Hub, Brass Bands England, and Music in the Round has been awarded the money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore Canada House on Commercial Street in Sheffield. The building, which dates back to 1875, will be renovated to create a flagship music hub, providing high quality rehearsal, performance
Speaking to the BBC Adha Charles, 19, said Sheffield Music Hub had given her the chance to learn to play an instrument while at school aged nine and her love of performing had grown from there.
“I had always wanted to play an instrument but I had not had the opportunity before I had lessons at school.
“My clarinet teacher suggested I start at Sheffield Music Academy when I was 11. It was the first time I had had individual lessons and I was so excited, it was the best thing ever. I went every Saturday until I was 18 and then
“Music is my whole life, I would be so sad if I didn’t get to perform and make connections playing with other people.”
Emily Pieters, project director at Harmony Works, described the funding as “completely game changing” for the plans to open the centre in autumn 2027.
She said: “It is brilliant for Sheffield, for the region and for heritage, but it is also fantastic for children and young people, who are the prime beneficiaries.
“We are reusing these wonderful spaces, with high ceilings and natural light, that for many years have not been publicly
“There might be band practice, an orchestra, university students or pre-school children. All sorts of different organisations will be occupying the space.”
She said the project would provide both Sheffield Music Hub and Sheffield Music Academy with a permanent home to allow them to continue their “brilliant work”.
Canada House was originally built as offices for the Sheffield United Gas Light Company and played a key role manufacturing gas burners.
It remained offices for the Gas Board until 1972, and after lying vacant
and facing the threat of demolition, was awarded listed building status.
Since then, Canada House has been Turn Ups nightclub, Bloomers pub, offices for Panache Lingerie and a Chinese buffet restaurant. It was last open to the public in 2011.
Helen Featherstone, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“It’s projects like this, buildings that have been vacant for quite a long time, that we can invest lottery money in.
“This will really bring this building back into a vibrant use, which will hugely benefit young people from Sheffield and from further afield.”
urgently required club steward
Grenoside Working Men’s Club is a private members’ club in the heart of Grenoside Village.
Role - GWMC requires a Steward/Stewardess to manage the Bar. This requires at least five years’ experience & proven ability in all aspects of bar, cellar & cash management, stock control, ordering, supervising of bar staff and dealing with suppliers. You need to be passionate about customer service and be enthusiastic and flexible with a “can-do” attitude.
Applications - in writing: FAO Club Secretary, 195 Main Street, Grenoside, Sheffield S35 8PP, or
email: grenogwmc@gmail.com with subject: FAO Club Secretary - Job Application
Please include your CV and a covering letter. References are required.
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WORKS BEGINS TO SAVE 131 YEAR OLD CITY CENTRE VENUE
When it first opened, more than a century ago, the former salvation Army Citadel building would attract scores of people every Sunday to worship. However, pictures taken inside since Sheffield City Council acquired it show amount of work required to bring it back to life. Opened in 1894, the building was used by the Salvation Army as their main church venue in the city for more than a century before the charity moved out in 1999. Since then, the Grade II listed
building has remained empty.
It was acquired by Sheffield City Council in October 2024 and, since then, officers have been assessing the amount of work required to bring the building back to life and what it could be used for in the future.
The first two phases of the project to bring the building back into use have now been announced including securing the building, conduct inspections and carry out repair work to the shell, core, and structural defects. Work
is due to begin on the first phase in February 2025 and will result in the Citadel becoming secure, water-tight, ensure heritage features are preserved, and further deterioration is prevented.
Cllr Janet Ridler, Sheffield City Council’s Heritage Champion, said:
“This is a key milestone in securing the future of this historic and important building within the city centre. I’m really looking forward to the work beginning and working with heritage groups, stakeholders
and interested parties to ensure a successful future for the Grade II listed building.”
Cllr Zahira Naz, Chair of the Finance Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:
“The former Salvation Army Citadel building is an important part of Sheffield’s history, dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria, it’s vital that it’s able to be brought back to life and a suitable use is found.
“However, transforming a building of this type doesn’t happen overnight and will carry
15/1/1967 - The first Super Bowl is played in Los Angeles, California.
16/1/1581 - The English Parliament outlaws Roman Catholicism.
17/1/1917 - The United States pays Denmark
$25 million for the Virgin Islands.
18/1/2007 - The strongest storm in the United
a substantial cost. That money will be spent on making sure the building can be used moving forward, can be made
watertight and safe, and ensure the more than a century old Citadel can be used for another 100 years.”
Kingdom in 17 years kills 14 people. 19/1/1986 - The first IBM PC computer virus is released into the wild, created by the Farooq Alvi Brothers in Lahore, Pakistan. 20/1/1936 - Edward VIII becomes King. 21/1/1976 - Commercial service of Concorde begins with the London-Bahrain and Paris-Rio routes.
I burnt my Hawaiian pizza last night. I should have put it on aloha setting.
I went to the zoo yesterday and saw a baguette in a cage. The zoo keeper told me it was bread in captivity.
As a kid I was made to walk the plank. We couldn’t afford a dog.
I went into a library and asked if they had any books about paranoia. The librarian said “They’re right behind you!”
I stopped a bloke in the street and said, “Can you help me? I’m looking for a rubbish tip.” He replied, “San Marino to win the World Cup.”
I need to re-home a dog. It’s a small terrier, and tends to bark a lot.
If you’re interested, let me know and I’ll jump over next door’s fence and get it for you.
The inventor of the throat lozenges has died today. They’ll be no coffin at his funeral.
Have you been hit with a rhythm stick? You may be entitled to personal Ian Dury compensation.
I found a wallet today, and as a good Christian I thought... ‘What would Jesus do?’
So I turned it into wine.
6.30pm is the best time on the clock, hands down. I used to work in a shoe recycling shop. It was sole destroying.
I bought my wife a rocket for her birthday. She’s over the moon!
My friend asked me how long I’d been chopping wood for. I told him I’d have to check my logs.
What is the capital city of Bangladesh?
News, Information and Advice
foster a support dog
A HUSBAND and wife
who foster assistance dogs say having the pooches around has helped them through a dark time in their lives.
Janet and Peter Dyson, from Crosspool, Sheffield, have been named Foster Carers of the Year by the Sheffield-based Support Dogs charity, which trains and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children, as well as adults with epilepsy or a physical disability to live safer, more independent lives. They are encouraging others to take up a volunteer role with the charity this January. The award came just two months after Peter, 71, was given the all-clear from prostate cancer.
His cancer diagnosis came just months after medics warned Janet her husband might not survive, after he fell gravely ill on holiday and was later diagnosed with three bacterial infections, as well as sepsis and pneumonia. But retired bank manager Peter has pulled through – and emotional relatives were there to see the couple pick up the Support Dogs honour during the charity’s annual Graduation and Awards ceremony, held at the Quays Hotel.
Janet, a former University of Sheffield library worker, said: “Despite what we were going through, you have got to get on with your day, and each dog has been so lovely. They are part of the family.”
The couple, who have had dogs all their lives, had to have their last pet pooch, cross-breed Bruno, put to sleep, and vowed not to have a dog for a while. In early 2022, they decided to contact Support Dogs about looking after their dogs, and after various Zoom meetings during lockdown, they were asked to provide temporary care for Dug, an adorable yellow Lab who has since gone on to graduate as an autism assistance support dog.
Not long afterwards, eight-week-old Red Fox Labrador, Frank, bounded into the couple’s lives and they officially became his puppy socialisers. When Frank was four months old, Peter became ill on holiday, in the Dominican Republic. Even when he returned to the UK and was in an induced coma in Sheffield’s Northern Hospital for 12 days, Janet continued to look after Frank.
“It sort of helped that I had to do things – I had to concentrate on him as well,” said Janet, a 65-year-old mum-of-two and grandmother-ofthree. “And when Peter came out of hospital, although he was frail and poorly and couldn’t do anything with the dog, Frank loved him.”
Frank left the Dysons’ care in August last year, when he went into fulltime training. Not long after, Peter began four weeks of radiotherapy. In December 2023, they agreed to provide emergency holiday cover for a loveable Labrador/ Retriever cross called Kelly.
They also took on the care of trainee support dog Adam, who was sourced from a rescue centre. Kelly left the Dysons in May, while they continue to nurture Adam, with help from Support Dogs. Peter was given the all-clear from cancer in September.
Janet said: “People say ‘I couldn’t give them up’. But when you get the dog, you know it’s not your dog and you still love them just the same, and you know they’re going to do such a lovely thing.”
Anyone looking for a new challenge in 2025 and wanting to find out more about volunteering with Support Dogs can visit www.supportdogs. org.uk or call 0114 2617800.
urgent call for donors
The NHS in England is urging people in Sheffield and across South Yorkshire to make saving lives one of their New Year’s resolutions this year by giving blood as national figures released today reveal that over the Christmas week demand for blood from hospitals exceeded collections by almost 3,000 units.
During the same period, demand for the vital O negative blood used to save lives in emergencies exceeded collections by over 900 units.
The festive period is always a challenge for blood stocks as cold weather, seasonal illnesses and busier diaries lead to more unfilled and missed appointments, while demand from hospitals can rise. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are the only days of the year that blood isn’t collected.
Currently England remains in Amber alert for low blood stocks. While community venues are well booked, there is good availability at the 27 town and city donor centres over the coming weeks and months. Sheffield Donor Centre at Cathedral Court, Church Street, has 1,516 appointments still available over the next six weeks.
Donors are being asked to make an appointment to donate if they don’t already have one. People who have registered as a donor but not yet made an appointment to give blood are also encouraged to take that next step and make their first donation at one of the permanent donor centres, which have a combined 11,000 appointments available over the next two weeks.
People with O negative, B negative and Ro blood types are particularly needed in the coming weeks. There is an ongoing need for more donors of Black heritage to help patients with sickle cell who need ethnically matched blood. First time donors
cat home after 15 months
A local family has been reunited with their cat, Luna, 15 months after she went missing, thanks to her microchip and pet lost and found database, Petlog.
on Facebook and put leaflets anywhere; I’d still recommend that. But without the chip and Petlog, we would never have been reunited.”
who don’t know their blood type will find out after their first successful donation.
Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive at NHS Blood and Transplant, says: “New Year is a time when lots of people make resolutions. Make giving blood your resolution for 2025 and you will save up to three lives every time you donate. The NHS needs life-saving blood all year round, so we are asking people to help us maintain the lifesaving supply of blood to hospitals this year by booking an appointment now. Between now and the middle of January we still have almost 11,000 appointments that we need to fill. Giving blood is quick and easy - the whole process takes just one hour. Book an appointment today and save lives this year.”
Minister for Patient Safety, Baroness Merron said: “The NHS is in urgent need of blood and registering to donate is a simple yet powerful way to save lives. We are grateful to everyone who has donated so far but we know more needs to be done. This New Year, make it your resolution to give blood to help protect and support our NHS over winter.”
The 27 town and city donor centres have greater appointment availability than community venues. NHS Blood and Transplant especially needs donors to fill slots at donor centres during the quieter weekday morning and afternoon sessions. Blood is constantly needed to help the NHS treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery, and O negative blood is mostly used for emergency care. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.
To book an appointment visit www.blood.co.uk, use the GiveBlood app or call 0300 123 23 23.
Luna disappeared from her home in September 2023 and despite her owner, Caroline Svitana, 52, leafleting in her local area and notifying the vet, there were no sightings. “Losing Luna was like a nightmare,” says Caroline. “We had another cat, Star, and she was looking for her big sister. We leafleted all around to ask about people looking in their sheds, and we notified the vet and Petlog that she was missing. We scoured the local woods and the park, and friends also looked for her with their children. Slowly, we had to accept she was not coming home.”
After 15 months of uncertainty, Caroline received an email whilst on holiday in Copenhagen. The email came after Luna followed a couple home, who took her to the vets. The vets checked for a microchip and found Caroline’s details, so the pair could be reunited after months apart.
Caroline said: “She’s amazing. She’s exploring the house again and just enjoying being loved, in her own terms of course, like they do! I’m so grateful to have her home, she is starting to get her personality back, and to feel safe again.”
Caroline has advice for other pet owners: “Don’t give up hope. I posted
Petlog spokesperson, Bill Lambert, added: “We continue to urge owners to ensure that their pets are microchipped and their contact details are up to date on a microchip database, like Petlog. Microchips are small but effective, and give owners and pets the best chance of being reunited should the worst happen, as well as peace of mind.”
A microchip is the size of a grain of rice which is inserted under the skin at the back of an animal’s neck. It permanently identifies pets and connects them with an owner’s contact details, which are held on a database like Petlog, enabling vets, local authorities and animal charities to scan the chip, match it to the owner’s details and reunite lost and found pets. It is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, and from June last year it became a legal requirement for pet cats to be microchipped before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their owner’s contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database. Further advice about keeping your pet safe, as well as information about microchipping and how to register with Petlog, can be found at petlog.org.uk
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is pleased to announce a new initiative with Citymapper, the awardwinning journey planning app, which will help shape the future of public transport across South Yorkshire and will enhance the travel experience for residents, workers, and visitors. Through this initiative, SYMCA will benefit from data insights into regional travel patterns to help transform South Yorkshire’s transport services. By accessing unique data from Citymapper that outlines how people use public transport, SYMCA can identify gaps in service and prioritise investments where they’re needed most. Citymapper’s app will also be enhanced for South Yorkshire’s transport network. From buses and trams to trains and active travel options, the app will offer a one-stop solution for travelling efficiently and sustainably; with key features such as multimodal journey planning, real-time departure information and live bus tracking empowering users to make informed travel decisions.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Across South Yorkshire we
deserve a better transport network, and I’m doing everything I can to turn that vision into a reality. From moving at pace through the bus franchising assessment process, to introducing a new TSY app and journey planner, as well as taking South Yorkshire’s Supertram back under public control. Data is key to understanding travel patterns and how we all travel, to help us shape a more responsive network. That’s why I’m delighted to be working with Citymapper giving us another tool to improve transport in South Yorkshire.” “We’re delighted to collaborate with SYMCA to help South Yorkshire residents and visitors travel with ease,” said Sam Griffiths, Head of UK & Nordics at Via, who acquired Citymapper in April 2023. “Our unique understanding of regional travel patterns will also help SYMCA transform the public transport network and deliver reliable, efficient and passenger-centric services.” This collaboration will supplement SYMCA’s mission to create a connected, accessible, and environmentally friendly transport network. The Citymapper app can be downloaded for free in the App Store and Google Play.
Operating
citymapper app goes live
2025 SEASONAL TOURING PITCHES
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Sheffield ComeS TogeTher To CelebraTe Year of The Snake
Sheffield will mark the Year of the Snake with the biggest Lunar Chinese New Year Festival ever seen in the city. Headlined by a free two-day celebration in the city centre on 1st and 2nd February 2025. Supported by Sheffield BID, the festival’s central event will take place at the Peace Gardens and feature spectacular lion and dragon dances, live music, cultural performances, and authentic food. This celebration is part of a wider programme running from 30th January to 10th February, which includes a light display at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, performances at Meadowhall, and the ticketed Lunar Gala at the Octagon Centre, with profits supporting the hospital.
The Peace Gardens Lunar Fair will turn the city centre into a hub of culture and celebration, starting at 12pm on Saturday 1st February. Hosted by Hits Radio presenters Liesl Soards and Dominic Ng, the event will officially open with a traditional Ribbon Cutting and Eye
Dotting Ceremony at 1pm. The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Jayne Dunn, will join the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman, and the Regional Mayor, Oliver Coppard, for this symbolic ceremony, which “awakens” the festival’s lions. This will be followed by an Acrobatic Lion Dance performed by international champions flown in from Foshan, China, the home of martial arts legends Bruce Lee and his trainer, Ip Man. Sheffield will also be adorned with over 1,000 Chinese lanterns and interactive statues of all the Chinese Zodiac signs so the public can learn their sign and their horoscope.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a diverse programme of performances, including the Dragon Dance and Parade, a cultural fashion show, and displays by the Wanlin Dance Academy, Chengdu Acrobatic Troupe, and the Sheffield Chinese Christian Church Gospel Choir. Global influences will also take the spotlight, with Bollywood dance, African
drumming, and Roma Flamenco presented by Welcoming Culture, an organisation led by Terezia Rostas.
Visitors can experience traditional Chinese instrumental music on the Guzheng and Pipa, and savour authentic Chinese dishes from the many food stalls. Terezia said, ‘The Cultural Caravan Showcase is about bringing people together through the universal language of art and performance. The ‘’Lunar Year ‘’ event has been organised with so much love and care and everyone is welcome to celebrate with us’.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, commented: “Sheffield BID is proud to support the Lunar Chinese New Year Festival for the second year. Festivals like this are not only a celebration of culture but also an opportunity to bring people into the city centre and boost trade during a quieter time of year. As a major funder, we are committed to helping the festival grow and achieve the same recognition as Lunar New Year
celebrations in other major cities.”
On 31st January, the festivities take place at Meadowhall, where visitors can enjoy highlights from the festival’s gala programme in a family-friendly setting. The festival will culminate on Monday 10th February with the highly anticipated Lunar Chinese New Year Gala at the Octagon Centre, where an evening of spectacular music, dance, and storytelling will bring the celebrations to a fitting close. Tickets are priced at £12 or £15 (plus booking fee), with profits donated to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. As part of this event Sheffield-based photographer Yu Wang will present an exhibition of her photographs, offering a captivating showcase of Chinese culture. Additionally, a charity auction banquet at China Red on 5th February will further contribute to the fundraising effort.
Jerry Cheung, founder of the Sheffield Lunar Chinese New Year Festival and Chairman of Cultural Inclusive CIC, said: “This festival is close to my
heart because Sheffield is my home, and I’m proud to see how it has become a celebration that welcomes everyone. Lunar New Year is a hugely important date for many in our city, and the festival provides a space to share not only Chinese traditions but also the many cultures that make Sheffield what it is today. This is about more than just marking the Lunar New Year—it’s about creating an event that brings people together and highlights the strength of our diverse communities. I’m so proud to see Sheffield come alive during this festival.”
Councillor Jayne Dunn, The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, shared her thoughts: “As we welcome the Lunar New Year, I’m delighted to celebrate this occasion with Sheffield’s wonderful Chinese community. The contributions of the Chinese community have added so much to the cultural life of our city, and this festival is a chance for us to come together, enjoy the celebrations,
and honour the traditions that make our community unique. I send my warmest wishes for a prosperous and happy New Year to everyone celebrating.”
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Following the success of last year’s Lunar New Year festival, I am delighted that this event is returning for 2025. As a new flagship event in the city’s cultural calendar, the festival presents a brilliant opportunity for the many diverse communities of Sheffield to come together. Events like this are not only vital to celebrate the city’s vibrancy and diverse cultural offer, but they also bring people into our city centre, into our local businesses and present local talent with opportunities to shine – this all benefits Sheffield and its people.”
For more information about the festival, the full schedule of events, or to purchase tickets for the gala, visit www.cultural-inclusive.com
SOUND
Notice
Have made an application under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 to vary a Premises Licence for the Premises known as bIrLey moor gArdeN ceNTre, 27 moor vALLey, moSborough, SheffIeLd S20 5bb The details of the variation are as follows:
Sale by retail of alcohol for consumption ON & OFF the premises Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 22:00
Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to Licensing Section, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 30th January 2025
For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents
For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing General Section. 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
deLTA ServIceS (SheffIeLd) LTd of uNIT 1A orgreAve drIve, SheffIeLd S13 9Nr is applying to change an existing Licence as follows: to add an operating centre to keep 2 goods vehicles & 0 trailers at: 42-44 LeppINgS LANe, SheffIeLd S6 1ST
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.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Coronation Street: Daisy has a nasty fall when she tries to help a drunk Bethany. Concerned about the baby, Daisy claims she has twisted her ankle and Daniel offers to take her to A&E. Kit is already there when the nurse reveals that it’s fine for Daisy to have an X-ray while pregnant. Daniel and Kit are gobsmacked by the news and Daisy is in despair, knowing her secret has been exposed. What will she do now? In the prison visiting room, Carla is taken aback when Rob makes out that finding God has changed him and he wants to make amends by giving her his kidney. Kevin confesses that he’s found a lump to his shocked sister and she urges him to share his worries with Abi. Abi opens up to Roy and reveals that she’s been having flashbacks of Seb’s final moments and hearing his voice. Roy urges her to talk to Kevin. Will she listen to Roy’s advice?
Emmerdale:
To Ruby’s sheer horror, Caleb ends up finding the letter with DNA results when he rummages through her bag looking for a painkiller. Laurel schedules further tuition for Arthur, unaware Anthony is a paedophile who abused his daughter Ruby throughout her childhood. As Wendy’s nightmare continues, she’s desperate to save herself from having her complicated past dug up, rehashed and plastered all over the web. Wendy’s thrown former child killer Ella under the bus to deflect attention but she’s about to find out she’s not out of the woods – not by a long chalk. With the nurse having had her shady past blown up despite her attempts to use Ella’s killer crime to protect herself, Wendy’s name is mud. Is she about to walk away from Bob, her grandson Harry and the life she’s built up in Emmerdale? Joe has another stab at building bridges with his half-brother Noah.
Eastenders:
Has Nicola had a change-of-heart about Jack? Peter is reeling after his girlfriend, Lauren’s confession about what really happened on Christmas Day. Lauren’s revelation drives a wedge between her and Peter. Instead, he chooses to side with his mum, Cindy, who is due to be released from hospital after being attacked and left for DEAD on Christmas Day. But since Ian, already threw her out of the house after discovering she had an affair with Junior, where is Cindy going to stay now? Ruby is not impressed when Martin chooses to team-up with Stacey, after she offers to help him with his pitch to the council to save Bridge Street Market.
MERCURYH LIDAYS
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FOOTBALLR UNDUP
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CUP EXIT FRUSTRATES WILDER
A frustrated Chris Wilder acknowledged the Blades had been beaten by the better side as United exited the FA Cup on a disappointing night at Bramall Lane.
Reflecting on the 1-0 loss to Cardiff City on a bitterly cold S2 night, Wilder made no excuses for a below par showing
but explained why the next league game has to be the priority for his currently depleted squad.
The boss commented:
“There fringe players were better than our fringe players and their young players were better than our young players. It is as simple as that and I’m massively
frustrated because I’d have loved to have put a stronger team out.
“I’m disappointed with some of the boys because they should have been better because there was an opportunity for those that haven’t played a lot of football to impress, but it is where we are at the moment.
ROVER ROAR IN TO FOURTH ROUND WITH CHAMPIONSHIP SCALP AT HULL
Rovers roared into the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup after a penalty shootout triumph at Sky Bet Championship side Hull City.
Luke Molyneux fired Rovers in front with an excellent effort only for Gustavo Puerta to pounce for an equaliser after an initial effort struck the post. The two sides could not be separated through extra time, sending the game to the spot, where there was drama as Joe Ironside saw Rovers’ first penalty saved by Tigers keeper Carl Rushworth. But after Xavier Simons missed from the spot and Ted Sharman-Lowe saved from Alfie Jones, Harry Clifton stepped up and fired in the decisive spot kick to win the tie for Rovers.
It was a performance built on determination and tireless work off the ball as Rovers held off higher league opposition and held their nerve in vital moments to secure passage to the next stage.
Grant McCann made three changes to the side that started the previous game against Port Vale
with Rob Street handed his first start for the club.
Joe Sbarra and George Broadbent also came into the XI while new addition
Ethan Ennis was named among the substitutes.
Rovers made a lively start with Billy Sharp looping a header from an excellent Sbarra cross inside the opening minute.
Sbarra was involve again moments later - starting a breakaway move by releasing Molyneux before seeing a shot blocked after racing into the box to meet a James Maxwell cross. Street hooked off target from the follow-up.
The hosts settled into a rhythm with possession, with Rovers’ threat largely coming on the counter. Street saw an effort blocked after racing away down the left.
Fin Burns failed to hit the target with a first time effort from a corner while Abu Kamara met a Ryan Giles cross and sent a bouncing strike into the grasp of Ted SharmanLowe.
Joao Pedro raced across the face of the box and lashed a powerful shot narrowly wide.
Burns threw himself in front of a vicious strike from Broadbent at the end of a breakaway through Street midway through the half. There was a more important intervention moments later as Jay McGrath made an outstanding block after the lively Harry Vaughan worked space in the box. The hosts twice went close as half time approached. SharmanLowe made a smart save to deny Pedro from a free kick 25 yards out and reacted well to keep out the follow-up from Burns. And they should have been ahead on the stroke of half time when Kamara found a clean sight of goal but placed his shot wide.
Pedro collected a ball down the middle early in the second period but sent his shot well wide. And it was Rovers who broke the deadlock on 52 minutes. Sbarra sent forward on inch-perfect
“I’d have liked it to look a lot better from those who have had the opportunity, we gave the ball away in poor areas, but we were chucking a team together and expecting it to flow, they arguably did the same and did better than us to progress to the next round.
“We aren’t in a great
through ball with Molyneux racing onto it, holding off his man and lashing a fine shot into the far bottom corner.
Puerta fired off target from an excellent position with clear cut chances proving hard to come by for both sides as the half wore on.
Sharman-Lowe made a comfortable save from a low drive from Simons moments before the equaliser for the hosts. Kamara struck the upright with a shot from the edge of the box and Puerta pounced to fire in the rebound.
Substitute Ironside almost provided an immediate response when collecting a pass from Harry Clifton, moving into space and drilling a shot but Carl Rushworth was equal to it in the Hull goal.
Lewie Coyle arguably should have won it for Hull in the dying moments of normal time when he popped up inside the box only to fire over the bar.
The first period of extra time proved to be a nervy affair with neither side too keen to commit men
situation with nine or ten out but there won’t be for the Norwich game, that has to be the main event and the last 20 games of the season have to be our main event. I’m disappointed to lose and don’t like it of course, but it is the bigger picture for me.”
forward. A free kick from Pedro was the closest that either came to a real attempt on goal but he pulled his strike wide.
As the tie moved to penalties, Ironside was denied by Rushworth with Hull having the advantage until Simons fired over the bar with the attempt to win it. Molyneux levelled the shootout, sending it to sudden death.
And after Sharman-Lowe kept out Jones’ strike, the stage was set for Clifton to score and send Rovers through.
Rovers have been handed a home tie against Premier League side Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup with the top flight opposition visiting the Eco-Power Stadium, with the tie to be played between February 6 and 10.
The game is a repeat from the memorable fifth round tie between the clubs during Grant McCann’s previous tenure at Rovers in 2019.
Full details regarding the game will be released in due course.
RöHL: “I SAW A STRONG AWAy PERFORMANCE.”
Danny Röhl described the Owls’ Emirates FA Cup clash with Coventry as a ‘strong away performance’, but the manager was ultimately disappointed as his side exited the competition at the first hurdle.
The contest was decided after a penalty shootout, with the hosts coming out on top 4-3, following a 1-1 draw at the end of 120 minutes of play.
The Wednesday boss felt his team could have seen the game off before the
spot kicks, had they taken their opportunities.
Röhl said: “It’s a pity when you don’t go through, we invested a lot in the game.
“All in all, it was a good away game from our side, but what we need to improve is the final action.
“We come in situations where we have good chances in front of the opposition goal, and this is hard to take.
“The opponent had some moments, but all in all we
controlled the game.
“We played 120 minutes and we never gave up or lost our structure. We were always in the game and created dangerous situations.
“We had so many situations in front of goal and we need to improve.
“Between both boxes, I saw a strong away performance, compare this to last season and how we performed and there has been a big improvement.”
KAyODE RETURNS FROM LOAN STINT
Rotherham United can confirm that forward Joshua Kayode has returned to the club following his loan stint with Shrewsbury Town. The young attacker is back at AESSEAL New
SLIMANE LEAVES LANE
Midfielder Anis Slimane has joined Norwich City on a permanent basis for
SHIPSTON
SHIPS OUT
York Stadium having spent the first half of the 2024/25 campaign with the Shrews, for whom he turned out seven times and contributed with one goal. With injuries having hampered the 24an undisclosed fee.
The Tunisian international signed for the Canaries on an initial season long loan at the end of August but the switch has now been made permanent.
Slimane joined United from Brøndby in the summer of 2023 and made a total of 19
Rio Shipston has joined Cork City on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season.
year-old’s stint at Croud Meadow, the Shropshireclub have opted not to extend the loan deal until the end of the season and Kayode rejoins Steve Evans’ squad with immediate effect. appearances in all competitions, scoring his only goal in the League Cup win over Wrexham earlier this season. He is the second departure of the January transfer window with Ismaila Coulibaly joining Austrian club LASK.
The Owls midfielder will link up with the League of Ireland Premier Division outfit this week. Shipston signed his first professional Wednesday contract in December 2022 and has made five senior appearances for the club.
