Archaeology discovered at the site of the former Sheffield Castle has been remarkable and captured the imaginations of Sheffielders.
Wessex Archaeology was tasked with conducting the archaeological dig at the site as part of the project to develop the area known as Castlegate.
The regeneration at Castlegate includes the creation of a new park, opening up the River Sheaf and unveiling parts of the former Sheffield Castle. Sheffield Castle dates back to the 11th Century and is known as the birthplace of Sheffield.
Discoveries by Wessex Archaeology have included historical clues not only to the period of Sheffield Castle’s existence, but what the site has been used for
in the centuries since:
• Previously unknown stone structures on the south side of the motte.
These were probably built during or after the reconstruction of around 1270 following the Second Baron’s War
• The remains of the east and west towers of the gatehouse of the castle (probably constructed starting in 1270), with the drawbridge abutments
• The moat of the stone castle exposed
• A 12.5m-deep well, probably Medieval (with water at the bottom)
• 18th/19th Century slaughterhouses and gennel
• Wooden Civil War stakes (an exceptional survival)
• Remains of two cementation steelmaking furnaces, unusual as they
shared a single chimney and were built into material surviving from the castle
Ashley Tuck, Lead Archaeologist at Wessex Archaeology said:
“Uncovering the remains of this remarkable site has been an honour and I, like many other Sheffielders, am excited that elements of the castle’s remains will be displayed in the park in due course. We look forward to continuing to support the council to realise its vision, which places the heritage of our great city at the heart of regeneration plans for Castlegate.”
The archaeology has led to the Council conducting a review of the original design, to ensure the long-term preservation of the remains. This process
is still ongoing and subject to additional planning permission. The Council is working with heritage specialist consultants, South Yorkshire Archaeology Service, Historic England and Friends of Sheffield Castle on this matter. As a result, this redesign will lengthen the project past its initial finish date.
The new park at Castlegate will provide another high-quality green space in the city centre and will showcase aspects of the castle for the first time in centuries.
Other nods to the history of the castle area will include an events space, reminiscent of the ‘bowling green’ believed to have occupied the site in the 17th Century.
The River Sheaf is also
being opened up to be visible for the first time in the city centre since the Victorian era. A new Sheaf Field area of the park will be designed next to the river.
The committee will also hear of the latest progress in the S1 Artspace and Harmony Works projects which also form part of the wider Castlegate regeneration work.
‘The Castle Project’ has a current budget of around £21m.
To read to report due to go to committee next week, head to the Council website at sheffield.gov.uk
For more on the project so far and get updates on its progress straight to your inbox, you can also head to the Council website.
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GARY BARLOW’S BACK FOR GOOD, WELL NOT QUITE, JUST TWO NIGHTS
Gary Barlow is setting off on a brand-new solo tour, which includes two nights at Sheffield City Hall on Monday the 19th and Tuesday the 20th of May.
The Songbook Tour 2025 is set to be a huge celebration of his illustrious four-decadespanning career, and will see him perform an array of songs from his much-celebrated back catalogue of hits with both Take That and as a solo artist.
The Songbook Tour
2025, kicks off in The Isle of Man on the 17th of April and will see Gary play 41 dates around the UK, including a string of outdoor shows in June where he returns to Scarborough Open Air Theatre and The Eden Project in Cornwall. Gary is set to play many venues he’s not visited before including the Stockton Globe, Glasgow’s Armadillo and Halifax Piece Hall, giving his fans a unique opportunity to see him perform his biggest hits
in an intimate setting.
The Songbook Tour will celebrate Gary Barlow’s status as one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers. As part of the group Take That, he has won eight BRIT Awards and sold over 45 million records.
One of the band’s biggest hits, ‘Back For Good’, which turned 30 in March 2025.
The track is still ranked as one of the UK’s favorite-ever pop songs having reached No.1 on its release in March
1995 and remaining top of the charts for four consecutive weeks, going on to become the band’s biggest-selling song of the 90’s. Last year, Gary hit the road with his fellow Take That bandmates for a huge world tour, playing sell-out shows and delighting their huge fanbase around the world with This Life On Tour, which saw them sell over 1 million tickets. Their album of the same name, ‘This Life’, released in 2023, scored the band their
30/4/1938 The first televised FA Cup Final takes place between Huddersfield Town and Preston North End.
01/5/1851 Queen Victoria opens the Great Exhibition in London.
02/5/1536 Anne Boleyn is arrested and imprisoned on charges of adultery, incest, treason and witchcraft.
03/5/1979 Margaret Thatcher is elected to her first
12th No.1 album in the UK, spawning massive hits including ‘Windows’ and ‘This Life.’ The band also curated their very own four-day festival in Malta in October - The Greatest Weekend, where they performed their iconic album ‘Everything Changes’ live, in its entirety for the first time since its release in 1993. Aside from his achievements with Take That, he has also co-written and produced music for other renowned artists
including Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Elton John and Robbie Williams, and most recently, he wrote the song ‘Running Wild’ for JIN from Korean super group, BTS. Gary Barlow has also just announced special guest Brad Kella (Winner of The Piano!!!) will be supporting him on the Songbook Tour.
Tickets are available now from sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
04/5/2000 Ken Livingstone becomes the first Mayor of London.
05/5/1494 Christopher Columbus lands on the island of Jamaica and claims it for Spain.
06/5/1889 The Eiffel Tower is officially opened to the public at the Universal Exposition in Paris.
I went into a pet shop and asked for twelve bees. The shopkeeper counted out thirteen and handed them over.
“You’ve given me one too many.”
“That one is a freebie.”
What do you call a potato wearing glasses?
A spectater.
“Waitress, can I ask you something about the menu please?”
Waitress (slaps me round the face): “That’s none of your business!”
As I put my car in reverse, I thought to myself... “This takes me back.”
I’m deathly afraid of elevators. I take a lot of steps to avoid them.
A pun walks into a bar, ten people die on the spot. Pun in, ten dead.
The recipe said, “Set the oven to 180 degrees.” Now I can’t open the oven because the door faces the wall!
What do you get when you throw a hand grenade into a French bathroom?
Linoleum Blownapart.
Why don’t pirates travel on mountain roads? ‘Scurvy.
My wife and my family are leaving me because of my obsession with watching horse racing on TV.
“And they’re off!”
Sitting beside my girlfriend I said, “I love you.” She asked: “Is that you or the beer talking?” I said: “It’s me, talking to the beer.”
1. Which is the highest rank in the
2. Richard Noble set a land speed record of 633.468 miles per hour driving which car?
3. Which Yann Martel novel won the Booker Prize in 2002?
4. The life of entertainer Fanny Brice inspired which musical film starring Barbra Streisand?
5. King Richard II used which wild creature as his personal badge?
6. Edmund Barton was the name of which southern hemisphere country’s first Prime Minister?
7. Which Whitbread Book Award winning novel by Mark Haddon, is about a 15-year-old boy who describes himself as “a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties” living in Swindon?
8. What was Desperate Dan’s favourite food?
9. What is the term used for a word or phrase created by rearranging the letters of a word or name or phrase?
10. Who was the winged goddess of victory in Greek mythology?
Royal Navy?
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News, Information and Advice
suPertram bank hoLiday Works
Further investment into the Supertram system will take place during the Early May Bank Holiday weekend to enhance and future proof the network, improving the service for the millions who use it every year. It follows the endorsement of the Supertram Business Plan at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board last month, which saw a commitment to invest over £110m by 2027 including upgrades to the trams, track, control systems and power supplies alongside the construction of a new Tram Train station at Magna. Works to replace worn rails on the tram network at Gleadless Townend tram stop will run from Saturday 3 May until Monday 5 May and affect Blue Route and Purple Route tram services. A SYMCA spokesperson said:
“These works are part of SYMCA’s ongoing investment in Supertram. By scheduling works over the bank holiday weekend when the tram network has lower passenger numbers, we hope to minimise any passenger and traffic disruption and keep people moving while this work progresses.
By investing in the Supertram system, we’re increasing the longevity of the region’s tram network and ensuring the safe operation of this popular service for the millions of people who use it every year.”
Rail replacement works at Gleadless Townend
The rail replacement works are essential to replace worn rails which will ensure trams can continue to operate safely for years to come. The new rails will give passengers a better travel experience by improving comfort, reducing noise, and reducing the risk of unplanned closures on the network.
The works will start at Gleadless Townend tram stop on Saturday 3 May and run until Monday 5 May and will affect Blue Route and Purple Route tram services.
Granville Road/The
Sheffield College, Park Grange Croft, Park Grange, Arbourthorne Road, Spring Lane, Manor Top, Hollinsend, Gleadless Townend, Herdings/Leighton Road, Herdings Park, White Lane, Birley Lane, Birley Moor Road, Hackenthorpe, Donetsk Way, Moss Way, Crystal Peaks, Beighton/ Drake House Lane, Waterthorpe, Westfield and Halfway tram stops will not be served during this time.
During the works, the Supertram network will run a revised timetable, and services will operate as follows:
• Blue Route tram services will run a revised route and operate between Malin Bridge and Sheffield Station only operating at the normal frequency of up to every 12 minutes
• Purple Route tram services will be suspended
• Yellow Route tram services will run as normal
• Tram Train services will run as normal except on Saturday evenings whilst the construction works for the new Magna Tram Train Station and Park & Ride facility take place (visit travelsouthyorkshire. com/Magna for details).
A dedicated tram replacement bus service, BL1, will run between Fitzalan Square in the city centre and Halfway and will serve limited bus stops located near all the affected tram stops along the route as follows:
• Saturday: every 20 minutes in the early morning, every 12 minutes during the day, and every 30 minutes in the evening
• Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday: every 20 minutes in the early morning and during the day, and every 30 minutes in the evening. Posters and signage will be provided at tram and bus stops, and Supertram staff will be available at certain stops to assist passengers onto the Supertram replacement bus.
The BL1 will not serve Herdings/Leighton Road or Herdings Park. First Bus services 47 and 48
can be used for journeys between the city centre and Herdings Park or Herdings/Leighton Road.
All valid tram and multimodal tickets will be accepted for travel on the BL1 replacement bus service and on First Bus services 47 and 48, for journeys between the city centre and Herdings/ Leighton Road or Herdings Park. Customers can buy their ticket in advance using the TSY Mobile app or from a tram conductor.
Customers are advised to plan ahead and check before they travel online at travelsouthyorkshire. com/ NetworkImprovements, by calling Traveline on 0800 952 0002 or via Supertram and Travel South Yorkshire social media channels. Further areas of rail replacement will be undertaken throughout the year as part of the investment programme.
Magna Tram Train works As well as rail investment works on the network, work started on 29 March to construct a new Tram Train station at Magna. This means Tram Train services will not operate between Meadowhall South, Rotherham Central and Parkgate on Saturdays from 17:00 to the end of service, until winter 2025. Dedicated tram replacement bus service, TT1, is serving affected stops between Meadowhall South and Parkgate during Saturday evenings. All valid tram and multi-modal tickets will be accepted for travel. Customers can buy their ticket in advance using the TSY Mobile app or from a tram conductor. A limited range of tickets will also be sold on board the Supertram replacement bus. More information on the Magna Tram Train works and service changes can be found at travelsouthyorkshire. com/Magna.
broWnie Leader runs marathon
Brownie leader Lucy Sharp is appealing for donations as she prepared to run the gruelling 26.2 mile TCS London Marathon on behalf of Girlguiding this weekend.
Lucy has been part of Girlguiding for over 20 years after joining as a Brownie at age eight. Apart from a short gap during the Covid-19 pandemic when they couldn’t meet in person, Lucy has been going to meetings every week for about 20 years. Her fundraising efforts will help enable more girls to access the opportunities Girlguiding provides to be themselves, have fun, get creative, explore and try new things with new friends.
Sheffield based Lucy is one of five volunteers who ran on behalf of Girlguiding this year. To fundraise, Lucy’s activities have included holding a bake sale during a local parkrun, hosting a quiz night and a raffle, and running a sweepstake competition to guess her finish time. One of her fellow volunteers at her Brownie unit has been selling a beautiful pen pal badge that she created, shaped like a postcard and is splitting the proceeds between their unit funds and Lucy’s marathon fundraising. Lucy, unit leader at 91st Sheffield Brownies, said: “Girlguiding has been a big part in making me who I am today, and I truly believe that all girls should have the opportunity to be a part of such an empowering and inclusive community of people. Running the marathon and fundraising is a great opportunity to raise awareness, as well as money for a charity that has such an impact on so many girls and women- and hopefully in the process, help the organisation grow so that even more people can get involved.” Girlguiding’s vision is for an equal world where all girls can make a positive difference, be happy and safe, and reach their potential. Supported by over 80,000 volunteers, the organisation provides a space where girls can have fun and try new things without judgement, or the many pressures girls face in today’s world from everyday sexism, online pressures and social anxieties.
Three local football clubs have raised over £6,200 for Weston Park Cancer Charity after hosting match takeover days in March and April. Sheffield Wednesday FC, Sheffield United FC, and Barnsley FC are all part of the cancer charity’s Together at Every Step Partnership.
The partnership, which was launched in 2021, sees clubs set their rivalries aside to raise awareness and vital funds for people living with cancer.
The charity takeover days took place on 16th March at Hillsborough Stadium, 28th March at Bramall Lane, and 12th April at Oakwell Stadium.
Football fans at all three games gave generously, and as a result the total raised through the Together at Every Step partnership now stands at over £49,000.
This fantastic sum will help Weston Park Cancer Charity to enhance treatment, provide support services, and further ground-breaking
cancer research.
Bekah Anstey, Corporate Partnership Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:
“We’re extremely grateful to Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, and Barnsley FC for hosting three brilliant Weston Park Cancer Charity takeover days.
“So far this year, the Together at Every Step partnership has raised £6207.27 - which will make a real difference to thousands of cancer patients in our region.
“We’d like to say a massive thank you to all of the fans, staff members, and players who made the takeover days so successful.”
Funds raised will enable the charity to offer emotional, financial, and practical support to people who have been impacted by cancer.
To support the Together at Every Step partnership head to www. together-at-every-steppartnership.raisely.com.
do you fancy a greyhound?
Do you like your dogs streamlined and speedy? Long and loyal? Then Dogs Trust Leeds have just the dogs for you as they search for forever homes for their nine Greyhounds and Lurchers.
The team at Dogs Trust Leeds is urging anyone with a dog-shaped hole in their life to consider rehoming one of the nine Greyhounds or Lurchers in their care, who take up a third of the dogs currently available for rehoming. With each Greyhound having arrived at the rehoming centre as an ex-racer and each Lurcher having been found as a stray, the Dogs Trust team is looking for friendly, patient owners to give these stunning sighthounds their forever homes and a second chance at a comfortable life. These two breeds of sighthounds are known for their long, graceful frames, speed and loyalty as companions. However, despite their loyalty and loving natures, Greyhounds and Lurchers can often spend longer in the charity’s care than other breeds, often overlooked, as many may need to wear a muzzle, and the misconception that they require more exercise
and walking than other breeds. Kelly Walker, Manager at Dogs Trust Leeds, said: “Greyhounds and Lurchers are such wonderful breeds because they have the perfect balance of energy and relaxation. These dogs are athletic, loyal, and low maintenance, making them great companions for families who enjoy the outdoors but also value calm, peaceful moments at home.
Since 2018, more than 2,700 greyhounds have died or were put to sleep following their participation in greyhound racing around the UK. Dogs Trust and others in the animal welfare sector are calling for greyhound racing to end across the UK to prevent further deaths and injuries. Earlier this month, the Welsh Government became the first in the UK to announce a ban, a decision that Dogs Trust has warmly welcomed. To find out more about the Greyhounds, Lurchers and other breeds available for rehoming at Dogs Trust Leeds, visit www. dogstrust.org.uk/
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billy ellioT sTar JaMes is back on sTage for a nighT aT The Musicals
Most of the talented young people taking part in youth
homelessness charity
Roundabout’s A Night at the Musicals this June will surely have the dream of one day turning that talent into a professional career.
And joining them on stage will be one person who proves that the dream can become a reality.
James Lomas was a 12-year-old pupil at the Sharon Berry School of Theatre Dance near his home in Chapeltown when he attended an open audition for the lead role in a new West End musical based on movie classic Billy Elliot.
The rest was the classic showbiz dream, the Ecclesfield School pupil plucked from obscurity
to star in the show with a score by Elton John and then - along with his two young co-stars Liam Mower and George Maguire
- going on to win the Variety Club 2005 Outstanding New Talent award, the Theatre Goers’ Choice Award 2005 for The Most Outstanding Newcomer and, most importantly, the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
“For the Oliviers, we were up against Ewan McGregor for Guy and Dolls so I never thought we would win,” James says as he recalls the sort of experience all young theatre hopefuls daydream about.
“I look back and think it really was a Billy Elliot story, auditioning with 3,500 boys in total and
actually getting the part. It was a whirlwind, a totally incredible experience to be with such incredible artists, directors, producers, the best of the best and for me to be working alongside them all - and I’d love to do it all again.”
The theatre career didn’t end though when James outgrew the role that had made him a West End star.
“After Billy Elliot, I went to college for three years and trained in musical theatre and then I went back into the West End,” he explains. He appeared in shows like the stage musical version of Dirty Dancing, toured with the AndrewLloyd-Webber classic Joseph
rotherham communities set to celebrate the 80th anniversary of ve day
Communities from across Rotherham will be coming together to recognise and celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day throughout May.
From afternoon teas to fun activity days to lighting beacons, community groups and Rotherham Council have arranged a variety of events to recognise the sacrifice made
by soldiers, as well as millions of civilians, during World War Two.
VE Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe when the Nazi forces formally surrendered to the Allies. In the UK, it is celebrated annually on 8 May.
A full list of community events can be found at www. rotherham.gov.uk/leisureculture/ve-day
Residents are also invited to a special commemoration event at Clifton Park Museum on Thursday 8 May, 10am to 11am, where original archival materials from WWII will be on display.
Find out more about this event on the Clifton Park Museum website at www. cliftonparkrotherham.co.uk
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and went to Germany for roller skating spectacular Starlight Express and on to Slovenia for Evita. There was also a stint alongside Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Ian Waite in their show Ballroom Boys. Now at 35, he is back living in Sheffield with his wife and young daughter, concentrating on a successful career as a singer and pianist at corporate functions, private events and weddings.
But on June 18 he will return to the stage for one night only as a special guest star at Roundabout’s hugely popular A Night at the Musicals at the Lyceum Theatre, hosted by radio and TV presenter Dan Walker.
The evening is a showcase of South Yorkshire talent featuring top hits from the West End, Broadway and cinema - with James adding a little extra West End star quality.
“I received an email asking me to be a part of it and I didn’t know anything about Roundabout but when I heard what the charity does I thought it was fantastic and with it being an event in Sheffield it’s close to home,” he admits.
“I’m really looking forward to it and I’m excited to be back on stage at a theatre like the Lyceum.”
He appreciates too that many of the young people sharing the stage with him will want to know what it’s like to turn professional at such a young age.
“I hope I can shed some sort of light on that and share my experiences of that time,” he says. But does James ever think about going back to a life in full-time theatre again?
“I’m just not focused on moving back to London, it’s too busy for me and I prefer being out in the countryside with my family now,” he laughs.
“But I wouldn’t say no to being back on stage - and if The Greatest Showman came to the West End I’d do it!”
To book for Roundabout’s Night at the Musicals visit www. roundabouthomeless.org/event/ a-night-at-the-musicals-25/
Licensing Service, Sheffield City Council, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield S9 3HD about this application by 28th May 2025
For information on representations, please see www.sheffield.gov.uk/licensinginforesidents
For full details & to view a copy of the application please contact the Licensing Service. 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 conviction for this offence is unlimited.
GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE
emmANUeL LoGosU
t/a eej transPort ltd of 23A bRoom LANe, RoTheRhAm s60 3eL
is applying to change an existing Licence as follows:
to add an operating centre to keep 2 goods vehicles & 2 trailers at the operating centre at: bLUesTyLes, kiveToN PARk iNdUsTRiAL esTATe, mANoR RoAd, hARThiLL, sheffieLd s26 6Pb
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.
TUESDAY
Coronation Street:
After Jenny reveals she has transferred the money, Daisy is shocked to hear Christina talking to Dom in the Rover’s back yard. Just what are they up to? And Daisy says her goodbyes before an explosive exit, leaving the street behind in spectacular fashion! Meanwhile, Julie’s Bingo fundraiser is underway in the bar and, with Christina in charge, Daisy goes through to the back room to find Jenny in a state of panic. Gary tells Maria that business is slow at the shop and he’s thinking of selling up and buying the builder’s yard but she’s adamant that they can’t afford it. Brian calls with a wheelchair for Julie and, putting on a brave face, she gets Eileen to wheel her into the pub but it’s clear she’s in pain.
Emmerdale:
Arriving at the clinic – where she’s booked in for a nose job and a brow lift – Steph’s more than ready to go under the knife. Panicking, Caleb & Ruby race over to try to stop Steph, and arrive just in the nick of time. Steph was furious about her parents’ intervention and made her feelings known by smashing up the family home. As Sarah is updating Vanessa with the latest on her IVF mission, Charity approaches. Can Vanessa persuade Sarah to open up to her gran about what she’s hoping to do? Having killed Nate and thrown him off a bridge into the lake, John needs to play it cool and keep it together. But the pressure on his killer secret is starting to build as Nate’s family is becoming concerned and frustrated by the dad’s lack of contact.
Eastenders:
Declan refuses to give Avani any weed for free. But Avani is in for a surprise when new local lad, Joel steps in to pay for it! Does Joel want something from Avani in return? Nicola and her ex-husband Teddy are still sitting on their shock KILLER secret... Nicola is furious about the way Teddy has handled the situation. The fallout leads to some alarming consequences. But for how much longer can Nicola and Teddy cover their tracks? Johnny decides it’s time to lay his cards on the table with Felix. But is Felix really looking for a full-time romance? And Gina decides it’s time to try and mend her relationship with sister Anna.
MERCURYH LIDAYS
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FOOTBALLR UNDUP
Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury Follow Your Local Team Every Week In The Mercury
Chris Wilder was delighted to see his team returning to winning ways against Stoke City on Friday night.
Goals from Sam McCallum and substitute Andre Brooks proved enough to see off the Potters and the boss highlighted several positives from a productive night in Staffordshire.
He remarked: “To get back to winning ways was important, there have been a lot of things to balance in the last few days, but the energy of the group has been outstanding since Monday night and the energy of the supporters was amazing.
“The supporters really gave us a push and I thank every single one of them for that and I
As a long, hard S6 season ended, Danny Röhl reflected on his side’s progress over the course of the campaign.
The Owls and Portsmouth played out a 1-1 draw at Hillsborough and Röhl spoke post-match on the comparison between this term and last:
“For me, no longer are we the underdog. This time, we will finish in the middle of the table when last time we were fighting for our lives.
“This is a sign of the progress we have made and how the players have developed. We no longer think about the bottom of the table, we
thought it was a good performance. Our away record all season has been pretty good, and until recently pretty solid.
“We talked about resting key players, but we gave been to Rob Holding, Sam McCallum, Femi Seriki and Callum O’Hare which was important.
Kieffer Moore produced another good, solid performance and we got some time away for Gus
are looking up.
“Of course, we can say what if, we are not too many points away from the play-offs but this is the difference.
“It is about being clinical in both boxes and that can be the decisive thing in making up that difference in points.
“But all in all, we can all
Hamer and a couple of others to rest because they’ve been playing with knocks.”
The boss added: “People perhaps thought we’d be taking it easy, taking our foot off the gas but we know you can’t do that, you can’t just turn it on and off, it was important we went full tilt and we never tough a step back in what was a physical game.”
be proud of our progress and our achievements.
“Today it was nice to say goodbye to the fans for the season, these are special moments, but we have one more game to go and we want to finish with as many points as possible.”
STOPPAGE TIME EQuAlISEr
THWArTS MIllErS AT STEVENAGE
Dan Sweeney scored a stoppage-time equaliser to snatch Stevenage a point in a draw at home to Rotherham.
Sam Nombe's eighth-minute strike had looked to be enough for the Millers, with Stevenage failing miserably to defend a free-kick bent into the middle and the forward guiding the ball across goal and in. Rotherham also had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, while Liam Kelly missed a sitter from about two yards, scooping the ball over the crossbar. But for the remainder of the contest, most of the pressure came from the hosts, without ever really threatening.
Jamie Reid had their one big first-half chance as he met a Carl Piergianni flick-on but his shot lacked power.
Changes at the break gave Boro some fresh impetus, Louis Appere heading wide while fellow replacement Jake Young fired a low shot towards the corner but goalkeeper Dillon Phillips pushed it behind. Piergianni then headed against a team-mate and the ensuing scramble would not settle in front of a Stevenage man.
However, centre-half Sweeney, thrown on as a makeshift striker in the 88th minute, gambled on a long ball forward and won the race to nod in and grab a draw.
Rovers secured a promotion back to Sky Bet League One after an excellent and eventful 2-1 win over Bradford City.
Rob Street’s header midway through the first half sent Rovers on their way before City saw Aden Baldwin sent off in the half time break for dissent.
Ted Sharman-Lowe made a stunning save from a Tyreik Wright penalty before Billy Sharp slotted in a second for Rovers in added time.
Romoney Crichlow fired in a consolation effort for the the visitors but it most certainly was to be Rovers’ day.
Grant McCann made one change from the side that started the win over Colchester United on Bank Holiday Monday. With Jack Senior ruled out with a hamstring injury, James Maxwell returned to the starting XI. It was perhaps understandable that the game began with a nervous tension as both sides struggled for fluidity in possession. Both were very well organised and disciplined without the ball but errors of The game’s first effort saw Bradford’s Alex Pattison thrash a shot well over the bar from 25 yards.
But after the opening 15 minutes, Rovers settled superbly and began to show real confidence on the ball while maintaining their strong press.
They were millimetres from taking the lead midway through the half.
Jordan Gibson collected a pass into the area, turned and drilled a shot that rattled the upright and ricocheted off the back of City keeper Sam Walker with only the spin on the ball preventing it from crossing the line.
Moments later Jamie Sterry saw a powerful drive deflect narrowly wide.
Rovers made their strong spell count on 33 minutes as they took the lead.
Tom Anderson powered a header back towards goal from a deep Luke Molyneux corner with Street racing across his man to nod in at the near post.
Ted Sharman-Lowe made a stunning one-handed reaction save as half time approach, pushing a volley from Pattison over the bar from Tay Adaramola’s dangerous cross.
But Rovers were
composed in their lead, with Bradford posing little threat before the break.
There was drama after the half time whistle as Baldwin was booked and then shown a straight red card after arguing with the referee.
Bantams manager Graham Alexander sent on George Lapslie and Tyreik Wright at the start of the second half following Baldwin’s dismissal.
Clifton was close to adding a second for Rovers early in the second half as he raced in to meet Gibson’s fine cross but could not stretch quite far enough.
Gibson produced a brilliant turn as he controlled a high ball before testing Walker with a snapshot from the corner of the box.
Charlie Crew pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the box with Walker getting behind the low drive.
Bradford enjoyed a spell
of pressure but struggled to convert it into meaningful opportunities until Tyreik Wright was sent racing into the box only for Sharman-Lowe to make a strong save with his legs.
But the keeper’s most meaningful contribution was still to come.
Bradford were awarded a penalty on 84 minutes when Maxwell was adjudged to have brought down Lapslie.
But Sharman-Lowe made an excellent save as he pushed away Wright’s spot kick. The second goal finally came as the game ticked into added time. Sharman-Lowe’s long goal kick was flicked on by Ethan Ennis with Sharp racing through and sliding a shot into the far corner.
Bradford pulled a goal back in the dying moments when Crichlow fired into the far corner from a Brad Halliday long throw.
