Matchday Program SSFC vs Red Rose

LAST TIME OUT

Shepley head into the cup semi-final clash following a 2-2 draw with Blind Monkey, away from home at King Edwards School.

After an unscheduled 21 day break, due to weather postponements, the side went into the game having not tasted defeat since the 16^th of November last year.

Through injuries, illness, and availability issues, the gaffer was forced into shuffling his side around making many changes to the starting 11.

In a cagey affair both sides largely cancelled each other out, not allowing either side to break into a rhythm.

Despite us being temporarily reduced to ten men in the first half, our opponents couldn't take advantage and we went into the break at 0-0.

We took the lead very early into the second period. Joe Collier showing his strength to hold off his defender and unleash a strike, which aided by a defection looped over the keeper.

Just five minutes later Joe doubled his tally, Lou won the ball back high up the pitch, with a trademark full-blooded challenge, before the ball fell to Joe who finished from just outside the edge of the box.

Our opponents hit back with two quick fire goals to tie the score up, but the lads managed to put bodies on the line, and hold onto a much deserved point against the top placed side.

Our badge at the time of the final.

Our badge at the time of the final.

Team Picture May 5th, Parkgate Football Ground.

Team Picture May 5th, Parkgate Football Ground.

The last time we travelled to S35 we were unfortunate to lose 3-1. Red Rose's defenders blocked countless shots but ultimately showed more composure when it mattered to get the win.

HEAD 2 HEAD

This week we travel to Ecclesfield to take on Red Rose in the Imperial League Cup Semi Final.

We have never beaten this weekends opponents.

Played: 3 W:0 D:0 L:3

The first time the two sides met was way back in May 2024, when we were still called Woodhouse Wanderers.

The game took place at Parkgate and was the Final of the 2024 SISL Europa League.

After an early mistake gave Red Rose a lead, we never settled and were always chasing the game.

We didn't show the levels we were capable of in the final and ended up on the wrong end of a 3-2 score line.

Just a month after the final, we released this short video announcing our rebrand to become Shepley Spitfire FC.

We need to be strong, concentrate and stand up to them."

A word from our manager ahead of this weekends cup semi final.

James a 2-2 draw last week, what did you think of the performance?

JW: Overall, probably the best description of the performance would be 'battling'. Blind Monkey are a good seasoned outfit at this level, especially at home so it was a good draw in the end given the circumstances. We ended up with a few walking wounded but kept battling for the 90 mins which was pleasing although that is tinged with a hint of disappointment that we couldn't hold on to the two goal lead in the end.

You touched on your side not being able to hold onto the lead last week, is there any learnings you feel your team can take into this week to improve the chances of getting a positive result?

JW: We need to defend set pieces better. Corners are a real threat at Sunday league and we conceded two last week, albeit from very good deliveries for both of them. We showed that we can hold the ball up front and pose a threat down the channels and we need to maximise our width in order to create more opportunities to score. If we keep our heads and play as we can whilst just upping our set piece defending then we have a great chance.

What are you expecting from Red Rose?

JW: I expect a typical 'old man' team....one that is strong at the back and very direct looking to exploit set pieces. We need to be strong, concentrate and stand up to them. If we win our individual battles then we can nullify them.

Continued... Are you already looking ahead to a potential cup final?

JW: Not yet....one game at a time is the old cliché and that is very much the message. Having said that I do know that the other semi is between two sides from our league but I will think about that as and when.

You say you aren’t yet looking at a cup final yet but wouldn’t a win in this game, and therefore reaching the final provide such a catalyst for the rest of the season to reach other goals. Especially with the players who may see an upcoming final as an incentive to improve performances?

JW: It would indeed be huge boost but we can't look too far ahead or we could take our eye off of the league...we are still in with a good shout of a top 3 finish and that should be the only catalyst we need. The cup is a bonus, and a fantastic one it would be, but we need to focus on the league games and not allow ourselves to get too distracted or too downhearted whatever happens on Sunday.

What is one thing you need your team to do if you are to get a result on Sunday?

JW: One thing...that is a tough one as we need to get everything right really! But if pushed i would say take the Darnall Urban attitude into the game. We played the best team in the Imperial League with only 13 players and played them off the park, if we repeat that performance a cup final berth very much beckons!

UTSS!

This week we had the chance to have a chat with Jon Collier, our assistant manager and the driving force behind our sponsorships. Jon told us about getting involved with the club himself, as well as the TC9 Foundation as a whole.

JC: "SSFC have grown as a club both on and off the pitch.
At the club I was initially involved as part of TC9 Foundation sponsor. However and not intentionally I've got more involved in matchdays alongside James."

"In the past I've always been involved and loved working with teams the boys have played for in youth football, be it Greenhill with Tom or Brunsmeer with Joe.
I love it and SSFC does this again for me!!"

"The sponsorship of SSFC is something I've tried to grow and we've done really well getting the sponsors we have, with new ones to join."

We currently have two sponsors. The TC9 Foundation who are our main partners and front of shirt sponsors, and Require Joinery who have supported us over the last couple of seasons and have a patch on our kits.

"TC9 Foundation, we as a family created with support from friends and family after our eldest son Tom (who was 24) we lost in 2022 in a road traffic accident.
We have managed to raise thousands doing various events and then being able to donate to some fantastic local groups and causes, donations include to Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, Western Park Cancer Charity, and many local smaller organisations and groups."

"Require Joinery are a Sheffield based specialist joinery company run by Kevin Bates. Kev is a local to the Shepley Spitfire pub who heard about the club and wanted to help and sponsor the team."

As a club we would like to take this opportunity to thank Jon for his incredible hard work behind the scenes. Acquiring sponsorships, and the Collier family incredible generosity in supporting the team through the TC9 Foundation, is the reason we can all come together and play games on Sundays. The Foundation truly do fantastic work, and we are so grateful for their continued support.