Swallows were virtually at full strength for this quarter final tie against Brinsworth, a team with an excellent reputation and playing in the division above. The pitch was quite exposed to the elements, and a gale was blowing in the first half straight at Ryan Marshs goal area.

Before Swallows had time to settle into their game, Brinsworth made their intentions clear with an early goal despite a suspicion of offside, in the first 2 minutes. 1-0 to Brinsworth.

The next 20 minutes saw some great work from Boot, Grayson and Hewitt, with Ben Morris and Jamie Butler combining well in defence.

A Kiddy cross from the right was met with a Short flick-on but Nathan Hewitt couldn't convert the chance to equalise.

On 22 mins Brinsworth picked up their 2nd after a mix up in defence, Marsh diving at the feet of the on-rushing striker but unable to prevent the goal.

Another race through the middle by 2 Brinsworth forwards both yards offside was missed by the ref and Marsh saved brilliantly.

Reece Taylor the scored an absolute peach of a goal to reduce the deficit, a brilliant strike from 25 yards. 2-1

Before Swallows could take advantage Brinsworth went straight down and scored again. 3-1

Half Time Brinsworth 3-1 Swallows with everything to play for with strong wind in Swallownests favour

Substitute Sellars began to put in a great shift down the left, his first cross for Kiddy to knock into the 6 yd box saw Taylor flick just wide.

Swallows were applying all the pressure, and yet it was Brinsworth who put the game beyond reach with another goal that had suspicions of offside. 4-1

With Swallows heads going down, 2 goal line clearances were made before Brinsworth made it 5-1 and the game looked well beyond Swallows.

And then someone flicked a switch. Swallows began to play their game, they settled down and played the kind of football we've been witnessing all season. Sellars raced down the left and forced a teriffic save from the keeper who tipped over the bar.

Luke Chatterley pulled 1 back with a conversion from Bradley Kiddy's low cross - 5-2

Sellars picked up another goal with a brilliant low strike into the bottom corner after a great cross from Kiddy, 5-3.

The Swallows support started to believe a comeback was on the cards - and the players appeared to begin to believe that too.

Sellars made a strong run from his own half and passed to Kiddy, who saw his shot saved.

Boot then picked up a 4th for Swallows with a very well worked goal and a delightful pass into the bottom left hand corner.

And yet it wasn't to be.  Several more opportunities were squandered, and Swallows saw their cup hopes end in Brinsworth on Sunday morning.  It was however a teriffic game to watch and no doubt play in.

Full time Brinsworth 5-4 Swallows

Man of Match - Luke Chatterley - put in a teriffic shift, lots of unselfish passes and a great goal that put Swallows back on the road to revival. Well done Luke.

As the game kicked off I grabbed a quick word with their coach who had offered the team the opportunity to not play - and to the immense credit of all the players involved they refused and insisted on turning out.

The opening fifteen minutes was a fairly even encounter as both teams tested the keepers - but following goals from Boot, Kiddy and Denton it became less about a contest and more about damage limitation for the unfortunate Chapeltown team.

Again - they did their coach proud and their attitude and approach to the game is something that some senior professionals could learn from. Indeed - their goal celebration just before half time was fantastic!  A mix up between stand-in keeper Sellars and defender Ben Morris gave the Chapeltown striker all the space he needed to pick up a consolation.

The second half kicked off for Swallows with a change of keeper - and Swallows continued to launch attack after attack on the Chapeltown area.  Swallows keeper Boot was rarely troubled.

The last 15 minutes was especially telling for the 8 heroes in yellow - tired legs unable to carry them back for corners and defending - and Swallows goal difference will certainly benefit.  However - todays plaudits go entirely to the visitors - it was a brilliant effort lads and you are a credit to football - your parents should be very proud. 

Swallows manager Kiddy paid the ultimate accolade - handing over the usual Man of the Match award reserved for our own players to Chapeltown keeper Ben - who will hopefully not have too many afternoons like this one.

Final Score - Swallows 21 - 1 Chapeltown

Swallownest Scorers - Alex Lee (3), Matt Denton (5), Kristian Sellars (2), Luke Chatterley (4), Brad Kiddy (4), Kevin Grayson (1), Jamie Butler (1) and Curtis Boot (1)

Arriving bang on time for kick off I missed the warm up - but not the coffee or sausage and bacon butty! Still worried, I watched as we kicked off. And saw Grenoside get the early goal with their first attack of the game following a defensive mix-up, with a looping bouncing shot to the left of Danny Short, standing in for Ryan Marsh.

Swallows appeared un-fazed by the early setback, and before long it was 1-1 - a Grant Sims pass to Brad Kiddy who chipped the keeper.

It was soon 2-1, a deflected shot by Sellars finding the goal.

Luke Chatterley was next to chip in with a contribution, his shot smashing into the back of the net for 3-1.

Swallows then went 4-1 up, a superb flighted ball from the right by Kiddy gave the keeper problems and the ball bobbled into the net.

Grenoside gave a reminder that they still had some contribution to make to this game, as they hit the crossbar with a header from a corner.

Half Time 4-1.

Swallows set out like a steam train in the second half and it was soon 5-1, Kiddy shooting to the left of Grenosides keeper after some excellent footwork by Alex Lee.

Grenosides forward hit straight back to make it 5-2 with a chip over keeper Danny Short that gave him no chance.

The score leapt to 6-2 next, Bradley Kiddy picking up on the loose ball after a miscued shot by Sellars.

Luke Chatterley extended the lead to 7-2, excellent football from Luke Chatterley to give himself space to get his second of the game.

The next goal for Swallows was a corker, Reece Taylor doing brilliantly to turn from the penalty spot to pick his space and make it 8-2.

Grenoside picked up what was surely a consolation, making it 8-3 as Jamie Butler raced back matching the Grenoside striker yard for yard but not quite managing to clear the ball before it was smashed past the outstretched Swallows keeper.

Luke Chatterley had good work by Kiddy and Reece Taylor to thank for his hat trick goal which made it 9-3.

Swallows then confirmed their best win of the season so far with their 10th goal, Taylor again providing the pass for Kiddy to score his 5th of the game, and Swallows completed the game soon after as 10-3 victors.

Swallows really are working well together at the moment, the teamwork is a joy to watch.  Todays result suggests that Swallows enjoyed the majority of the chances, but this would be an injustice to the midfield and defence who all contributed huge amounts to the final result.

Heres hoping for less goals in future as these match reports are taking ages to compile!

Final Score - Swallows 10 - 3 Grenoside

Man of the Match - Grant Sims - after an early mistake which led to the first goal Grant refused to lose his concentration and didn't put a foot wrong for the rest of the game.  Well done Grant.

Football has a habit of creating big games.  Man Utd v Liverpool at Old Trafford. Arsenal v Tottenham at the Emirates. Wednesday v Utd at Hillsborough. Real Madrid v Barcelona at the Nou Camp. And now Swallownest Juniors v Beighton Falcons at Rainbow Forge Primary School Recreation Ground.

The stage was set for a cracking mornings football for the U14s. Bitterly cold. Snowclouds gathering. A local derby. Ex Swallows players Joe Cotterill and Joe Pearson in the Beighton line up. And both teams flying high in F Division on the same points with Swallows having a game in hand.

Before we go any further we start with a thank you to the Beighton manager and parents for agreeing to play this fixture earlier in the day to allow Swallows to field midfielder Matt Denton - who was to head off on holiday to Spain later in the day.  Thank you Falcons - excellent sportsmanship.

As is often the case in fixtures like this - it was a nervy start as both teams struggled to find their form. 15 minutes of scrappy end-to-end play with neither team able to find the goal that would settle things down.  To be fair Beighton certainly had the upper hand in this opening exchange.

Beighton went close first hitting the side-netting with a shot from the right that most supporters on the touchline thought was in!

Swallows hit back with a shot just wide from Boot, who followed that effort just a minute later with a shot/cross that went wide again.

Beightons number 9 was next played through and clear but shot well over the bar.

On 21 mins a great flick on in midfield allowed Beightons number 10 to race wide and control inside the Swallows box placing the ball inside Ryan Marsh's front post to deservedly put Beighton 1-0 up.

Swallows came straight back with some good pressure which led to a number of corners, and Nathan Hewitt was brought down inside the Beighton 6 yard box.  The penalty appeals were granted and  Taylor slotted the ball to the right of the keeper to make it 1-1

Half Time 1-1

The second half kicked off with Swallows now enjoying the downhill gradient with the wind at their backs that had given Beighton such impetus in the first half.  Again Swallows set-pieces were working well, subs Kiddy and Sellars combining brilliantly from the corner with Kiddys eventual chip going just over.

Beighton were very quiet at this point and seemed content to soak up the pressure being applied.

A Swallows cross from the left found Curtis Boot, who's header was just wide again.

A hard shot from Nathan Hewitt was pushed wide by Beightons keeper and it was starting to look like the pressure wouldn't convert to goals when a brilliant solo effort by Reece Taylor brought the goal the Swallows players craved.  Taylor picked up the ball midway into Beightons half, jinked past 5 Falcons players and hit a stunning goal into the right hand of the net. 2-1 to swallows.

The Swallows sealed the victory with a low shot from Jamie Butler from the edge of the box which squeezed under the outstretched Beighton keeper to make it 3-1

Beighton rallied at this point and were unlucky not to score a consolation goal after a superb chip was ruled out by the offside flag.

It was a thoroughly professional performance overall to reclaim top spot in the table and if Swallows can maintain their start to the season it will take a great performance from somebody to bring their run to an end.  On a side note everybody at the Swallows would like to wish Joe Cotterill and Joe Pearson speedy recoveries from the injuries they picked up in todays game.

FULL TIME - Beighton Falcons 1 - 3 Swallows

Man of the Match : Joe Morris - in the Managers words "he absolutely won everything in midfield today, top drawer headers and some of the best tackles you will see this season - well done Joe"

The opening stages were all about both teams testing each other.  The game flowed from end to end with both teams having occasional chances.

Sheffield 6s struck first, following a great through ball for the pacy forward to chase and round the keeper, a mix up in the Swallows defence contributing to allow the ball to trickle goalwards and eventually find its  way over the line. 0-1

Swallows looked vulnerable at this point and it was clear an equaliser was needed to settle the nerves.  The required equaliser arrived just before half-time, and while there may have been a suspicion of offside Reece Taylor played to the ref's whistle while the 6's defence stood and watched as he ran thru to score, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The game became niggly for a while, the 6's players clearly unhappy at what they felt was the injustice of the goal.  An unsavoury incident led to play being halted for a while to allow some players to cool down.

Half time : Swallows 1-1 6's

Following the break the game went much the same way as in the first half - end to end and it looked like any team could go on to win.  6's once again broke the deadlock with a tap-in, at the back post after the ball had hit the post. 1-2

Swallows piled on the pressure and were rewarded with a corner.  Kevin Grayson floated an excellent cross into the 6 yard box for Reece Taylor to power a fantastic header into the net - 2-2.

Swallows had enjoyed a great training session on the Saturday morning concentrating on set-pieces and this was demonstrated again from the very next corner. The ball was rolled to substitute Kiddy on the edge of the box who sold the defender a great dummy and cut inside the box instead of advancing towards goal.  Kiddy then picked his spot in the top left corner and Swallows were in front for the first time in the game - 3-2.

Could Swallows hang on? 6's hadn't given up yet and Jamie Butler was shoulder-barged off the ball by the 6's forward who took the ball past Ryan Marsh (who was having an inspired game) to equalise again, 3-3.

It had already been a hell of a game!  With a few minutes left to go it was clear that we were looking at a 'next goal winner' scenario - and that winner came from Curtis Boot who chased a through ball from the centre circle to confidently place the ball to the keepers left and send Swallows and their supporters crazy! 4-3!

Quarter Finals here we come, and with Swallow's now having despatched 3 teams from the divisions above they really can start to feel confident - especially if they can maintain the workrate, effort and team play they demonstrated today.

Full Time: Swallows 4-3 Sheffield 6's

Man of the Match - Ryan Marsh - Did everything he was asked and more. 

Managers Comment - The whole team played ther part today in a very enjoyable game, a fantastic team effort! Quarter Finals here we come, well done boys.  Mark and Mick.

In the OTHER big game at Ecclesall Rangers the Swallows committed themselves professionally, in very difficult conditions to a potentially very difficult Cup Game against a team 2 divisions above them.

The game kicked off in a very strong wind and dark clouds were gathering threatening rain.  It was an end to end first half - both teams were defending very well and both teams looked dangerous going forward.  With half time approaching no goals were looking likely for either team, until Ecclesall's strong frontman broke through the Swallows defence down the left and placed the ball past the outstretched hands of keeper Marsh.

Its often claimed that a goal just before half time can prove to be a killer blow.  Not so for the excellent Swallows this season, who may have been forgiven in season's past for allowing heads to drop.  They hit right back, Reece Taylor who had been in great form in this game pushing down the right and striking a hard cross into the centre for Short to smash home a deserved equaliser.

Half Time - Ecclesall Rangers 1-1 Swallows

The second half kicked off in much the same style ast the first, end to end once more but the Swallows did seem to have the edge with the wind now at their backs.  Finally the Swallows managed to get the ball in the net, this time with a scrappy goal forced over the line by Matt Denton.  The goal was contested hotly by the Ecclesall lads but the ref was well placed to give it.

Denton soon picked up a 3rd, this time from a good clearance by Ecclesall.  Curtis Boot's cross found its way to Denton who hit the ball sweetly into the bottom right hand corner.

It was looking like this might be enough but Swallows really took control at this stage and were clearly keen to put any hopes of a revival far from Ecclesalls minds.  Reece Taylor made no mistake with the Swallows 4th goal after great work by Sellars down the left.

Full Time - Ecclesall Rangers 1 - 4 Swallows

Man of the Match - Alex Lee

Quote from the Manager:  'The players did very well in difficult conditions today, and special mentions to the players and parents who went to the game, many thanks for your support - Mark

Graves Park was the venue for todays game, a pitch more suited to mountaineering than football. It wasn't quite as bad as the one in our picture - but not far off!!

The weather had been miserable all morning but the rain held off as kick off approached. Swallows manager Kiddy was forced to stand in as referee for the first half leaving Coach Morris in charge on the sidelines.

First blood went to Swallows, a teriffic goal kick by Grant Sims fell to Sellars on the left who's through ball to Boot allowed him to score. 0-1

Swallows second came from a cross from the right by Hewitt that evaded Chatterley and Taylor before finding Sellars at the back post for a simple tap in.  0-2.

Pumas fought back at this point. They picked up a freak goal from the right with a cross that looped over Ryan Marsh and over the line, then were level 2 mins later with a brilliant strike into the top left corner. 2-2

Swallows quickly regained the advantage with a Chatterley penalty after he'd been brought down in the box. 2-3.

Half Time 2-3

Swallows kicked off the 2nd half with some changes. It wasn't long before Sellars had made it 4 to Swallows, and a minute later Boot made it 5-2.

A ball through the middle of the park by Denton saw Curtis Boot pick up a well deserved hat trick and Swallows 6th.

Sellars was next to achieve his hat-trick as he toe-poked a 7th Swallows goal from outside the box that flew well out reach of the outstanding Puma's keeper into the top left hand corner.

Sellars was still in the thick of the action, providing a cross from the left that gave Short the opportunity to smash the ball into the back of the net for the 8th goal.

A corner floated over from the right saw Denton bundle home for 9-2.

Pumas picked up a consolation goal witha delightful chip over sub keeper Reece Taylor to make it 9-3. 

FULL TIME SCORE - Pro Socker Puma's 3 - 9 Swallows

An excellent team performance once again from Swallows against probably the best team faced so far.

Man of the Match - Jamie Butler.  Played some great football, lots of simple short passes and didn't give the ball away. Well done Jamie.

Swallow's injury problems continued today, this time goalkeeper Ryan Marsh going down to a badly swollen finger.  Danny Short deputised in the net.

Swallows took an early lead with a well worked goal created by Chatterley down the right. An incisive through ball gave Taylor an easy chance to sidefoot the keeper. 1-0

Millhouses were soon level after sustained pressure. A double save by keeper Short in a goalmouth scramble preceded a through ball -  Millhouses hitting the top of the net with suspicions of offside. 1-1

Millhouses then took the lead following a defensive mix up. 1-2.

A loud penalty claim by Swallows following a great run by Chatterley led to Swallows equaliser, Hewitt picking up the loose ball on the right to hit the roof of the net. 2-2.

After 30 mins Millhouses were awarded a penalty following a push in the box. The penalty was hit firmly into the left side of the net to make it 2-3.

Half Time : Swallows 2-3 Millhouses

The second half saw a team change, Short swapping with Taylor up front. In less than 5 mins the move paid off with a teriffic move by Swallows resulting in Hewitt's second of the game to level the scores at 3-3.

In just minutes Swallows were in front, Sellars meeting a terrific far post cross by Hewitt to put the Swallows into the lead at 4-3.

Just 2 mins later the unstoppable Sellars smashed the ball past the keeper to give Swallows a 2 goal advantage, despite the keeper getting his hands to the shot, 5-3 to Swallows.

A freak goal from Sellars came next, after receiving the ball in the centre circle from a goal kick he picked his spot and lobbed the keeper from virtually the half way line. Very David Beckham. 6-3 to the Swallows who were now looking every inch the team that they have been so far this season.

Sellars was clearly not happy with a hat-trick, this time collecting the ball on the edge of the box and hitting it into the right hand corner for Swallows 7th goal of the game.

With the result of the game now in no doubt, injured leading scorer Kiddy appeared and gave his all for 15 minutes, rounding off with a goal to make it 8-3 before returning to the bench.

Full Time Score - Swallows 8-3 Millhouses Juniors

Man of the Match, Joe Morris. As manager Kiddy says, ' Joe was a gladiator in midfield and did everything he was asked to do'.

Manager Kiddy commented after the game 'We asked for the team to give their all right from the start, as I have been disappointed with our starts in the last two games.  The lads did that today, Chapeltown came at us from the off and we soaked up that pressure before we began to impose our own style on the game.  It was hard to pick a man of the match today because we had so many but I would have to single out Grant Sims for a great performance in the centre of defence.

Full Time Swallows 4-0 Chapeltown Juniors.