NO BOUNDS FESTIvAL HITS SOUTH YORkSHIRE THIS WEEkEND
The full programme for No Bounds Festival 2025 has been revealed, with more than 100 performances, talks, screenings and installations confirmed across Sheffield and Rotherham from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October. Headlined by UK dance innovators Interplanetary Criminal and Joy Orbison, the weekend will bring world-class electronic music, groundbreaking art and film, and a strong community strand rooted in South Yorkshire’s cultural life. Following a successful pilot in 2024, the
festival has expanded into Rotherham with a specially curated Sunday programme led by artists Mark Fell and Rian Treanor. Centred on the historic Empire Theatre, which is set to reopen for the festival after decades of closure, the Rotherham events feature international electronic pioneers RP Boo, Beatrice Dillon and Mat Steel, plus a headline live set from Rainy Miller. Alongside music, the day includes panel discussions hosted by Rotherham Friends of Palestine and performances involving local
schools and community groups. In Sheffield, the Friday and Saturday programme spans landmark venues including Sheffield Cathedral, Peddler Warehouse, Dryad Works, SADACCA and Showroom Cinema. Across these spaces, audiences can catch heavyweight live shows from These New Puritans, Factory Floor and The Black Dog, club sets from Big Ang, Silva Bumpa and Josey Rebelle, and wideranging contributions from Sheffield crews such as Off Me Nut Records, Wub Club, Pattern & Push
and Gut Level. The arts programme will also see installations, performances and premieres at Sheffield Hallam University, Gloam Gallery, Hedge, and SADACCA’s G-Mill space. The arts programme adds another layer to the weekend, with premieres, installations and performances across Sheffield. At Sheffield Hallam University, Amy Carter Gordon curates “Switch Room”, a project exploring community, activism and regeneration, staged in Castle House and the new Igloo immersive
8/10/1860 - Telegraph line between Los Angeles and San Francisco opens.
9/10/1959 - A day after being captured, Marxist revolutionary “Che” Guevara is executed for attempting to incite a revolution in Bolivia.
10/10/1780 - The Great Hurricane of 1780 kills 20,000-30,000 in the Caribbean.
space. Damian Hale of Treatment Studio collaborates with Sheffield Creative Industries Institute on a special premiere there. Gloam Gallery hosts ‘Saltwater Crossing’, a new dance work by Dani Abulhawa, while Hedge Sheffield presents an open studio on protest and the environment curated by Mikk Murray. SADACCA welcomes the IKLECTIK collective with their powerful sound system for workshops and live sets, while Arts Catalyst present Rashad Becker and Bint Mbareh in a participatory perfor-
- 14th October
11/10/2002 - A bomb attack in a shopping mall in
across
5) Drink delicately (3)
7) Story teller (9)
8) One half (4)
10) Shopkeeper (8)
11) Gape with boredom (4)
12) Driving line (7)
14) Partly (4)
16) Well balanced (4)
17) Yellow fruit (7)
18) Hair dresser (4)
20) Show-off’s habit (4, 4)
22) Swing about (4)
24) Top score (4, 5)
25) Sheep (3)
mance exploring folklore, resistance and the power of collective sound.
Beyond music, the festival unveils its first dedicated cinema strand, with new commissions from Nam Huh and Aura Satz, and a major reactivation of Tales From A Hard City, the cult Sheffield documentary of 1995. A new discourse strand will explore creativity and resistance, featuring speakers from Warp Records, the National Literacy Trust, and local labels and collectives.
Weekend and day passes are available now.
Crossword Clues
DoWN
1) Sheltered retreat (5)
2) Fizzy drink (4)
3) Horse (8)
4) Drill bit (4)
5) Winter sport (3)
6) Baked dish (3)
8) Accept verbally (3, 3)
9) Divine for water (5)
12) Lair (6)
13) Flour grinder (8)
15) Cite (5)
19) Glances (5)
20) Grammatical name (4)
21) Expensive (4) 22) Contend (3) 23) Portion frugally (3)
Last Week’s Solution across: 7) Particle, 8) Open, 9) Spine, 10) Abiding, 11) Plump, 13) Ecology, 16) Running, 17) Smite, 18) Sneaker, 20) Along, 23) Asti, 24) Ephesian DoWN: 1) Carp, 2) Stunt man, 3) Ice, 4) Setback, 5) Bold, 6) Sennight, 12) Loudness, 14) Limbless, 15) Sneerer, 19) Aria, 21) Neat, 22) She To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our Sales Team on 0114 276 3633
Vantaa, Finland kills seven.
12/10/1266 - King John of England loses his crown jewels in The Wash, probably near Fosdyke, perhaps near Sutton Bridge.
13/10/1923 - Ankara replaces Istanbul as the capital of Turkey.
14/10/1586 - Mary, Queen of Scots, goes on trial for conspiracy against Elizabeth I of England.
[At parole hearing] Officer: Why should you be released early?
Man: I’m...
Officer: Go on.
Man: I think...
Officer: Yes?
Man: Can I please finish my sentence?
Officer: Sure. Parole denied.
Did you know that there are no canaries in the Canary Islands? And the same thing applies to the Virgin Islands; There are no canaries there either.
I can’t remember how to write 1, 1000, 51, 6 and 500 in Roman numerals.
I M LIVID
I didn’t think wearing orthopedic shoes would help... ...but I stand corrected.
Doctor: Do you want to hear the good news or the bad news?
Patient: “Good news please.”
Doctor: “We’re naming a disease after you.”
What’s the worst thing about ancient history class?
The teachers tend to Babylon.
As we were driving down the road, “Sweet Caroline” came on the radio. I said to my son, “Little known fact, Neil Diamond used to be called Neil Coal.”
“Until the pressure got to him.”
Why was it called the dark ages?
Because of all the knights.
VAR. That is it.
That’s the joke.
A girl agreed to go out with me because I gave her a bottle of Lemonade! You could say, I Schwepped her off her feet!
1. Kracow is the former capital of which European country?
2. The Cheviots are a mountain range mostly situated in which British county? a) Sussex b) Kent c) Northumberland
3. Clint Eastwood plays Frankie Dunn in which 2004 Boxing movie starring Hilary Swank?
4. Collingwood, Ustinov and John Snow are colleges at which Northern England university? 5. Which female American country music singer died in a place crash in 1963 aged just 30?
Bathroom with Shower
Bedding Included Enclosed Veranda
News, Information and Advice
food tips for stoptober mental health warnings
Over 2.5 million people have quit smoking with Stoptober, according to the NHS.
However, often when people give up cigarettes, they can turn to treats such as chocolate and sweets to help tackle the nicotine cravings. With this in mind, Huff and Puffers have created a list of the best foods to help curb your cravings that still offer nutritional benefits.
Apples, carrots, and celery
One way to stop yourself from craving the urge to smoke is to keep your hands and mouth busy.
Snacking on sticks of fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery or carrots can help to simulate the repetitive action of raising your hand to your mouth, while also helping to keep your mouth occupied. One 2007 study also found that fruits and vegetables tend to worsen the taste of cigarettes, meaning that smoking should be less rewarding if you do end up having one shortly after.
Whether you prepare them yourself for the day ahead or buy a pack of pre-cut vegetable batons, having them readily available can help replicate the action of reaching for a cigarette when the urge strikes. People who cut out nicotine often report that their appetite increases, and they have difficulty controlling their weight. Since these fruits and vegetables are mainly comprised of water and fibre, they are a good low-calorie option that you are unlikely to consume in excess.
Popcorn
Popcorn is another low-calorie food that keeps your hands and mouth busy when you are craving the ritual of a cigarette. A lot of shop-bought popcorn contains oil, butter or sugar, which can increase the overall calories, but if you own an air fryer you can create a lower calorie air-popped alternative at home.
Ginseng Similarly, ginseng can work to reduce the appeal of a cigarette, as studies suggest the ingredient can lessen the effects of nicotine. By weakening the effect, it decreases the satisfaction individuals get from smoking and can therefore help them quit by making it less tempting.
Ginseng tea is a popular choice. However, ginseng powder can also be added to smoothies, or the root vegetable can be used to create traditional dishes such as chicken ginseng soup.
High fiber wholegrain foods
As mentioned, a common side effect that follows your last cigarette is that your appetite may significantly increase for a short while.
Incorporating higher fiber foods such as wholegrain bread and cereals into your diet can help control cravings as they keep you fuller for longer.
For example, you could start your day with a bowl of porridge, topped with banana for extra fiber, if need be, and finish it with chili paired with brown rice.
Fresh or frozen fruit
When you first give up smoking, it is a normal reaction to have food cravings and an increased appetite, with many finding themselves with a sweeter tooth than normal.
While this can be satisfied sometimes by enjoying a chocolate bar or packet of sweets, trying to keep a balanced diet is important.
Having fresh or frozen fruit such as grapes, strawberries and oranges to munch on can manage the desire for sugar.
Plus, the hand-to-mouth motion of snacking on these can replace the action of smoking.
Sugar free gum or mints
Chewing sugar-free gum, or sugar free mints can also work to stop cigarette cravings, as it can preoccupy you and distract you from your mouth feeling empty. Make sure to opt for the sugar-free variety though, as sugar can make you crave cigarettes more.
Around 7 million people in the UK attempt to quit smoking each year, according to Acton on Smoking and Health. So, if you’re struggling to put down a cigarette and start healthier habits this autumn, it’s important to know you’re not alone. It’s possible to curb nicotine cravings with food. Healthy snacks, such as apples and popcorn can help those suffering from withdrawals, Drinks can also worsen nicotine cravings. According to everyday health, alcohol and coffee can trigger cravings. Milk and water are two of the best alternatives to help curb cravings this autumn.”
Mental health has become an increasingly important and widely discussed topic, yet many men still continue to ignore early warning signs, often brushing off symptoms until they escalate into a crisis.
Many men continue to overlook early warning signs of mental health struggles, often dismissing symptoms or attributing them to stress or fatigue. This tendency to ignore emotional wellbeing can allow issues to escalate into more serious conditions if left unaddressed.
“Men are more likely to attribute physical changes and warning signs to work stress or just assume they are ‘having a bad day’ than to recognise these patterns as potential indicators of a mental health struggle,”
Helen Wells, a Clinical Director, explains. The expert has outlined five common but often overlooked warning signs of mental health issues to help you better understand yourself (or support a loved one who may be struggling).
Physical symptoms
According to the expert, men frequently normalise feelings of constant worry or racing thoughts, and fail to recognise them (and other symptoms) as an indication of anxiety or other issues.
She explains that many men experience chest tightness, digestive issues, rapid heartbeat, and other physical signs, but will usually think they have a physical health problem – it most likely won’t even cross their minds that what they’re experiencing could be related to their mental state.
Changes in sleep patterns
This can also signal that something isn’t quite right, but men often ignore or brush them aside. Sleep disruption is both a symptom and trigger of mental health problems, and if you are struggling to fall asleep, waking frequently during the night, or feeling exhausted despite sleeping for many hours, you should take this seriously.
“When you sleep, your brain processes emotions and restores balance. When that rest is disrupted, it can heighten anxiety, cloud your judgement, and lower emotional resilience.
Irritability
The third warning sign involves changes in anger
new sculpture unveiled
responses or irritability.
If you find yourself snapping at loved ones, experiencing road rage, or feeling constantly on edge, it’s important to consider (and be open to accepting) that these could be signs of an underlying mental health issue.
Social withdrawal
Another common sign frequently ignored by men is social withdrawal.
According to the expert, gradually pulling away from friends, family, and activities once enjoyed can indicate developing depression or anxiety.
“Men will often rationalise social withdrawal as ‘needing space’ or being ‘too busy with work’, but persistent avoidance of social connection is rarely healthy. Social isolation can both stem from and worsen mental health conditions,” she observes.
How to address mental health issues
Helen emphasises that seeking help for these symptoms is not a sign of weakness but of selfawareness and strength.
“The stigma around men’s mental health remains powerful despite progress in recent years.
Many men still believe they should ‘tough it out’ or ‘pull themselves together’ rather than seeking professional support.”
This reluctance to seek help contributes to concerning statistics.
According to UK government report published in April 2025 from the Department of Health and Social Care, men in England die nearly four years earlier than women on average, with mental health playing a significant role.
The report also notes that suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50, with around three in four people who died by suicide in 2023 being men.
The expert observes that early intervention can prevent mental health conditions from escalating to crisis point.
“You should treat mental health with the same importance as physical health. You wouldn’t ignore a persistent pain or physical symptom, and mental health deserves the same attention.
“The first step is recognising that what you’re experiencing isn’t just part of life – it’s something that deserves proper attention and care.”
A new cast iron sculpture has been unveiled in Graves Park, created to commemorate the much-loved ‘Lone Tree’ that fell during Storm Elin in December 2023. The sculpture stands as a lasting tribute to the tree’s place in the hearts of local people and the park’s heritage. Following an outpouring of memories and tributes from residents and park users, the Council pledged to create a memorial that would reflect the community’s connection to the tree.
Ideas for a sculpture have been gathered through social media, an in-person drop-in at the park, and last year’s tree planting planning day.
The artist, commissioned by the Council, drew inspiration from these contributions – stories of picnics, dog walks, and the area’s London Road coach trade heritage –to design a sculpture that invites everyone to interpret it in their own way.
Originally, ideas were shared to carve the sculpture from the tree itself. However, after careful assessment, it was found that the wood was too weathered for carving to be a lasting option.
Children have continued to enjoy playing around the fallen trunk as it naturally decays, returning to the park’s landscape. The new
sculpture, made from durable cast iron, sits beside the tree and will remain for future generations – even for those who never saw the tree standing.
Over the coming weeks, the cast iron will naturally begin to rust, developing a striking orange hue before weathering and fading down over time – much like the beloved toad sculpture in Endcliffe Park or the Angel of the North.
The Council has also planted two new trees near the site of the original, ensuring that Graves Park’s landscape continues to thrive for future generations. These replacement trees have already been planted and are flourishing, helping to restore the park’s canopy and provide a living legacy alongside the new sculpture. Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn said “We know that the ‘Lone Tree’ in Graves Park was special to many people in Sheffield. This new sculpture is a tribute to the memories and stories shared by our community, and a symbol of how we can celebrate our heritage together. Thank you to everyone who contributed their ideas and memories, helping to shape a memorial that will be enjoyed for years to come.”
nhs begins vaccine roll-out
The NHS has rolled out flu and COVID19 vaccinations to all eligible individuals as part of a nationwide effort to safeguard the most vulnerable during the winter months.
Since the beginning of September, vaccination teams have been giving flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services, and schools. Flu vaccines are also available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care workers.
Following the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed.
The NHS has already sent invitations via email, and further invites through the NHS App, text, and letters are set to go out throughout October. However, eligible individuals do not need to wait for an invitation to book their appointments.
First established in 1865, Eric Eyre has personally looked after families in the local communities of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham since 1955.
Operating from branches in High Green and Sheffield Lane Top we offer a bespoke funeral service upholding traditional values whilst progressing to cater for modern, personalised customer requirements.
A selection of the services we provide:
• Professional and sympathetic funeral arrangements in our office or in the comfort of your own home
• Pre-paid funerals • In-house catering • Floral tributes • Orders of service • Horse-drawn funerals • Private Chapels of rest
• Religious & non-religious funerals
Appointments can be booked via the NHS App, local GP practices, online at www.nhs.uk/ bookflu or www.nhs.uk/ bookcovid, or by calling 119. Appointments are available across local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinics. For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services.
Dr. James Thomas said: “Vaccinations are our most effective defence against these viruses and can save lives. With easyto-book appointments now available closer to home, getting vaccinated today could keep you out of the hospital this winter.”
The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine for those over 65, to help protect against serious illnesses more common in winter, like pneumonia. Join the ‘Get Strong, Get Vaccinated’ campaign – it could be the most important appointment you make this winter, helping to keep you out of hospital. For more information on recommended vaccinations, visit www. nhs.uk/vaccinations.
The Queen of British Soul, Beverley Knight MBE, announces a huge UK headline tour for June 2026.
A testament to her incredible talent and much-loved hits, this unique show will also share inspiring stories from Beverley’s life on the stage. She will perform her biggest hits as well as favourites from musical theatre and cherished songs which have inspired her journey alongside her legendary live band.
“I’m excited to get back on the road but with a different kind of show folk are used to with me,” Beverly said. ‘Born to
Perform’ is me taking you on a journey through my life on both music and theatre stages, using my memories and of course my songs. I’m stripping back my sound so the audience can lean in a little closer and really hear my soul.”
Tickets for Sheffield City Hall on Tursday 4th June go on sale Friday 10th October at 10:00am and will be available from www.gigsandtours.com / www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Her outstanding live performances have gained her a legion of famous fans over the years from David Bowie to Stevie Wonder, she has collaborat-
ed on stage and on record with the likes of Prince, Jamiroquai, Bocelli, Take That, Joss Stone & Marvin Gaye. 2023 marked Beverley’s milestone birthday which she celebrated with a major sold-out ‘50 tour’ and the release of her first new studio album in seven years ‘The Fifth Chapter’. Beverley has had several Top 10 albums, including the platinum selling Voice: The Best Of Beverley Knight and sold over a million albums in the UK, including four gold certified albums. A British treasure, Beverley was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to British music and
Friday 24th October - 7:30PM TICKETS £23.65 Con £21.65
Classic rock anthems, incredible musicians, sensational vocalists and a ROCKTACULAR experience; with a lot of laughs thrown in! All the ingredients that make up the phenomenal, ‘Rock for Heroes’!
Performed by a superb 7-piece band, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more! You’d be ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ if you miss it!
A show for all the family and a must see for any rock fan! Experience an evening that will awaken nostalgia, have you laughing till your sides hurt and ROCKIN’ the night away!
So, Jump at your chance to get your tickets today! Let ‘Rock for Heroes’ take you back to that Summer of ‘69 and join us for the BIGGEST celebration of the Heroes of Rock!
• S36 6dy
charity, has won three MOBO Awards, been nominated for Best Female at the Brit Awards 3 times, Best Actress at the Olivier Awards twice, and Best Album at the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. Wolverhampton born Knight has also forged a formidable parallel career in theatre. Already a much revered ‘leading lady’ of West End musicals, she’s just been nominated for Best Female Lead Actor in her first professional play at the Black British Theatre Awards for Marie & Rosetta. Her incredible performance of the trailblazing ‘Godmother of Rock’n’Roll’ Sis-
ter Rosetta Tharpe sees ‘Marie & Rosetta’ transfer to the West End next spring. Her portrayal of Emmeline Pankhurst in Sylvia at The Old Vic won Beverley her first Oliver Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical in 2023. Other starring roles include in The Bodyguard, Sister Act, Memphis The Musical, the iconic role of Grizabella in Cats at the request of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and the formidable manager of soul group The Drifters in The Drifters Girl, which was Olivier nominated Best New Musical, and Beverley for Best Actress.
Saturday 8th November - 2:00pm TICKETS £15
Enjoy an afternoon of Big Band and Swing classics at this one-off show, featuring the celebrated Take 2 Big Band, together with Barnsley’s very own Kevin Grunill at the console of the Paramount Compton organ.
Star vocalist - Craig Williams joins us to feature some of the great songs recorded by Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra & many more.
An unforgettable afternoon of toe-tapping Big Band favourites not to be missed.
Have made an application under Section 17 Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as MIDNIghT MARgARITAs, ARch 12, vIcToRIA quAys, whARf sTReeT, sheffIeLD, s2 5sy
I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities:
Sale by retail of alcohol (for consumption ON & OFF the premises):
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 - 23:00
Friday 12:00 - 24:00
Saturday 12:00 - 01:00
Provision of late night refreshment
Friday 23:00 - 24:00
Saturday 23:00 - 01:00
Provision of regulated entertainment namely: Performance of live music, playing of recorded music
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 - 23:00
Friday 12:00 - 24:00
Saturday 12:00 - 01:00
Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to Licensing Services, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 3HD about this application by 3rd November 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 Service 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.
The Licensing Act 2003
(Premises and Club Premises Certificates)
Regulations 2005
Notice is hereby given that I: JoN sIM of cADs souTh yoRkshIRe
Have made an application under Section 17
Part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a Premises Licence for the Premises known as cADs ARLey sT spAce, cuThbeRT house, ARLey sTReeT, sheffIeLD, s2 4qp
I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol (for consumption ON the premises):
Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 24:00
Provision of late night refreshment
Monday - Sunday 23:00 - 24:00
Provision of regulated entertainment namely: Performance of live music, playing of recorded music
Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 24:00
Interested parties or responsible authorities may make written representations to Licensing Services, Block C Staniforth Road Depot, Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 3HD about this application by 16th October 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 Service 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.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY
Coronation Street: Carl finds himself sitting between Abi and James during Ronnie’s birthday party at the Bistro – a very awkward situation since he’s sleeping with both of them. After the dramatic events at Ronnie’s birthday party, Kevin informs Abi that she has outstayed her welcome at No.13 and needs to hand her key back. Bernie warns Abi that she has spotted Kevin throwing all of her belongings out onto the street. Asha is found unconscious at Victoria Gardens, shortly after she was spotted drinking heavily. When paramedics find drugs on Asha, her loved ones realise that she may have tried to take her own life. Dev and Bernie anxiously wait for news at the hospital as Asha’s life hangs in the balance. Dev admits that he can’t help feeling angry over his daughter being prepared to put the Alahans through so much pain.
Emmerdale:
Charity is thrown into turmoil as she discovers who the father of her baby is. Can Charity bring herself to be honest with Sarah? Rhona is furious with April after the worrying incident which saw Leo rushed to hospital after inadvertently taking a pill. She’s unhappy with the idea of April living under the same roof moving forward, but Marlon fears that his daughter will be further isolated if she moves out. Gabby confides in Charles about the marriage issues she’s experiencing with Vinny. She ends up bringing Charles home with her so that the vicar can give her and Vinny a counselling session. Jimmy accidentally floods the King house, so the entire family end up moving in with Laurel. Laurel struggles with the mayhem that the family brings to her door – and Jimmy soon seeks a quiet escape by heading outside to the pirate ship. Belle and Kammy take their relationship to the next stage. After time to think, though, have they acted too quickly?
Eastenders:
The rest of the family are not exactly impressed when they find out that Suki and her wife Eve are looking into adopting a baby. Family members, including Vinny and Priya share their strong views and try to warn her off the idea! After another argument between Joel and stepmum Vicki, it becomes clear that she and Ross are still struggling to keep the terrible teenager in line. And Joel and Tommy are at the centre of an incident at Walford High School. Kathy and Julie encourage Phil to reach out to his son Ben after what happened on the day of Jonno’s funeral.
FOOTBALLR UNDUP
United slipped to a narrow defeat on Humberside as a solitary David Akintola strike was enough for Hull to claim maximum points after a 1-0 win at the MKM Stadium.
Akintola’s first half strike proved decisive despite Gustavo Hamer hitting a post and United having a late penalty saved on what proved to be a disappointing afternoon
for the Blades.
Chris Wilder made two changes to his team with Sam McCallum handed his first league start of the campaign. Alex Matos also came back into the team with Harrison Burrows and Tom Davies dropping to the bench.
United applied the early pressure with Chiedozie Ogbene going on the outside before his cross
was deflected into the path of Hamer who saw a goal-bound shot blocked. After Ogbene was felled, Hamer then saw a 25-yard free-kick go just over, whilst at the other end Hull had their first opening when ex-Blade Regan Slater saw an effort deflected wide off Mark McGuinness. The Blades looked the more likely and came agonisingly
close on 25 minutes. A corner was only partially cleared with the ball worked to Hamer who drove into the space, rifling an effort which smacked the post with Ivor Pandur well beaten. With United on top, Hull then took the lead on 30 minutes. Lewie Coyle’s cross from the right wasn’t dealt with. AKINTOLA picked up the loose ball with his shot
On paper it was a tough assignment for Wednesday and on the pitch it was exactly that.
Free-scoring Coventry arrived in S6 as firm favourites and duly emerged with a comfortable win that took them to the top of the Championship.
A brace from Brandon Thomas-Asante sent the Midlanders on their way and Haji Wright, Ellis Sims and Tatsuhiro Sakamoto completed
the rout. It was the worst possible start for the Owls, who went one down inside three minutes, when Thomas-Asante pounced on Bobby Thomas’ header across goal from a corner and netted from close quarters. Wednesday responded well, Yan Valery smashed wide after a mazy run before the game was halted briefly by a pitch invasion. And following the restart,
City squandered a golden chance to double their lead. The influential Ashley Grimes threaded a through-ball to Wright, who advanced into the area but poked wide with the goal at his mercy. Liam Palmer hit just over at the other end but the Sky Blues promptly scored from their next attack on 33 minutes. It was that man Thomas-Asante again, this time darting across the box and drilling into
the opposite corner beyond Ethan Horvath. The Wednesday keeper kept the scoreline down just before the break, though, with a fine save to deny the onrushing Ephron Mason-Clark from six yards. But still there was time in the first half for Coventry to go further ahead. Thomas guided a glancing header goalwards and Wright was on hand almost on the line to secure an almost unassailable lead
Grant McCann bemoaned a ‘chalk and cheese’ performance from his Rovers side as they were held to a draw by Burton Albion.
Matty Pearson’s header gave Rovers a deserved lead at the break following an excellent showing in the first half that just lacked more goals. Burton greatly improved in the second half, with Rovers struggling to react and the visitors found the equaliser through Tyrese Shade. McCann was thoroughly frustrated by the contrasting performances in each half and says his players must find a way of delivering across a full game.
then taking a deflection which guided it beyond Michael Cooper and into the corner of the net. The Blades continued to have the better chances with Hamer’s deep free-kick headed over the bar by Sydie Peck five minutes before the break. Just over a minute into the second half, Callum O’Hare became the first into the book after stopping a Hull
counter. The Blades again enjoyed most of the ball at the start of the second half but it was Hull who had game’s next opportunity.
An error by Ben Mee allowed ex-Blade Oli McBurnie to drive forward, but with United scampering back, Peck applied pressure and the shot from McBurnie was saved low by Cooper.
A difference of opinion
at the interval. And so it proved as the second half was largely academic. The Owls pressed forward when they could and City looked dangerous on the counter - as was evidenced on 67 minutes. Kaine KeslerHayden raced down the right and fed an accurate cross to the back post, where Simms was left with a simple tap-in. Coventry were hungry for more and
made it 5-0 with 15 minutes to go. The ball fell kindly on the angle for Sakamoto and the Japanese wideman sent a blistering drive into the top of the net. City were content with their afternoon’s work, there was no further scoring, and as the visitors reached the summit of the division, Wednesday could only look forward to a welcome international break.
Frampton
And he is confident Sean Grehan will build from his first league start for the club. The Irish defender has impressed in cup action and with cameos off the bench, helping him to earn his full Sky Bet League One debut in the draw with Burton Albion. As he heads off for international duty with Republic of Ireland U21, Grehan received praise from his manager.
“Sean will just get better and better,” McCann said.
“It was a test for him today, particularly in the second half because we knew Burton would keep spinning in behind and you have to get your position right. He’ll just learn from that.”
Grehan - along with Charlie Crew who has been selected for Wales U21 - will miss Tuesday’s Vertu Trophy tie at Grimsby Town and the league clash with Leyton Orient next weekend. Another player set to be absent is Jamie Sterry, who McCann revealed will miss an extended period with injury. “Jamie has picked up a shoulder injury,” he said. “It’s his other shoulder than the one he has problems with. It’s going to keep him out probably five or six weeks.”
then saw McBurnie and McGuinness see yellow and Hamer had a shot from range pushed away by Pandur. Inside the final 20 minutes, and United were presented with an opportunity when a poor Hull pass allowed Campbell to run towards goal, but Charlie Hughes scampered back to deflect the strike behind for a corner. Hamer saw an effort from 20 yards curl wide as Wilder’s side continued to ask questions with sub
scramble ensued with Hull clearing the ball off the line.
With three minutes remaining, United were handed a lifeline when Semi Ajayi upended Ings in the area, but Burrows’ low penalty was saved by Pandur.
Millers PicK uP Point
Rotherham United earned a point in Sky Bet League One as they went toe-to-toe to draw 2-2 with table-topping Bradford City at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Denzel Hall opened the scoring to make it 1-0 in the first half before substitute Martin Sherif made an instant impact on his return to double the advantage. A fightback befitting of league leaders ensued as Antoni Sarcevic and Alex Pattison conjured strikes to claw it back to 2-2 and mean that the Yorkshire rivals shared the spoils on Thursday night.
The Millers’ early forward intent was rewarded on 20 minutes when Hall made it 1-0.
The former Heerenveen man interchanged a neat one-two with Benson in the final third before opening up onto the same left foot that he’d missed the earlier opportunity on, to sweep home a fantastic finish from the edge of the box, which Walker got a hand to, but couldn’t keep out.
Ar’Jany Martha turned on some dancing feet in the centre of the pitch before releasing Reece James up the left, who did well to get to the byline and pull a cross back into the box where the Sherif shot from close range to double the hosts’ advantage. But a teasing cross from Josh Neufville on the Bantams’ right was too good not to attack and a clever improvised finish off the chest of Antoni Sarcevic halved the deficit at 2-1. And when substitute Andy Cook used his physicality to impose himself on the defence, he added presence of mind to squeeze the ball to an unmarked Pattison, who was clinical this time as he blasted the ball past Dawson to send the away end into raptures.
Danny Ings firing in a cross which just eluded fellow sub Tom Cannon. Late on, a Cannon shot deflected wide and from the corner an almighty
