 editions of which BBC sports competition?
4. Which ‘B’ is a native British tree which produces ‘sloe’ berries, often used in flavouring gin?
5. In cooking, Amandine is a term associated with which nut?
6. Which Canadian rapper topped the UK singles charts in February 2018 with ‘God’s Plan’?
7. Port Stanley is the captial of which British Overseas Territory?
8. The origins of which type of fast food take aways can be traced to Mossley in Greater Manchester in 1860?
9. St Anthony is often mentioned as the patron saint of what?
10. Which E M Forster novel published in 1910 focuses on social conventions of the time in the UK?
2025 SEASONAL TOURING PITCHES
News, Information and Advice
bRIGHTER fUTUREs fUNd
The Brighter Future Fund is independently managed by careexperienced young people supported by the Council’s Children’s Involvement Service.
The fund will offer small grants which directly support care-experienced children and young people to build a brighter future. This aims to enhance Sheffield’s careexperienced children and young people with access to activities and opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. This is part of Sheffield City Council’s Community Parenting Strategy, with the next step of implemented the Brighter Futures Fund to directly support careexperienced children and young people and provide opportunities.
Sheffield City Council are passionate about supporting young people to have fun, develop new interests, skills and meet new people.
The Council know that positive experiences and building strong lasting connections supports young people to belong, build successful futures and overcome past difficulties. The Brighter Future Fund is one tool which enables support from key partners, voluntary and community organisations and businesses in Sheffield.
As a city, Sheffield has been at the forefront of supporting careexperienced children and young people in several ways, but the children in this city care service still require opportunities.
The ways in which the community can help include mentoring, job opportunities, reading buddies, free leisure activities or donations.
Some of the brilliant partners in the Sheffield community who have got involved in supporting care-experienced children and young people include:
• Waitrose, who offered up to 10 places for work experience followed by a guaranteed job interview for care-experience children
• Zest, who offered free swimming lessons for children in foster care
• Cidon, who collaborated with the Voice and Influence team providing young people with care packages as they go into their own home for the first time
• Looked After Children (LAC), who providing gifts to children in
care Ramadan advent calendars
• The Leadmill, who provided opportunities such as work experience for care experienced young people, and free tickets for care leavers
• Site Gallery, who have provided care-experienced young people with apprenticeships
• Sheffield Wednesday, who provided children in care with activity books
But we’re on the lookout for even more partners! Our Voice and Influence team recently created a video around the importance of Community Parenting, and how beneficial this is for care-experienced children and young people. The team recently shared their Community Parenting film with local property developers Henry Boot as part of this initiative.
Jake Schuette, of the Voice and Influence workers team who comprise of careexperienced young people, said: “This funding is so beneficial to enable care-experienced young people like me so we can access activities and opportunities that every child should receive to enable us to live a happy and fulfilling life. We deserve to have fun, meet new people and develop new hobbies and interests like any other child, and this fund will do just that for us.” Cllr Dawn Dale said: “We are looking for individuals, businesses and organisations that would like to support our care-experienced children and young people by providing opportunities, funding and discounts. This is a part of our Community Parenting Strategy to directly support careexperienced children and young people and build a brighter future for those in our care. Organisations who donate to this fund will ensure that all careexperienced children and young people can benefit from all the opportunities that Sheffield has to offer, and that they have the support and connections they need to grow up feeling safe, valued, heard, and knowing they belong here.”
If you want to find out more about how you can help careexperienced children flourish, please email CommunityParenting@ sheffield.gov.uk.
10 YR plaN - MakING sHEffIEld faIRER & HEalTHIER
The city now has a 10-year plan to create a fairer and healthier Sheffield.
The Fair and Healthy Sheffield Plan, launched this 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 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. Councillor Angela Argenzio said: “Now that we have approved this plan today, we can act on the commitments set out in the plan. The main message from all of us is that we must do what needs to be done together. We will only be successful if we take this approach. Already there is excellent work taking place in our communities and we must build on that using the ‘building blocks’ talked about at the Board meeting yesterday. I urge people to get involved with the work of the Board, it’s there for you to attend and engage with it and we know that doing things together will mean that we do things much better. Constant feedback is required. We’re asking you to tell us what we’re doing well, what isn’t so good and what changes you would like to
see. We intend to update the priorities in the plan every three years, and you can help us do that properly. We want to be responsive and highlight the opportunities that there are for you to be part of making a difference in your life, family, or your community. Please talk with us about what matters to you so that you can have a healthier life and if you have lived experiences about any aspect of health and wellbeing and what that means to you, come to the Board and talk with us.”
Helen Sims, Chief Executive of Voluntary Action Sheffield, said: “In the community and voluntary sector, we work with communities by listening to people and making sure that people with the greatest barriers to health are empowered to build care and support around them. People working together in communities through social action are so powerful. It’s incredible what people can achieve when they have a common belief and goal and opportunity to participate in creating good health. This plan will hopefully make it easier for our communities to connect with the Board so that it can support them in different ways and connect them with others who are working towards similar goals. At VAS, we will be working with voluntary sector partners out in our communities, to talk about this plan and the City Goals so that people understand the city’s current and future challenges. We’ll
invite their feedback and comments and discuss at the Board, and welcome greater participation of people directly at Board meetings to talk about their experiences, concerns, and action.”
Zak McMurray, Co-Chair of The Sheffield Joint Health and Wellbeing Board said: “I welcome the approach outlined in this new 10-year plan. Creating better health in our neighbourhoods and communities is key and we must do it together. Creating and improving our health is something we need to do as individuals as far as we can and to do that in conjunction where needed with those who can support our health, such as GPs, health services and prevention services. We must shift our focus from being done ‘to’ when it comes to health and instead focus on creating health ‘with’ others, our communities, our health providers. It’s a two-way thing. That said, how services are set up and run affects the unfair gaps in health and wellbeing between different groups of people, and that’s where the health organisations in the city must work hard to make it as easy as possible for those who need NHS and social care services to access them.”
The Fair and Healthy Sheffield Plan and information about The Sheffield Joint Health and Wellbeing Board meetings and events is at https:// health-wellbeing.sheffield. gov.uk
New laws proposed by the Government today will extend the time that payments can be delayed by 72 hours where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a payment is fraudulent and more time is needed for the bank to investigate.
This will give banks more time to break the spell woven by fraudsters over their victims and tackle the estimated £460 million lost to fraud last year alone. Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq said: “Hundreds of millions of pounds are lost to scammers each year, targeting vulnerable communities and ruining the lives of ordinary people. We need to protect these people better, which is why we are giving banks more time to investigate suspicious payments and break the criminal spell that scammers weave.” Minister of State with Responsibility for Fraud, Lord Sir David Hanson said: “Fraud is a crime that can devastate lives, and anyone can be affected. That’s why measures like this are so crucial to provide banks the investigative powers they need to better protect customers from this appalling crime.”
Fraud accounts for
over a third of all crime perpetrated in England and Wales, making it the most prevalent form of crime commitment in the country. This has been driven by a growing number of purchase scams and the emergence of so-called ‘romance scams’, where victims target vulnerable people and trick them into transferring large amounts of money by pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship. The new rules will help protect people against these types of scams by allowing banks up to an additional 72 hours to investigate suspicious payments. Currently banks must either process or refuse a payment by the end of the next business day. Banks who have reasonable grounds to suspect a payment is fraudulent will need to inform customers when a payment is being delayed. They will also need to explain what the customer needs to do in order to unblock the payment. The need for evidence to trigger a delay will help protect people and businesses from unnecessary payment delays. Banks will also be required to compensate customers for any interest or late payment fees they incur as a result of delays.
autumn lights promises “biggest fireworks spectacular ever!”
Thousands of people are expected at next month’s Autumn Lights event in Sheffield with organisers promising “the biggest fireworks spectacular the city has ever seen.”
Autumn Lights is the UK’s largest touring firework spectacular and includes live music and other attractions to keep the crowds entertained.
Phats and Small are headlining with award-winning DJ and presenter Ryan Swain, fire-eaters and Spark!, the original LED drummers and party band HUGE all on the bill.
The highlight of the Guy Fawkes night spectacular at Don Valley Bowl on 5th November, are two firework displays choreographed to music from around the world at 7.40pm and 9pm.
John Lowery from Autumn Lights
said:
“We’ve kept prices affordable for families with two firework shows and many other attractions for people to enjoy throughout the evening. The show is our biggest yet and with fairground rides, street food stalls and more bar areas, we’re hoping people will arrive in plenty of time so they can enjoy the full experience. There are still some tickets left so it’s not too late to miss out
on Sheffield’s biggest fireworks spectacular.”
Tickets are priced £12.99 for adults and £5.99 (not including booking fee) for children aged 2-16 years old. There is free parking but food, drink and fairground rides are not included as part of the ticket price.
Doors open at 4pm.
To book tickets go to www. autumnlights.co.uk or for more information follow on Facebook or Instagram: @autumnlightsuk
CADS (Creative Arts Development Space), the Sheffield-based arts charity, continues to face significant setbacks in securing the future of the historic Abbeydale Picture House.
Although much-needed funding from the Community Ownership Fund (COF) was awarded more than four months ago, it remains tied up due to a complex legal situation with the building’s landlord. These legal complexities are now jeopardising the funding and delaying progress, putting the future of the building at serious risk. As time passes, the Abbeydale Picture House continues to deteriorate, further increasing the financial burden required for its purchase and restoration.
Earlier this year, CADS secured a £300,000 COF grant to support the purchase and renovation of the Abbeydale Picture House. Initially, delays were attributed
to the General Election and change of Government, but it has since become clear that the legal complexities on our side are significantly slowing the process. The ongoing legal dispute with the building’s landlord, including upcoming court proceedings, has become a major obstacle to finalising the funding and advancing the project. Compounding this, the application for Asset of Community Value (AOCV) protection status was unexpectedly rejected.
In February 2024, CADS announced the closure of the Abbeydale Picture House due to extensive damage and escalating costs. The situation worsened when the landlord changed the locks in April 2024, further complicating matters and delaying any progress. With court proceedings imminent, CADS is now focused on resolving these legal issues, while the building,
‘Land of Hope and Glory’ and celebrate the music of Great British composers past and present.
already in a state of disrepair after two and a half years of partial closure, continues to deteriorate. Water ingress and other structural issues are pushing the project further from its goals.
Despite these challenges, Sheffield City Council has been supportive, particularly throughout the COF application process. The building, a Grade II listed site, was added to the Theatres at Risk Register by the Theatres Trust earlier this year. The Abbeydale Picture House remains one of the few intact venues of its kind in the country, making its preservation all the more urgent. CADS remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and has outlined the following immediate actions: reapplying for AOCV protection (currently in progress), continuing their legal dispute, and applying for Relief of Forfeiture of their lease through the courts to regain access to the building.
Sunday 20TH OCTOBER - 3:00PM TICKETS £20.00
‘Your Song’ It’s Just the Way You Are’ - a Celebration of the Songs of Elton John is coming to Penistone Paramount but In addition to your favourite Elton John Tunes, there will also be a few Billy Joel songs added into the setlist for this show!
‘Your Song’, performed by singer-songwriter John Reilly (of Boy on a Dolphin and Acoustic Angels) and pianist and composer Lewis Nitikman, has been wowing audiences throughout the country. It is 100% live music, it’s NOT a tribute, so no dressing up, no miming and no backing tracks, just two consummate professionals celebrating amazing, timeless songs, performed from the heart with passion and musical excellence.
“It is a WOW of a show. A ‘5’ star performance - the beautiful voice of John Reilly plus the wonderful keyboards/piano of Lewis Nitikman.” Warren Walters. Pizza Express, The Pheasantry, Kings Road Chelsea
& Camilla:
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY MONDAY
Coronation Street: Daniel visits Bethany when she is finally brought into ITU but Sarah makes it clear he is not welcome. Will Bethany want to see him? Eileen’s gobsmacked to see her ex-boyfriend Jesse climbing out of a taxi. What does he want and why is he in Weatherfield? Eileen makes it clear to a stunned Stu and Yasmeen that she doesn’t agree with them giving Mason a chance. Chesney orders Gemma to take the day off and put her feet up as she deserves some me-time. Cassie makes Hope and Ruby promise to pull together for Fiz’s sake. When Mason spots Logan watching him from his car, Stu marches over to confront him but he speeds off. Stu and Yameen return home to find that someone has thrown a brick through their window. Stu tells Yasmeen that he suspects Mason’s brother, Logan, as he was trying to force Mason to take part in a robbery. Shona urges Nick to find out where he stands with Toyah. Kit admits that he’s struggling to make any headway with the Joel Deering case. Meanwhile, Bethany tells Daniel that her life has changed and he’d be better off with Daisy.
Emmerdale:
Billy turns up on Mackenzie’s doorstep, bloodied and bruised. Mack’s shocked to see his pal in such a state. And he’s even more worried when Billy refuses to go to the hospital. Billy knows he needs to tell his wife Dawn how he’s been making his money. Is Billy going to keep boxing and putting his life at risk? Amelia is feeling bad about having upset Sam and Lydia, so she gives them a photo of Esther to pass on to Samson.
Eastenders: Jack has had a tough time of things recently following his split with wife Denise, as he tries to cope with looking after his kids, including a seriously injured Amy. When Denise finds out that Jack has completely fallen out with eldest daughter Penny for her part in the club crush that injured Amy, she’s determined to get them back on track. Jay is celebrating his 30th birthday party and he’s touched to listen to a specially pre-recorded greeting from his late wife Lola. Admitting that he’s starting to fall for his mystery woman, Junior goes as far to say that he’s having feelings for his secret fling and he thinks she feels the same way. Will George guess who Junior is talking about or is the truth too shocking? Meanwhile, Cindy feels stuck in the middle as not only is she having to keep her affair secret from Ian Beale, her old lover David Wicks is back in the mix!
MERCURYH LIDAYS
luxury
Fully
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury
blades maintain unbeaten league run owls keep run going
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi first goals in red and white paved the way for a fourth consecutive home victory against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon. The exciting winger scored a goal in both halves as the Blades deserved registered another maximum at S2 which saw United go joint top of the Sky Bet Championship.
Boss Wilder made six changes for the hosting of the Hatters, with Arblaster returning from injury to skipper that side. McCallum made his full home debut, whilst Gilchrist, Moore and Rak-Sakyi were recalled, with Brewster handed a first league start of the campaign. Robinson returned to the matchday squad for the first time since August. United started positively and deservedly took the lead on 12 minutes through RAK-SAKYI. The
Crystal Palace loanee reacted quickest after Souza and Ahmedhodžić had kept the second phase of a free-kick alive, before seeing off the attentions of Walters and McGuinness before striking confidently past Kaminski. Around the half hour a trio of bookings happened in the space of six minutes, with Ahmedhodžić and Arblaster being carded for the Blades and Walters for the visitors. Before the break, Moore was denied by Kaminski’s legs at the near post, before the Luton stopper parried away a powerfully struck effort from Souza, with his save from Rak-Sakyi a more routine piece of action. Like in the first period, RAK-SAKYI was quickly involved in matters at the beginning of the second and having got the better of Walters, he fired low and hard between Kaminski’s legs
to double the advantage and sensing the chance to kill the game off, Brewster was denied from distance. A flurry of changes followed with the two-goal hero coming off at the same time as Brewster, before Norrington-Davies replaced McCallum, prior to Campbell and Shackleton entering the fray as Gilchrist, who again produced a number of crucial tackles and blocks, and Moore departed. Although scrappy at times, the Blades were always seemingly in control of proceedings and Souza, who was again dominant in midfield, could have got his name on the scoresheet, but having robbed Clark inside his own area, struck the far post with a placed effort with Kaminski beaten. But the remaining minutes passed without incident as the Blades
registered a sixth consecutive clean sheet to maintain the only unbeaten start in the EFL.
It hasn’t taken long for Alfie Gilchrist to show just why parent club Chelsea rate him so highly after a string of impressive displays for United. Aged just 20, he’s shown a maturity way beyond his years with his displays in his nine games in all competitions, playing an important role in a string of clean sheets of late.
The Londoner says he’s still learning his craft but he’s loving playing under boss Chris Wilder, highlighting him as one of the main reasons he came to S2.
Alfie said “I’m learning on the job, I’m learning how important every game is, there is a demand and expectation and that is why I wanted to come here having spoken to the manager. I liked his character and hoped having spoken to him,
mCCann deligHted witH roVers
Grant McCann is delighted with the manner in which Rovers have bounced back from the frustrating defeat to Chesterfield after claiming an emphatic triumph at Grimsby Town.
Rovers responded with a 1-0 home triumph over Barrow in midweek before thrashing the Mariners with a ruthless performance the manager labelled the best of the season so far. And McCann was pleased with the determination shown by his players to hit back from the disappointing showing against Chesterfield.
“It’s been a good response,” he said. “We know we were very disappointing at home in front of our fans and we never really got going
in the game. We only had ourselves to blame.
Today it was a very professional performance and it was the same on Tuesday night. Four goals, two clean sheets and I’m really pleased with the work in the last few days. Some of our play in the first half was back to where I know we can be.
We probably saw a lot of that in the back end of last season. We showed that for huge chunks in the first half and I would say it was the best first half performance of the season.”
The strong performance came despite late disruption with Joseph Olowu suffering an injury in the warm-up and being replaced by George Broadbent, with Owen Bailey dropping in at centre back. “Joseph
has just got a bit of a back spasm,” McCann said. “He jumped for a ball in the warm-up and just felt his back. We had to reshuffle.
Bails has played there many times before and he looked like he’d been playing there all season. George Broadbent was outstanding. To come into the team at late notice, he handled the ball very well, got us on the ball, clever in his positioning and good out of possession. But I thought it was a good allround performance from everybody.” McCann gave special mention to the 1,169 Rovers supporters that made the trip to Blundell Park. He said: “They were outstanding all game. I’m really pleased because we’ve been disappointing in two derby games against Harrogate and Chesterfield. Today we showed what we’re about and what we’re capable of and we want to try to do that on a more consistent basis.”
he’d like mine. We are both straight to the point and it does help when you know what he says turns out to be right. It is different to the Premier League for sure! There is literally no hiding place in this division, it is two games a week, it looks relentless in the next few weeks, and we’ll need to utilise the squad because there are some mammoth journeys, but with the run we are on, we are just looking forward to the next game, the next challenge, home or away.” After several cameos for Chelsea over the past few seasons, Alfie’s loan stint at Bramall Lane is his first consistent run of senior football, and he’s enjoying the challenge of competing in the Championship, week in, week out.
The Owls’ steady second tier progress continued with a dramatic late win at Coventry. It means they head into the international break unbeaten in three games following last Saturday’s S6 victory over West Brom and the midweek point at Bristol City. Jack Rudoni drew first blood for City before Djeidi Gassama levelled on the stroke of half time. Wednesday had a goal disallowed after the break, the hosts hit the woodwork, and a draw seemed the likely outcome. But Shea Charles had other ideas and the Southampton loanee scored his maiden professional goal right at the last to send the travelling Wednesdayites into raptures. Coventry’s goal on 27 minutes came from nowhere. Before that, possession was shared with neither
side stamping any real authority. But the Sky Blues broke ranks as Rudoni netted his first goal of the season, moving menacingly to the edge of the box and aiming a low drive into the bottom corner. Undaunted, the Owls pressed forward and went close when Charles stabbed goalwards from a corner only to see Ben Wilson produce a fine instinctive save. But in first half stoppage time, Wednesday got the equaliser they deserved. Jamal Lowe teed up Gassama on the angle and his fierce shot positively flew past the stunned figure of Wilson, who could only watch as the ball rippled his net. Coventry won a flurry of corners at the start of the second half, one of which saw Jake Bidwell head narrowly off target. It was from another set piece midway through that
City so nearly profited as Haji Wright nodded against the frame of the goal. Then the home side had a fortunate escape as Liam Kitching deflected a wicked Barry Bannan corner into his own net but the defender’s blushes were spared by a whistle for an infringement. Coventry turned the screw inner in the closing stagesWright scuffed wide and James Beadle kept out Milan van Ewijk from range - but the Owls rearguard held firm to provide the platform for victory. With just a minute to go of stoppage time, substitute Anthony Musaba shrugged off two challenges and slipped in Charles, who showed great composure to slot past Wilson from six yards.
millers in Fine ComebaCk win against royals
Rotherham United produced a superb second-half fightback to earn back-to-back victories in Sky Bet League One following a narrow victory over Reading at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. Following their longawaited victory on the road, Evans made three changes to his starting line-up for the visit of the Royals. There was a new look to the Millers engine room with Odoffin and Christ Tiehi recalled while Nombe was rewarded for his impressive substitute cameo in midweek with a starting berth. The Millers
made a bright start and Kelvin Abrefa had to head over his own bar following Joe Powell’s clipped centre before Nombe volleyed over. The Millers found themselves trailing, however, on 26 minutes when Wing came back to haunt his former club.
Wing – who made 20 league appearances in a Millers shirt back in 2021 - had his heels clipped by Mallik Wilks, and the referee blew for an infringement.
Wing then dusted himself down and punished the Millers to the full with a sweetly struck strike,
which flew into the top corner of the home goal.
The Millers responded positively to the setback and after Wilks was denied, the Royals were indebted to Button for preserving their advantage when Joe Rafferty swung over an inviting cross and skipper Jonson Clarke-Harris headed at goal. Rotherham made a fast start to the second half. Wilks had a shot blocked by Tyler Bindon enroute to goal. However, Rotherham continued to press and they soon found themselves on level terms. Powell
planted a pinpoint cross into the danger area with his trusty left-foot and Nombe got in front of Amadou Mbengue, to meet his centre . The Millers were looking a much-improved outfit, and they soon took the lead. There looked little danger for the Royals when Tiehi played the ball back to Rafferty, who hung up a cross and Button looked favourite to collect, but the Reading ‘keeper failed to take charge under pressure from Nombe, and Odoffin was the grateful recipient to nod home into the empty net.
