Tuesday 6th July 2019
at Sandy Lane
Handsworth FC (3) 8
Alfie Dodsworth 35
Luke Francis 44, 45
Leon Howarth 46 Pen, 61, 62, 76
Bailey Hobson 84
Frechville Davys (0) 0
THE66POW Point & hope match photos: Click HERE
"Who is that number four for Handsworth tonight?", was the pertinent question on quite a few people's enquiring lips tonight, as 'one for the future' impressed no end of people, in his multitasking role, which seemed to consistent a combination of: holding midfielder, the main distribution point for a whole load of the Ambers forward play tonight (of which there was plenty) with a quite exceptional range of passing, combined with a cool head for helping his defence out, while still finding the time (and space) to be a constant danger around the periphery of the visitors goal area.
I'm imagining just how productive things could be, when he and Harry Bamforth teaming up as the engine room and spine of this team when the latter regains his fitness.
"Apparently, he's been turning out for Worsbrough Bridge, but he's signing for Handsworth", was the nearest to a straight answer that I managed to obtain... but if tonight's performance is anything to go by, we'll all know who his name is before very long, because tonight's hosts have unearthed yet another gem. Monitor the airwaves, I'm sure we'll all know exactly what 'number four' is really called soon enough.
Handsworth v Worksop Town games are never short of drama, or a bit of edge, so if you're not doing 'owt on Saturday afternoon, you could do as lot worse than getting yourself down to Sandy Lane, for the Ambers v Tigers clash, to see how the youngsters who excelled tonight, fare against the current NCEL Champions, who of course, are finally back in the 'promised land' of the North Premier League, after blazing their way to the the league title with a phenomenal run of results in the second half of the season.
The Sheffield club have reverted back to the name of: Handsworth FC, sans the Parramore bit, since one of their joint chairman: Peter Whitehead, retired from being involved with the club at the end of last season (as did long time club stalwart Max Ross, who it was nice to see again when he turned out to show his support for the Ambers cause tonight). It'll seem strange, and actually be a real shame not to see Pet and his lovely wife: Maureen, around on match days any more, their input to the club... and local football itself, has been immense. Credit where it is due. And it's always been a pleasure whenever our paths have crossed. Good luck to both of them for the future.
John Ward will continue as Handsworth chairman, with Steve Holmes covering the roles of vice chair and club development manager. I managed to chat to both of them about their hopes, ambitions and aspirations for the Ambers tonight... and I'm looking forward to watching the club flourish from what is virtually a new beginning. I'm definitely keen to be kept abreast of the ongoing ground development project that is currently being undertaken at Oliver's Mount, and quite chuffed that that nice Mr Ward is going to keep me in the loop to that end.
Anyway, their wasn't only one team at Sandy Lane tonight; regardless of what the final scoreline might suggest... and Frechville Davys gave a very good account of themselves tonight and created a string of goal-scoring opportunities, especially during the first half, but the main difference between
the two sides, as you've probably deduced for yourself. was Handsworth's more clinical edge in the final third, although it wasn't until the thirty fifth minute that the Ambers broke the deadlock, when Alfie Dodsworth steered a left wing cross home inside the six yard box, before Luke Francis added a couple of coats of gloss to the half time score, with a brace of strikes within a minute of each other shortly before the interval.
The introduction of young striker Leon Howarth for the the second half paid immediate dividends, as the former Frechville (and Handsworth Under 19) forward, netted his first of four goals from the penalty spot inside his first minute on the pitch, before adding two more goals within forty seconds of each other around the hour mark... and curling in a beauty of a shot in the seventy sixth minute to complete his show stealing four goal salvo.
The Ambers had numerous openings to increase their margin of victory, but had to be content with just one more goal, five minutes before the end, when Bailey Hobson applied the finishing touch, to an eye catching, quick passing build up move.
Frechville for their part, were well beaten, due to Handsworth's ruthlessness in front of goal, but they remained disciplined and still applied themselves well, while endeavouring to play a high tempo pass and move game, when many others might've just chucked the towel in.
I'm looking forward to seeing how this Handsworth side progress over the coming months... and have provisionally pencilled in a visit to the Davy Sports Ground (another hotbed of Sheffield grassroots football) in the very near future.
FT: Handsworth 8 v Frechville Davys 0
Tonight's admission price had been set at "pay what you like", even so, I was disappointed that somebody who went into the ground ahead of me only chipped in fifty pence... it might only e pre-season but these clubs still have match officials and overheads to pay y'know.
All told, it had been an enjoyable night, with plenty of decent football and talented players on display, with a good ambience around the ground too.
Good luck to Handsworth and Frechville Davys for the forthcoming season... see you both soon.
And... come in 'number four', your time is now!
For the record, the retired football coach: Dean Bamforth, won a bottle of wine in the half time draw... as if that big chuff nugget needs any more alcohol pouring down his neck ;-)
