Continuing to take advantage of the cluster of early evening games in the local Sheffield league, making my way to Shaw Lane in Barnsley. The ground was a short walk from the station, so was ideal for an easier ground hop. I was particularly interested to see the ground as Shaw Lane had applied for promotion to the NCEL league, so could shortly be entering the pyramid. The added attraction was that the home side had very nearly wrapped up the league title, but faced a strong Handsworth side who likewise had applied for promotion. Handsworth, since being demoted for ground grading issues in 2012/13 (despite winning the NCEL division 1 title), had faced a tough time in this league, probably indicating the strength in depth of football in south Yorkshire. I recalled a game earlier in the season when they'd been taken apart at Oliver's Mount by an organised Houghton side. The clash tonight would hopefully give some indication of the strength (or weakness) of the league.
The ground at Shaw Lane itself is part of a wider sports complex. To your left as you enter is a cricket pitch, as I passed there was a match in full swing. Behind a clubhouse are a set of 5a side football pitches, and a rugby ground. To get to the pitch, I walked alongside the rugby pitch, and turned left up a hill which looked like it was in the middle of being churned up. Possibly redevelopments for next season? There was a grassy pitch at the top next to more astroturf pitches, surrounded by spectators, and ready for kick off. Forget the fuss which surrounds many matches - at this level, you only know if a match is on by the fact that there are corner flags and nets in the goals!
The first half was a bit of a cagey affair, with both teams not quite going out with attacking intent. The chances of note were a shot from Handsworth's no 11 which flashed wide, and shots straight at the keeper from Shaw Lane's numbers 9 and 10. Handsworth with their pacey midfielders, began to dominate possession, thought they didn't really create many clear cut opportunities. At this point, it looked like one way traffic, and like Handsworth would sneak a win.
The second half was a fantastic battle, with both teams really going for the jugular. Early on, Handsworth's no 4 volleyed over from the middle of the box, while Shaw Lane's no 10 had a low shot tipped wide by the keeper. There was a moment of controversy, with a Shaw Lane header from a corner appearing to hit the hand of the defender on the back post. It looked like a handball to me, but the referee didn't give anything. The game swung back into the home side's favour, with no 4 dribbling into the box, and setting up no 9s shot before it deflected off no 4 in a crowded penalty area. For long periods, Handsworth were pinned back inside their own half. Shortly after, the number 10 cut inside from the right, firing a shot just wide. Handsworth did make the occasional break, number 11 hitting a left foot shot past the post. Late on, a speculative shot from Shaw Lane's no 5 was tipped over by a relieved Handsworth goalkeeper. This match - particularly the second half was a great advert for this local league, and showed why even a newly relegated team like Handsworth had faced a real challenge this season.
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