Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
There is no shame in losing to a top Swedish side even if we are repeatedly told the quality gap between UK hockey and that on the continent is diminishing.
But there were embarrassing side-issues attached to the 5-2 Steelers’ home defeat at the clever hands and speedy feet of HV71. They both surrounded the venue rather than the team:
HV71 beat Sheffield Steelers - Ervins Mustukovs in goal
* A new car parking policy and price hike had many fans fuming before they set foot in building;
* The newly-painted yet mucky-grey ice surface looked not just slushy but outright dangerous, with at least one big hole appearing.
Sheffield Arena’s pad provision was pretty dire and will doubtless trigger criticism from the Champions Hockey League, who wanted the game to be a showpiece TV event across Europe.
Coach Paul Thompson called the ice surface “a sham...the worst I’ve ever seen here” - but refused to use that as a reason for the defeat which all but mathematically rules the side out of qualifying.
Instead, he was exasperated at five penalties which were ruthlessly exploited by HV’s Power Play experts. Especially as they matched up-five-on-five.
“You don’t see them taking undisciplined penalties. That was disappointing” Thompson said.
Steelers failed to convert two early Power Play opportunities.
But HV’s special teams again handed out a painful lesson, skipper Chris Abbott firing low under Ervins Mustukovs at 12;28, as Tyler Mosienko sat out for holding.
Zack Fitzgerald took the kind of temper-driven off the play penalty his coach hates at 13;39 and it took the Swedes all of three seconds to add a second, Martin Tornberg backhanding in.
Their lead was halved by Rob Dowd’s one-timer from the high slot, at 14;55.
Jonathan Phillips, who wants to score a few more this season, had a decent chance at 23;00 but poked the puck wide. Dowd wafted at a mid-air puck but failed to connect.
Goalie Mustukovs pad-stopped a Mattias Tedenby penalty shot, awarded after he’d been flattened on route to goal by Ben O’Connor. Such a moment could have energised the home side.
Would it be the turning point?
But, four seconds into the last period, O’Connor misdirected the puck out of the rink and received a delay of game penalty from which Temmu Laine scored for 1-3 (40:26.)
If ever there was a goal which took the wind out of Sheffield’s sails, it was this.
Heads dropped. The body language was that of a beaten team.
“We stopped playing and felt sorry for ourselves” admitted the coach.
Davey Phillips’ crosscheck behind the goal triggered a PP goal by Abbot (46:22.)
Levi Nelson’s revenge boarding was followed by a John Armstrong trip, and it was no surprise on the 5-on-3 when Tedenby slotted home.
With nine minutes left, and the game over as a contest, the scoreline threatened to be a huge embarrassment for the 4,471 fans. But Dowd converted Steelers’ own PP goal 54;56.
Steelers, who summoned up just 14 shots on goal as against the visitors’ 43, had again paid the penalty..for too many penalties.

Video: Holes appear in Sheffield Steelers’ Euro ice dream


There is no shame in losing to a top Swedish side even if we are repeatedly told the quality gap between UK hockey and that on the continent is diminishing.


Email verification
Thank you for verifying your email address.
Verification link has expired, please sign in and click on resend verification email from your profile page.
Verification link has expired, please click on resend verification email from your profile page.

Signalling error disrupts Notts train line


Disruption to a Nottinghamshire train line is dealing bank holiday travellers due to a signalling problem.


Families didn’t have to travel far to enjoy some much-needed sand and sun after Old Market Square in Worksop was transformed into a beach for Bank Holiday weekend.
The beach came to town as part of the Worksop-by-the-Sea event, held by the town’s Business Forum.
The seaside comes to Worksop, pictured are Ralph Rose, six with Pippa Rose, five
There were a host of activities to enjoy such as face-painting, food and craft stalls and live music.
Residents could also relax on giant deckchairs while listening to the sounds of the ocean and enjoying an refreshing ice-cream.
The seaside comes to Worksop

Worksop Town Centre transformed into bustling beach


Families didn’t have to travel far to enjoy some much-needed sand and sun after Old Market Square in Worksop was transformed into a beach for Bank Holiday weekend.


Do you remember Swindon Town of the then Third Division — the third tier of English football — lifting the 1969 League Cup after one of the greatest giantkilling acts in our national game?
Swindon, inspired by Don Rogers, defeated mighty First Division club Arsenal 3-1, humbling the illness-hit Gunners in heavy rain on a mudbath pitch.
Not many football fans do, even those with rose-tinted, nostalgia-laden spectacles like myself, who love a delve back into the past and the ‘good old days’.
Do you remember Bradford City, again from the third tier, making the 2013 final, defeating Premier League Aston Villa in the semi-final before a 5-0 trouncing by Swansea City at Wembley in the final?
No, to be honest, I had also forgotten. Just like I had forgotten that a year later MK Dons defeated a youthful, but still strong, Manchester United in the opening round. I say defeated, but actually they hammered them 4-0!
The reason those giantkillings don’t seem to stay in the memory banks of the neutrals is because the competition has never had the romance and general appeal of the FA Cup.
We might have forgotten Swindon’s 1969 heroes, but I bet, like me, that many of you will recall the day non-league Hereford United, for example, knocked then top-tier, First Division Newcastle United out of the FA Cup.
Ronnie Radford’s screaming 25-yard drive to equalise England international Malcolm McDonald’s late goal lives long in the memory, as does Ricky George’s winner for the minnows.
We may have forgotten already Bradford’s run to the 2013 final, but many more fans will recall Chesterfield’s FA Cup semi-final adventure, even though that was almost 20 years ago.
That is one of the reasons why, reluctantly, I think it might be time for footballing authorities to scrap the League Cup — or whatever it is called these days after it has undergone more regenerations than Dr Who because of sponsorship requirements.
Giving the winners an automatic place in the Champions League, scrapping replays , regionalising the early rounds, scrapping the two-legged opening round — none of the recent changes have made the competition more appealing to the fans, clubs or players.
This year’s competition was seen as even more of an irrelevance by lower league clubs because of the changes to the EFL Trophy and the addition of two more matches into the football calendar.
No wonder so many managers ‘experimented’ with their team selections for the matches. No wonder there were so many empty seats in the stands up and down the country — for example, just 1,400 watched Chesterfield lose at Rochdale.
If the clubs and players are not going to treat the League Cup as a major priority than why will the fans?
Even the final no longer has top billing on the day it is held as it vies for TV coverage with the Premier League.
I know that traditionalists — like I usually am — will scream foul. I know it gives some lower league clubs the chance to topple ‘the big boys’ or go to grounds that they would normally not get the chance to visit.
For example, in this year’s second round League Two Accrington Stanley toppled Premier League Burnley and League One Gillingham won at top-tier Watford.
And in the first round Stevenage from League Two went to Championship Ipswich and won, while Cambridge — also from the fourth level of English football — pulled off a surprise by toppling Sheffield Wednesday from two leagues higher.
Not to mention Luton Town’s fightback to continue Aston Villa’s slide from the Premier League to Championship mediocrity.
As a Mansfield Town fan and reporter back in the 1980s I was lucky enough to go to Stamford Bridge, for example, as the Stags held the stars of the then First Division 2-2 at home and then lost 2-0 in London. No disgrace, a great evening out and great memories — for players, the club and fans alike.
So I fully appreciate the excitement that this competition can bring.
But in these days of an ever-expanding football schedule — and the opportunity for fans to watch the topsclubs live every weekend via their television screens — not to mention the cost of leisure activities in general, perhaps it is time to end the competition and let the FA Cup have an even greater focus.
The FA Cup is fighting hard for relevance and exposure as the Premier League sweeps all before it.
Scrapping the League Cup might give it a boost as well as allowing lower league clubs a little breathing space in the hectic list of matches now added to by the minimum three games in the EFL Trophy.

OPINION: Scrapping League Cup would give clubs breathing space


Do you remember Swindon Town of the then Third Division — the third tier of English football — lifting the 1969 League Cup after one of the greatest giantkilling acts in our national game?


The types of cookies we, our ad network and technology partners use are listed below:
Revenue Science ► A tool used by some of our advertisers to target adverts to you based on pages you have visited in the past. To opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here.
Google Ads ► Our sites contain advertising from Google; these use cookies to ensure you get adverts relevant to you. You can tailor the type of ads you receive by visiting here or to opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here.
Digital Analytics ► This is used to help us identify unique visitors to our websites. This data is anonymous and we cannot use this to uniquely identify individuals and their usage of the sites.
Dart for Publishers ► This comes from our ad serving technology and is used to track how many times you have seen a particular ad on our sites, so that you don't just see one advert but an even spread. This information is not used by us for any other type of audience recording or monitoring.
ComScore ► ComScore monitor and externally verify our site traffic data for use within the advertising industry. Any data collected is anonymous statistical data and cannot be traced back to an individual.
Local Targeting ► Our Classified websites (Photos, Motors, Jobs and Property Today) use cookies to ensure you get the correct local newspaper branding and content when you visit them. These cookies store no personally identifiable information.
Grapeshot ► We use Grapeshot as a contextual targeting technology, allowing us to create custom groups of stories outside out of our usual site navigation. Grapeshot stores the categories of story you have been exposed to. Their privacy policy and opt out option can be accessed here.
Subscriptions Online ► Our partner for Newspaper subscriptions online stores data from the forms you complete in these to increase the usability of the site and enhance user experience.
Add This ► Add This provides the social networking widget found in many of our pages. This widget gives you the tools to bookmark our websites, blog, share, tweet and email our content to a friend.

Saxophone star Dave is live at the library


Live jazz returns to Worksop library this month as Dave O’Higgins, regarded as one of the best saxophone players in the country, joins Nottingham’s own Andrew Wood Trio.


A man from Morton has been given a 12 month ban from driving after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Whites Wood Lane, Gainsborough.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Yorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks had a muddy great time at Leeds Festival - they drew a crowd of more than 6,000 fans then camped out with them.
The Sheffield indie four piece turned down a five star hotel and proved they are a real band of the people.
After packing out the Festival Republic stage they decided to pitched a tent in one of the muddy camp sites.
Frontan Kiaran Crook, aged 20, revealed: "We played our set then decided to camp through the night. We had an option to go into a five star hotel, with a jacuzzi and everything, but we decided to camp.
"We just love it."
He then joked: "We ended up camping next to the Red Hot Chili Peppers- I could hear Anthony snoring.
"But no, seriously, we love it. We love a bit of mud. We just thought, we might as well have the full festival experience."
Melvin Benn, Reading and Leeds Festival boss, said: "I didn't know The Sherlocks went and pitched up in the camp site. It doesn't surprise me. It's what my kids do. They want to be in the public camp site. Anybody who thinks the VIP area is the place to be, I can tell you it's a bit more boring."
Other Yorkshire bands who played at Leeds over the weekend included Sheffield's The Wired, Liberty Ship, Bang Bang Romeo, Leeds band Dusk, Fighting Caravans, York based Faux Pas and many more.
The Sherlocks, also featuring Kiaran's brother, drummer Brandon, 23, guitarist Josh Davidson, 22, and his brother and bassist Andy, 17, recently played the biggest music festival in the world, SXSW in Austin, Texas.
The Sherlocks played to over 6,000 people then camped out with fans in muddy fields at Leeds Festival.
They also played at Reading Festival at the weekend but said Leeds, their Yorkshire homecoming, was the highlight of their year.
Kiaran added: "Leeds Festival is really important to us. It's given us a chance to pick up new fans. We had a blast. The tent was packed. It exceeded what we thought it would be.We're going on tour next month, starting in Brighton and finishing in Stockton, with a sold out gig in Leeds.
"It would be nice to do the NME/Radio 1 stage next year, I think that's where we are heading."
Brandon added: "We are at home when playing Leeds festival. Now we need to get an album out while we've got momentum behind us."
The Sherlocks, who will record their debut album later this year, begin a 16-date UK headline tour later this week, including a sold out show at The Wardrobe in Leeds, on Tuesday, September 20.
The Sherlocks at Leeds Festival
For full dates and tickets visit thesherlocksmusic.co.uk
The Sherlocks on stage at Leeds Festival
Reading and Leeds Festival boss Melvin Benn
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival


Steven Fletcher is confident the goals will soon start to flow following a frustrating start to his Owls career.
The big striker, one of seven summer signings, has made four Owls appearances but has yet to open his account.
The 29-year-old, who is set to lead the line at Brentford this afternoon, told The Star: “It would be nice to get off the mark.
“I’ve been longer than a few games without a goal, trust me. This is what happens in football.
“All I want to do is create chances and score goals for the team, so hopefully it will come on Saturday.”
Fletcher sustained a nasty head injury on his debut which has hindered his impact. He was forced off in the 27th minute against Aston Villa following an aerial collision with Tommy Elphick and the wound required 10 stitches.
The former Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland centre forward then sat out the EFL Cup loss at Cambridge United and was deemed fit enough only for the bench against Norwich City.
Fletcher wore a protective headguard in Wednesday’s away fixture with Norwich and at home to Leeds United but insists he has now fully recovered from the knock.
“Obviously I’ve had a few ups and downs with a few injuries but I’m starting to get going now,” he said. “I’ve managed to get the headband off, so I’m happy.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
The Owls take on Brentford seeking to halt a four-match winless run.
Fletcher said: “There are a few grounds I’ve not played at in this league and Brentford is one of them. I’m looking forward to it.
“Brentford are a good side, it’s going to be a tough game for us, expecially down there but we’re looking forward to it.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Fletcher is sure Wednesday will respond quickly following back-to-back defeats versus Burton and Leeds United.
“We know our own ability and what we are capable of,” he said. “Last week wasn’t up to the highest standards that we put on ourselves and we are all looking to go out and put in a good performance at Brentford.
“There’s a long way to go. It’s early days and there are a lot of ups and downs for teams to have so that’s football for you. We have got our heads down and worked hard on the training pitch.”
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Sheffield Wednesday: Steven Fletcher targets Bees for first Owls goal


Steven Fletcher is confident the goals will soon start to flow following a frustrating start to his Owls career.


Sitting down to watch a cup draw of any nature as a Nottingham Forest fan has become a mundane task over the years.
Some of the more tedious ties in the past have included drawing teams such as Rochdale, Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers.
Defeats to the likes Accrington Stanley and Chester City also deserve a sizeable mention.
Last night became the exception for the first time in my 17-season tenure as a season ticket holder and after the Reds were the first ball pulled from the hat I fully expected to see Brighton or Gillingham pulled next, maybe even the ultimate underdogs Stanley once again.
When George Gavin of Sky Sports uttered the words Arsenal, I nearly choked on my peppermint tea.
I was fully expecting this to be a rehearsal, or a dream, such was my shock at Forest actually being handed a decent draw and under the City Ground lights too!
The 3-0 reverse at the hands of Chester will forever stick in my memory and goes down as my lowest moment supporting Forest.
Four hours and various trains to get there, peeing it down with rain for the entire 90 minutes and Gary Holt’s needless red card in the first-half all contributing to an horrific afternoon.
Arsenal is an intriguing and exciting tie for us long-suffering Forest fans and less than 24 hours after the draw, I can already feel excitement gathering among supporters on social media.
The Gunners are notorious for resting players in the League Cup and the question I ask is, after being embarrassed by Championship side Sheffield Wednesday last season in the competition, will boss Arsene Wenger make the same mistake again and name a weakened side?
If he does he could be in for a shock once more.
After a summer of inactivity in the transfer market I am not entirely sure the French manager can afford to be sacking off competitions with such ease, with sections of the Gunners faithful already calling for his head.
After waiting so long for a marquee side to arrive at the City Ground I am kind of hoping he sends several members of his star-studded squad.
Okay, so the likes of Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez rocking up on Trentside would probably ensure an emphatic defeat for the Reds, but how often are we likely to see these types of players as supporters of Nottingham Forest?
In hindsight, with Arsenal facing Chelsea in the Premier League the Saturday after their trip to the East Midlands, it is probably more Chuba Akpom, Calum Chambers and Alex Iwobi that we can look forward to instead.
Talk among supporters has turned towards tickets for the game with many seemingly unhappy that a lot of so-called ‘armchair’ fans will be at the game. You know the ones who buy a shirt, watch a few games on television and call themselves the oracle of all knowledge in relation to a certain team.
This is Nottingham Forest we are talking about.
Armchair or plastic supporters are, to me, the ones who support the likes of Manchester United while living in Mansfield, yet couldn’t navigate their way to Manchester, let alone recite the 1999 Champions League winning side.
I am sure that Forest has a lot of supporters who don’t go to the City Ground anymore.
Some might have family or work commitments now while others might just be disgruntled at year after year of disappointment.
Others might not be able to keep up with the financial implications which modern day football now has on people.
Do the above factors make it a bad thing that they want to come and be a part of a potentially special night in their club’s history? I don’t think so.
If anything they might come, enjoy being back at the City Ground and opt to come and see us entertain the likes of Aston Villa, Derby County and Newcastle United later on in the season.
A packed out City Ground under the midweek floodlights is a thing of beauty and I for one cannot wait for Arsenal to arrive!
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story FOREST BLOG: At last a good cup draw for the Reds! Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Sitting down to watch a cup draw of any nature as a Nottingham Forest fan has become a mundane task over the years.


FOREST BLOG: At last a good cup draw for the Reds!


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Ervins Mustukovs will get a rare respite on Saturday as Sheffield Steelers travel to Manchester Storm.
A friendly has been arranged just 24 hours before the same teams meet for the first proper domestic game of the
season, in the Challenge Cup.
With the Latvian netminder facing 122 shots in the last three torrid Champions Hockey games (average of 40 a night) the exhibition game gives coach Paul Thompson a chance to look out how second-string netminder Brad Day has developed.
The Manchester away game “gives me an opportunity to give Brad a game and play the two young boys” he said, a
reference to Cole Shudra and Liam Kirk. Thompson also has an eye on the remaining CHL game, against Red Bull Salzburg, who butchered his side 8-1 in Austria.
Steelers
He said his team has to fully evolve from a pre-season mode and he wants them to put in a “good, honest, hard-
working, smart performance” against Red Bull. Thompson gained solace from a good performance “over two periods” last Saturday against HV71. Storm, meanwhile, haven’t had the benefit of a testing pre-season, they start their’s against Coventry tomorrow, before welcoming Sheffield.
Meanwhile CHL sources have confirmed that they were unhappy with the state of Sheffield Arena’s ice quality in last weekend’s game.

Sheffield Steelers goalie gets a night off


Ervins Mustukovs will get a rare respite on Saturday as Sheffield Steelers travel to Manchester Storm.


National Theatre Live returns to Gainsborough next week with a screening of Terrence Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea live from London.
When Hester Collyer is found by her neighbours in the aftermath of a failed suicide attempt, the story of her tempestuous affair with a former RAF pilot and the breakdown of her marriage to a High Court judge begins to emerge.
With it comes a portrait of need, loneliness and long-repressed passion.
Behind the fragile veneer of post-war civility burns a brutal sense of loss and longing.
Carrie Cracknell’s new production stars Helen McCrory and Tom Burke.
The screening is at Trinity Arts Centre on Thursday, September 1 at 7pm.
Tickets are £12 and £10 on 01427 676655 or http://bit.ly/1coU3TT

National Theatre Live back at Gainsborough with Deep Blue Sea


National Theatre Live returns to Gainsborough next week with a screening of Terrence Rattigan’s The Deep Blue Sea live from London.


Two lanes are closed on the M1 near Chesterfield and Mansfield after a lorry turned on its side.
Highways England has tweeted informing that recovery work between junctions 28 and 29 for is ongoing and two Northbound lanes are closed with traffic backing up to junction 27.
Derbyshire police said they were called by the Highways Department but no officers have been dispatched.
Traffic reports say there is disruption between J28 for the A38 and Tibshelf Services, affecting J27 for the A608 Hucknall with long delays expecting to add 50 minutes onto travel times.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story BREAKING: M1 traffic chaos after lorry overturns Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Two lanes are closed on the M1 near Chesterfield and Mansfield after a lorry turned on its side.


BREAKING: M1 traffic chaos after lorry overturns


The types of cookies we, our ad network and technology partners use are listed below:
Revenue Science ► A tool used by some of our advertisers to target adverts to you based on pages you have visited in the past. To opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here.
Google Ads ► Our sites contain advertising from Google; these use cookies to ensure you get adverts relevant to you. You can tailor the type of ads you receive by visiting here or to opt out of this type of targeting you can visit the 'Your Online Choices' website by clicking here.
Digital Analytics ► This is used to help us identify unique visitors to our websites. This data is anonymous and we cannot use this to uniquely identify individuals and their usage of the sites.
Dart for Publishers ► This comes from our ad serving technology and is used to track how many times you have seen a particular ad on our sites, so that you don't just see one advert but an even spread. This information is not used by us for any other type of audience recording or monitoring.
ComScore ► ComScore monitor and externally verify our site traffic data for use within the advertising industry. Any data collected is anonymous statistical data and cannot be traced back to an individual.
Local Targeting ► Our Classified websites (Photos, Motors, Jobs and Property Today) use cookies to ensure you get the correct local newspaper branding and content when you visit them. These cookies store no personally identifiable information.
Grapeshot ► We use Grapeshot as a contextual targeting technology, allowing us to create custom groups of stories outside out of our usual site navigation. Grapeshot stores the categories of story you have been exposed to. Their privacy policy and opt out option can be accessed here.
Subscriptions Online ► Our partner for Newspaper subscriptions online stores data from the forms you complete in these to increase the usability of the site and enhance user experience.
Add This ► Add This provides the social networking widget found in many of our pages. This widget gives you the tools to bookmark our websites, blog, share, tweet and email our content to a friend.

Warning issued about rogue parking firms


Holidaymakers who are jetting off on holiday are urged to use official approved airport parking after a number of national complaints about rogue parking firms.


After reading the letter recently regarding having no toilets because of the alleged druggies. Well, I hope your readers can come together and write to their councillors and try to get Worksop back to what it used to be.
You can’t even walk the dog without seeing someone walking like a zombie or someone with their trousers round their ankles injecting into their groin or a gang stood with cans in their hands asking for money.
The council and the police informed me they were working together to get them out of the town, but there isn’t enough police to do it. Surely the soft option isn’t working. We want rid. Young children don’t need to see all this and think it’s normal. Far from it.
I have written to John Mann and the police commissioner at Nottingham and still I can’t walk my dog without seeing this filth all around me.
C. O’Sullivan
Address supplied

READER LETTER: ‘People with trousers round their ankles and injecting into their groin’ in Worksop says letter writer


After reading the letter recently regarding having no toilets because of the alleged druggies. Well, I hope your readers can come together and write to their councillors and try to get Worksop back to what it used to be.


Lincs Police are encouraging owners of Land Rover Defender’s and Discovery’s to be vigilant following a spate of thefts across the county.
Eight vehicles have been stolen from across the county over the past three months.
Two of these were found having been stripped of parts and another had been burnt out. The remaining five have not yet been found.
During this time there has also been 14 cases where thieves have stolen parts from a Defender or attempted to do so.
Sally Picker, Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor, said: “These incidents have taken place at both residential addresses and on farms and we need owners to be on their guard.
“If you have one, please make sure it is secure in a garage and is fitted with an alarm and tracking device.
“In some cases, thieves have still been able to make off with the vehicle or parts from it, but taking these measures significantly increases your chances of preventing a theft.
“If anyone sees someone acting suspiciously around a vehicle of any type, please report it to us on 101.”
Or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police issue warning to Land Rover owners


Lincs Police are encouraging owners of Land Rover Defender’s and Discovery’s to be vigilant following a spate of thefts across the county.


Frustrated title-chasers Papplewick and Linby were left cursing the weather for the second season running after their big top-of-the-table clash with leaders Farnsfield was sabotaged by rain.
Last term, they were denied the champions’ crown, and promotion back to the Notts Premier League, on a rain-hit final day. This time round, they had Farnsfield on the rack at Papplewick Hall, bowling them out for 155, before the heavens opened and the match had to be abandoned.
Victory would have given Papplewick a chance of overhauling the top dogs in the final two fixtures of the campaign that are coming up. But as it was, they took only ten points to Farnsfield’s seven from the rain-affected draw, leaving them fully 32 points behind their rivals in The Championship table and needing a miracle.
The bowlers to inflict the damage on the visitors were Simon Roberts, rolling back the years with 4-31, and the ever-reliable Jim Rhodes, who took 3-32. James Smith was the only Farnsfield batsman to offer any defiance, making 34.
The weather had a similar impact in most other matches across all divisions of the league. The only game to survive in the top flight was bottom-of-the-table Worksop’s trip to North Wheatley with Leverton, who eased their relegation fears with a quickfire win.
Wheatley skittled their visitors for just 77, with Jamie Sizer bagging 5-48, and then knocked off the runs for the loss only two wickets. Worksop are already down, and Whitwell are set to join them after a rain-affected draw at third-placed Clipstone Welfare.
The Derbyshire outfit owed a lot to batsman Andrew Shaw, who struck a terrific 112 in his side’s total of 202, especially as Clipstone duo Louis Sprigg (4-50) and Taylor Wright (3-54) bowled well. But the weather intervened before the hosts had a chance to begin their reply.
Elsewhere, struggling Edwinstowe were saved by the rain when looking set for inevitable defeat at home to Glapwell Colliery. They crashed to 96 all out against the bowling of Rasika Wijesinghe (4-13) and Danny Bircumshaw (4-43), and the visitors were cruising on 18-0 when stumps had to be drawn.
Batting was also not without its problems for both Retford and Anston. The former limped to 165 at home to Thoresby Colliery, despite 54 from Amit Kundra, as bowlers Mohammad Yasar (3-22) and Jack Willis (3-53) cut loose, while the latter made 181-8 at home to Notts and Arnold Amateurs. Both games were curtailed by the rain at or around teatime.
Not a single match was completed in Division One, leaving Blidworth Colliery Welfare 29 points clear at the top of the table with three fixtures remaining. Cuckney 2nd sit in second place, with Kiveton Park Colliery one point behind them, having played a game more.
The Second Division is still headed by Gainsborough outfit Lea And Roses, who are 30 points clear of Anston 2nd with three matches to play. Mansfield Hosiery Mills 2nd and Milton are still in the promotion race too. Division Three is topped by Waleswood Sports, who are 28 points clear, but have played a game more than a chasing trio separated by only three points.
CHAMPIONSHIP
At Sturton Road: WORKSOP (0) 77 (Jamie Sizer 5-48) lost to NORTH WHEATLEY WITH LEVERTON (20) 81-2 by eight wickets.
At Forest Corner: EDWINSTOWE (6) 96 (Rasika Wijesinghe 4-13, Danny Bircumshaw 4-43) v GLAPWELL COLLIERY (10) 18-0. Weather-affected draw.
At Cricket Field Lane: RETFORD (8) 165 (Amit Kundra 54, Mohammad Yasar 3-22, Jack Willis 3-53) v THORESBY COLLIERY (10) 7-0. Weather-affected draw.
At Ryton Road: ANSTON (9) 181-8 v NOTTS AND ARNOLD AMATEURS (9). Weather-affected draw.
At Papplewick Hall: FARNSFIELD (7) 155 (James Smith 34, Jim Rhodes 3-32, Simon Roberts 4-31) v PAPPLEWICK AND LINBY (10). Weather-affected draw.
At The Rookery: WHITWELL (10) 202 (Andrew Shaw 112, Louis Sprigg 4-50, Taylor Wright 3-54) v CLIPSTONE WELFARE (10). Weather-affected draw.
DIVISION ONE
At Ordsall: HARTHILL (9) 164-6 v ORDSALL BRIDON 2nd (8). Weather-affected draw.
At Burma Road: GRASSMOOR WORKS (6) 97-2 (Chris Fletcher 44) v BLIDWORTH COLLIERY WELFARE (6). Weather-affected draw.
At The Metcalfe Ground: WELBECK 2ND (10) 210-7 Tiger Dalby 66, Simon Harper 41) v EVERTON (9). Weather-affected draw.
At Langwith Road: KIVETON PARK COLLIERY (10) 190-8 (Aubrey Towler 102) v CUCKNEY 2ND (9). Weather-affected draw.
At Sheffield Road: KILLAMARSH (6) v CLUMBER PARK (6). No play – ground unfit.

BASSETLAW LEAGUE ROUND-UP: rain robs Papplewick and Linby in title race for second season running


Frustrated title-chasers Papplewick and Linby were left cursing the weather for the second season running after their big top-of-the-table clash with leaders Farnsfield was sabotaged by rain.


Carlos Carvalhal has spoken for the first time on his decision to leave Atdhe Nuhiu out of his match-day squad against Leeds United.
Striker Nuhiu, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Hillsborough over the last month, played no part in the Owls’ 2-0 home defeat last weekend.
Atdhe Nuhiu
Carvalhal paired Fernando Forestieri and Steven Fletcher up front and elected to name centre forwards Gary Hooper and Lucas Joao on the substitutes bench. Hooper was introduced at half-time after Almen Abdi suffered a shoulder injury.
Nuhiu has only started once this season, featuring in Wednesday’s EFL Cup loss away to Cambridge United, and has made three substitute appearances.
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
Carvalhal told The Star: “We have a lot of attackers. We played with two attackers and had Lucas [Joao] who was on the bench who was not involved in the game.
“It was a technical game.
“Atdhe is a professional player. When we have 23 to 24 players and you must choose 18, it is normal that some of them will understand that they won’t be involved.
“It doesn’t mean that in the next game they can’t play in the first eleven. Last season, this happened quite often.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
The Owls head to Brentford tomorrow without injured trio Jose Semedo (hamstring), Marco Matias (groin) and Filipe Melo (knee).
Midfielder David Jones, drafted in for an undisclosed fee from Burnley last week, is in contention to make his full debut.
Wednesday, without a win in four matches, have lost only one of their last 10 trips to the Bees in all competitions, winning five and drawing four.
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Sheffield Wednesday: Owls head coach Carlos Carvalhal explains Atdhe Nuhiu omission


Carlos Carvalhal has spoken for the first time on his decision to leave Atdhe Nuhiu out of his match-day squad against Leeds United.


The Tropical Butterfly House had an extra special visitor this Bank Holiday as the Gorilla Guy dropped by for one day only.
Visitors got the chance to meet the Gorilla Guy in the Wilderness Walk-through, which opened last year and contains Wallaby, Mara and Agouti.
They were also able to meet the wildlife centres other primates, the Ring-tailed and Red Ruffed Lemurs and other shows took place throughout the day.
Money raised on the day was for the Jane Goodall Institute which contributes to the preservation of chimpanzees and their habitats.

Tropical Butterfly House had a special visitor when Gorilla Guy dropped by for the day


The Tropical Butterfly House had an extra special visitor this Bank Holiday as the Gorilla Guy dropped by for one day only.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Steelers’ sniper Jesse Schultz admits that the chemistry between team-mates in the new-look Sheffield side will take a while to get right.
The winger was brought in to hit the net for Paul Thompson’s side, and he converted Sheffield’s first of the season in a friendly against Aalborg of Denmark.
But in the Champions Hockey League defeats to HV71 of Sweden (twice) and Red Bull Salzburg, the 33-year-old hasn’t found the net. “It is still early” he said
“We are still looking for combinations. There are guys I have played with in the past, it has been a few years...it’s going to take a while to get back in the sync. These are perfect games to try and get the chemistry back. We’ll be ready to go when the League starts.”
Schultz is not hiding from the coach’s criticism that the team concedes too many penalties. “It is frustrating for sure. It is something we talked about (previously) in the week - to limit their Power Play opportunities - we know it was our downfall.
“Unfortunately it happened again, (in the home game against HV) we were a little undisciplined, they have got a good PP and they made us pay. We are kind of playing with fire, I guess. It is something we need to improve on, no question.”
Steelers conceded eight at Salzburg, who visit Sheffield for the second leg on September 11.
“We were embarrassed by our performance there and definitely not happy with how we played. They are another quality team, like HV is, and we expect them to play just as well here as they did at home” said the forward, who played for SC Riessersee in the German second flight last season.
“It is going to be another test for us but we will be ready to go.”
Sheffield host Manchester Storm on Sunday in the Challenge Cup and the new boy said: “It is not a Nottingham rivalry by any means but it is a close game so it is going to be a big test for us. It is important to get off to a good start.”
Jesse Schultz: hoping the team will bond
He said they had played well in the majority of five-on-five game-time in the CHL and hoped the positives could be continued.

Video: Sheffield Steelers yet to find the right chemistry up front


Steelers’ sniper Jesse Schultz admits that the chemistry between team-mates in the new-look Sheffield side will take a while to get right.


Bassetlaw MP John Mann summited Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise funds for a an Armed Forces Covenant centre for Worksop’s former soldiers.
Mr Mann said he covered the cost of the gruelling climb himself and that “every penny” will go towards the new base, which would deal with housing, welfare and other vital services for the town’s ex-Army personnel.
The MP was inspired to scale Africa’s highest peak after seeing the difference the Armed Forces Covenant has already made in the district.
He said: “Without identifying individuals, one Bassetlaw example of how the Armed Services Covenant is already working is where a soldier who served in Afghanistan was badly impacted by the death of his comrades, and developed post traumatic stress disorder.
“Sadly, this led to conflict and violence with his wife.
“He pleaded guilty to assault and received help elsewhere in the country. His wife and their children left him and found housing through Bassetlaw District Council and A1 Housing.
“This could not happen without a council understanding the Armed Forces Covenant, which in unusual circumstances like this, applies to families as well,” Mr Mann added.
The North Nottinghamshire branches of the Royal British Legion and Helpfor Heroes, whose flags are now displayed at the top of Kilimanjaro, would operate from the centre should enough funds be raised to open it.
Mr Mann added: “I want to say a big thank you to Bassetlaw District Council and its leader, Simon Greaves, who has agreed to provide an office base in the heart of the council. It makes Bassetlaw the first place in Britain to have a proper centre for ensuring that the Armed Forces Covenant is delivered appropriately across the district.
“I am proud that we are the most advanced in the country in our support and I anticipate this new office base will deepen our commitment. The Covenant is not a policy to be filed, but an action plan that has to be carried forward.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served are treated fairly.
Find out more and donate at www.mann4bassetlaw.com.

MP’s climb in bid to open Armed Forces Covenant centre in Worksop


Bassetlaw MP John Mann summited Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to raise funds for a an Armed Forces Covenant centre for Worksop’s former soldiers.


Police have issued an urgent appeal regarding a missing Notts teenager who was last seen on Monday evening.
Kieran McQuaide, 16, is from Eastwood and officers are becoming increasingly concerned about his safety.
Kieran is white, of slim build and is around 6ft tall with black hair.
He was last seen wearing a sky blue t-shirt, beige skinny trousers, blue and yellow trainers with a thick white sole.
If you have seen Kieran or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 260 of 30 August.


Police have issued an urgent appeal regarding a missing Notts teenager who was last seen on Monday evening.


After months of rumours, Apple has all but confirmed that the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be officially unveiled on 7 September.
The tech giant has confirmed plans for a major media event in San Francisco next Wednesday where it is expected to take the wraps off the newest version of its groundbreaking mobile.
A second-generation iWatch is also expected to be revealed at the event.
Rumours around the iPhone 7’s specifications have been flying around for months. It is expected to be slimmer and lighter than the current iPhone 6S and there is a suggestion it could be waterproof.
Leaked photos also suggest it could do away completely with a headphone jack, replacing the traditional tangle of white wires with wireless Bluetooth-connected headphones.
There is also speculation that the larger 7 Plus will come with a dual-camera system.
It is likely to get a full HD 1080p edge-to-edge screen and a larger battery to keep users online for longer and address criticisms about the longevity of the iPhone 6.
Speculation about processing power has ranged from a dual-core processor like the 6S up to an unlikely hex-core but RAM is expected to remain at 2GB. Whatever the hardware, it’s likely to come with iOS 10 and the variety of functionality upgrades that brings with it.
Pricing is expected to follow Apple’s trend of keeping the cost of new handsets stable so the iPhone 7 will cost around £539 but that’s likely to come with 32GB of storage, a jump over its predecessor’s 16GB.

iPhone 7 launch date confirmed - and it’s soon


After months of rumours, Apple has all but confirmed that the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be officially unveiled on 7 September.


Yorkshire's Strictly Come Dancing ex-champions Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will quick step back home this weekend - to give free dance lessons to fans.
It coincides with the start of a new season of the hit BBC One show.
Strictly's most successful couple, now parents to one-year-old Valentina Rose, are returning to their family's City Limits Dancentre studio in Penistone Road, Sheffield.
They will take part in free taster sessions on Saturday, September 3, from noon to 2pm. Full details and more at www.city-limits.co.uk
City Limits is run by Sheffield born Darren's parents, former dance champions, Tony and Judith, and his twin brother Dale.
Darren, aged 39, and his Moscow wife Lilia, 37, are the most successful competitor couple of their generation, winning four British amateur championships, three UK championships and representing Great Britain at the World and European Championships.
They turned professional in 2003, winning the British National Professional Championship two years running and made the final of the World and European Championships.
But they became household names when they joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and won the show in consecutive years.
At his first attempt Darren, dancing with Jill Halfpenny from Eastenders, won the show and then went on to win the Champion of Champions dance off.
In 2005, Lilia waltzed off with the title while partnering Barnsley's own former Yorkshire and England cricketing star Darren Gough, after which they also went on to win the International Christmas special.
They went on to host their own West End show, Latin Fever, which they toured nationally and are today still regarded as one of Britain’s finest Latin American dance couples.
More recently they have worked on the Turkish and Lebanese versions of the Strictly TV show, Darren, born in Deepcar and brought up in Todwick, as a judge and Lilia as a consultant choreographer to the professional dancers.
Darren has also consulted on Danse Avec la Stars, the first series of the French version of Dancing with the Stars.
As well as being successful competitors and performers they have built up an International reputation as coaches, choreographers and first class trainers in both dance and corporate arenas.
They have also trained many of the top junior, youth and amateur couples, including the British Junior champions and No. 1 youth couple in the UK.
Darren's twin Dale said: "Strictly is back and we have Darren and Lilia joining us for an open day, with free taster sessions for children and adults to come along and see what being a student at City Limits is like.
"Fans can take part in one of our Ballroom and Latin classes led by Darren and Lilia.
"It runs from 2pm until 4pm, and we have a timetable of taster sessions throughout the day. Plus visitors can chat to our teachers and find out more about our new beginners' classes starting in September.
OPEN DAY TASTER CLASS SESSIONS
12.15-12.45pm: BALLROOM & LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA ALL AGES
12.30-1.00pm: STREETDANCE FOR ALL AGES 4-ADULT
12.30-1pm: BABY BALLET AND TAP
1.00-1.30pm : SALSA AND LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA
1.15-2pm: ZUMBA AND FITSTEPS TASTER
1.15-1.45pm: ADULT TAP
The pole fitness studio will also be open, for demonstrations and free workshops, from 12-2pm.
There will also be three Ballroom and Latin technique workshops for those wishing to develop their skills
2pm: Juvenile (under 12's), 45min, cost £5.
2.45pm: Junior (age 12 to 15), 45min, cost £5.
3.30pm, - Adult (age 16+), 60min, cost £8.
For more information about the open day and new class timetable, call he studio on 0114 234 4866 or visit www.city-limits.co.uk
Also visit Darren and Lilia's official website at www.darrenandlilia.com
* Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed this year's celebrity cast for the show, which returns on BBC One on Saturday, September 3, 6.50pm.
The line-up features EastEnders actor Tameka Empson, Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, Pop Idol winner Will Young, former Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, actor Danny Mac, newsreader Naga Munchetty, reality TV’s Judge Rinder, US singer Anastacia, model Daisy Lowe, GB long-jumper Greg Rutherford, gymnast Claudia Fragapane, presenters Laura Whitmore and Ore Oduba, DJ and presenter Melvin Odoom.
TV stars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be on hosting duties with the judging panel of Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and – in his final year – Len Goodman. For more visit www.bbc.co.uk

Yorkshire's Strictly ex-champs to give free dance lessons at City Limits


Club captain Glenn Loovens has expressed his relief over returning to action after a six-week absence.
Having recovered from ankle surgery, Loovens featured in the Owls development squad’s 2-0 victory over Birmingham City at Hillsborough today.
The Dutchman played over an hour as Neil Thompson’s team sealed their second successive home win courtesy of strikes by Claude Dielna and Warren Clarke.
Loovens told The Star: “It is always really good to get back out there after an injury. I have only been back in full training since Monday but I asked if I could play and hour and I’m glad I did. You can only do so much in training.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
It was the 32-year-old’s first outing since the Championship Play-Off final.
Trialist Reise Allansani
“I was struggling with the injury all season last year,” revealed Loovens. “I played through it with a lot of pain killing injections so I had to get it sorted.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Dielna opened the scoring in the 15th minute, curling in a glorious 25-yard free-kick.
After the break, Clarke lashed in the second before Daniel Cleary saw red late on.
*Owls: Dawson; Percival, Loovens (O’Grady 63), Dielna (Lee 83), Penney; Stobbs, Murphy, Clarke; Bus, Allansani (Centeno 35). Substitutes: Wallis, Rodney.
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

VIDEO: Owls captain Glenn Loovens relieved to put injury woes behind him


Club captain Glenn Loovens has expressed his relief over returning to action after a six-week absence.


DRUGS
Luke Clark, 25, of Laughton Way, Lincoln. Produced a quantity of cannabis. Discharged conditionally for 12 months, £20 victim surcharge and £50 costs.
ALCOHOL
James Bocock, 29, of Doughty’s Court, Lincoln. Drunk and disorderly behaviour. Discharged conditionally for six months, £20 victim surcharge and £40 costs.
MOTORING
Ryan Lovegrove, 23, of High Street, Gainsborough. Driving without an insurance policy. Fined £120, £20 victim surcharge and licence endorsed with six points.
Barry Crow, 67, of Outer Circle Drive, Lincoln. Speeding. Fined £440, £44 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endorsed with five points.
Emma Lane, 36, of Holly Street, Lincoln. Speeding. Fined £40, £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endorsed with three points.
Alastair McGuire, 37, of Edlington Close, Lincoln. Speeding. Fined £138, £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endosed with three points.
OTHER
Sara Dias, 29, of Ripon Street, Lincoln. Failed to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle who was alleged to be guilty of an offence. Fined £660, £66 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endorsed with six points.
Milan Enache, 43, of Archer Street, Lincoln. Failed to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle who was alleged to be guilty of an offence. Fined £660, £66 victim surcharge, £85 costs and disqualified for 12 months.
Ashley Joiner, 26, of Prial Avenue, Lincoln. Failed to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle who was alleged to be guilty of an offence. Fined £660, £66 victim surcharge, £85 costs snd licence endorsed with six points.

Lincs: See who has been before the court


Next week, Sheffield United begin another assault on the Johnstone’s Paint, Checkatrade Trophy or whatever else it’s called these days.
And do you know what? I hope they don’t end up contesting the cup in April. I hope Chris Wilder and his employers treat the competition with the contempt it deserves and select a team of kids who have never played a first team game in their lives and, with all due respect, will probably never make the grade at Bramall Lane.
Don't expect to see Jamie Vardy playing against Sheffield United next week
Because, let’s be frank, that’s what opponents Leicester City are probably planning after this summer’s ridiculous revamp of a tournament already struggling for credibility in the eyes of most lower league fans.
In case it has escaped your notice, 16 clubs boasting category one academy status were recently invited to participate following June’s annual EFL conference in Portugal. Most of these are to be found in the Premier League although many potential entrants, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United included, couldn’t be bothered to accept and politely declined the offer last month. A situation which has been described as everything from “amateur-hour” to a “complete and utter farce.” Given the lack of consultation involved and the obvious undertones, it is difficult to disagree.
In the past, I’ve defended the JPT as it used to be known. No club, especially those in the bottom two divisions of English football, should be choosy about winning silverware. Most footballers retire without having ever won a medal which, as Fernando Torres once argued, is the sign of an unfulfilled career.
But allowing top-flight sides, coupled with a few chancers from the Championship, to join this already subdued party means that it no longer possible. And not because watching United battle it out with Leicester’s under-23’s fails to float my boat. Rather, as many commentators have pointed-out, this whole sorry business stinks of League Three mission creep. (Consult Supporters Direct if you don’t know what that means).
Barnsley won last season's Johnstone's Paint Trophy, now known as the EFL Trophy
Hilariously, organisers have decided that a group stage format is the way to go this year. No more two-legged semi-finals to decide who visits Wembley. Those generated some interest. So the paying public is now being given less of what it does want and more of what it doesn’t. A simply inspired idea.
Threatening to fine Chris Wilder and his counterparts if they field under-strength squads is also nothing short of insulting. If United could field an academy team too I might, (and I stress might), even be in favour. But, unless they want to be punished financially, they can’t.
Joseph de Maistre said “every nation gets the government it deserves.” I hope the EFL gets the Checkatrade Trophy final it deserves too. Middlesbrough under-23’s versus Reading under-23’s in front of 300 or so disinterested fans.
Oxford United, who visit Bramall Lane tomorrow, were beaten in the final at Wembley

James Shield’s Sheffield United Column: What a complete and utter farce


Next week, Sheffield United begin another assault on the Johnstone’s Paint, Checkatrade Trophy or whatever else it’s called these days.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Carlos Carvalhal admits he is in the midst of his toughest period in charge of Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls sit fifth-from-bottom in the Championship standings after collecting a meagre four points from their opening four fixtures.
Carlos Carvalhal
Carvalhal’s troops go to Brentford tomorrow seeking to avoid a third successive defeat.
Their poor run of form has also coincided with Fernando Forestieri refusing to face Norwich City. The striker has since apologised for his “unprofessional” actions and been fined by the club.
Carvalhal, a surprise choice to succeed Stuart Gray in June 2015, said: “It has probably been my most challenging time at the club. I accept that.
“It has not been easy.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
The Portuguese chief says he will be relieved when the transfer window closes next Wednesday. He claims the market should be shut before the season begins.
“At the moment, it is very hard because we are preparing for the games, caring about the players, caring about the team, analysing possible players who can come and players who will move,” said Carvalhal. “Everything is on my shoulders and there is a lot of work to do.
“The situation is normal in football.
“After August 31, I believe that I will be a little more relaxed and focused because I can prepare the team.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Carvalhal is determined to strengthen his squad over the coming days. He wants a new left-back, who can challenge Daniel Pudil for a starting spot, and a left winger. Reports in Portugal yesterday claimed Wednesday have inquired about the availabilty of Braga’s Pedro Santos.
While Carvalhal is keen to increase competition for places, his top priority right now is helping Wednesday get back to winning ways after overseeing losses against Burton Albion and Leeds United.
He said: “We know what must do to correct the team. Sometimes you can have weeks like we had last week. These things can happen.
“We have had accidents and must react fast to them.”
Glenn Loovens, meanwhile, is set to feature in today’s development match with Birmingham City at Hillsborough, kick-off 12pm.
Goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith has been called up for England Under-21s European Championship qualifier with Norway next month.
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

VIDEO: Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal reflects on the ‘most challenging’ period of his Owls reign


Carlos Carvalhal admits he is in the midst of his toughest period in charge of Sheffield Wednesday.


Bottom of the table after four matches? Nae bother.
Stefan Scougall, who believes Sheffield United will shortly begin fulfilling their potential, is just glad to be playing football at all.
“For me, to be involved in this business every day is just brilliant,” he says.
“I’ll never take it for granted because, if things had worked out differently, I could easily have been out there on the roads. That’s why I work my b***s off every single time I’m out there. You never know what’s around the corner after all.”
For ‘out there on the roads’ read a job with Edinburgh City Council’s Highways Department. Scougall, demonstrating the strength of character and purpose Chris Wilder’s side require to arrest their poor run of form, once feared he was destined to earn a living digging holes rather than destroying defenders after being released by Hibernian as a youngster.
Before, as his presence in the squad which hosts Oxford United tomorrow demonstrates, proving his critics at Easter Road wrong.
“When I was at Hibs, I was released for being too small,” Scougall, speaking at the Steelphalt Academy earlier this week, continued.
“So I got a job at Sainsburys and applied to become a road worker alongside my dad. I was on the checkouts starting at 6am every morning so things are a little bit different now.”
“The job was good because it provided me with a little bit of money,” Scougall continued.
“I was part-time with Dunfermline Athletic at the time. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to go professional with Livingston and everything went from there.”
Chris Wilder must decide whether Scougall starts against Oxford United tomorrow �2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Scougall has spent 10 years battling and ultimately beating the odds. So, despite admitting the League One table does not make pleasant reading, he is not ready to dismiss United’s promotion prospects only four matches into a new campaign.
Scottish FA Cup winner Brian Welsh handed Scougall his big break at Almondvale before Bramall Lane came calling 31 months ago. But the managers and coaches who overlooked his talents, including Wilder’s predecessor Nigel Adkins, are responsible for shaping the 23-year-old personality and career.
“Brian was great with me,” Scougall said.
“I’d been on so many trials and was always getting knocked back because of my height. Mind you, the more I never got picked up, the more determined it made me to prove people wrong.”
Scougall looked set to leave Bramall Lane before Wilder's appointment in May �2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
United enter the meeting with Oxford 24th place after losing three of their first four matches this term.
Scougall, who expected to leave Bramall Lane after being loaned to Fleetwood Town last season, was granted a reprieve following Wilder’s appointment during the close season and scored during the defeat by Millwall last weekend.
“The start isn’t ideal but confidence is an issue,” Scougall said. “We didn’t look short of it down there.”

Sheffield United: When Stefan Scougall won supermarket sweep


Bottom of the table after four matches? Nae bother.


Sheffield Wednesday’s attempts to strengthen their squad could go right up to tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.
Head coach Carlos Carvalhal has made it crystal clear he still wants to bring in a new left-back and left winger.
“Those positions are the priority and let’s see if we achieve that or not,” he said. “The market is not easy.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
The Owls are understood to have recently expressed an interest in Rubin Kazan’s Chris Mavinga and Braga winger Pedro Santos.
And Wednesday are also big admirers of Middlesbrough’s Adam Reach, who spent the majority of last season on loan at Preston North End. Reports last night suggested the Owls were considering tabling a bid for the left-sided player.
Mavinga, meanwhile, has claimed on social media that the Championship club want to sign him.
Mavinga, who failed to make a single appearance in a two-year stint at Liverpool, said: “I haven’t signed yet but I’m glad to hear from #swfc is interested in me ... Let’s see guys !!!!”
He went on to say he “would like” to move to Hillsborough but has one year left on his Kazan contract.
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Although Wednesday’s main objective is to bolster their first-team squad, there is a possibility Carvalhal may allow some of his fringe players to leave on a temporary or permanent basis.
Carvalhal has stated Claude Dielna, Lewis McGugan and Sergiu Bus are not part of his long-term plans. The trio have not been allocated squad numbers.
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Sheffield Wednesday: Owls search for new recruits could go down to the wire


Sheffield Wednesday’s attempts to strengthen their squad could go right up to tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.


UPDATE: Traffic is speeding up in the M1 between Chesterfield and Mansfield after a lorry crashed onto it's side.
Initially closing the whole Northbound carriageway between junctions 28 and 29, highways workers have now managed to re-open all lanes, planning to complete recovery work later tonight.
Highways England said: "Three lanes have now been reinstated. The recovery has now been postponed until 9pm tonight. Traffic is now free-flowing past the scene in three lanes."
The authority tweeted informing to inform that the stretch of motorway between junctions 28 and 29 saw lane closures, with traffic backing up past junction 27.
Derbyshire police said they were called by the Highways Department but no officers have been dispatched, and there are no reports of any injured parties.
Queues are backing up as far as Junction 27 with delays expected to last around 50 minutes.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story OVERTURNED LORRY: Highways reopen all M1 lanes Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


UPDATE: Traffic is speeding up in the M1 between Chesterfield and Mansfield after a lorry crashed onto it


OVERTURNED LORRY: Highways reopen all M1 lanes


With its mix of world folk music and classic pop songs, The Musicality Singers’ summer concert in Worksop proved to be a big and enjoyable success.
Indeed, Greg Watson, the choir’s musical director, said they had produced their best performance yet from some of the hardest arrangements he’d ever set them.
He added that the performances of David Bowie’s Space Oddity and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah were so accurately haunting, he had been moved to tears.
Entertainment was the order of the evening, whether it was the rousing All Around My Hat, Janis Joplin’s Mercedes Benz or classic Abba numbers.
The choir’s youngest member, Elisha Woods, particularly caught the eye and ear with her solo during Freddie Mercury’s Somebody to Love.
As we’ve come to expect from The Musicality Singers, the evening proved to be an entertaining and enjoyable mix of singing and fun, and the choir are clearly going from strength to strength.

Musicality Singers going from strength to strength


With its mix of world folk music and classic pop songs, The Musicality Singers’ summer concert in Worksop proved to be a big and enjoyable success.


A man who committed a string of street muggings and day time house burglaries was jailed for a total of six years at Lincoln Crown Court.
Michael Lewis robbed two women in broad daylight after targeting them as he cycled around Gainsborough.
He also carried out five house burglaries in just 17 days before he was finally brought to justice.
Phil Howes, prosecuting, said that Lewis targeted a 31-year-old woman walking along Primrose Street in Gainsborough. He cycled up to her ands then snatched her bag. He ran off as she began screaming taking with him the bag which contained £40, bank cards and a mobile phone.
Five days later he deliberately rode his cycle into a 58-year-old woman as she walked in the town.
The court was told that Lewis then cycled further on and waited in an alleyway before pouncing. He grabbed at his victim’s bag as she tried to hold onto it. Eventually the strap broke and he fled with the bag.
Mr Howes said Lewis also carried out burglaries at houses in Portland Terrace, Caenby Close, Waterworks Street, Wheeldon Street and Elsham Walk in the town.
In a number of the raids he smashed in either the back or the front door to gain entry. He was linked to each of the burglaries because his fingerprints were found at the scene.
Lewis, 26, of Riseholme Road, Gainsborough, admitted two charges of robbery committed on July 25, and 30. He also admitted five house burglaries on dates between July 12, and 29.
He asked for a further two house burglaries, an attempted burglary, four thefts of handbags and as further three thefts to be taken into consideration.
He was given a three years jail sentence for the robberies with a three year consecutive sentence for the burglaries.
Judge Simon Hirst, passing sentence, told him “You have a bad record. There was plainly a degree of planning in these matters. This calls for a substantial prison sentence.”
David Eager, in mitigation, said Lewis made admissions at the police station following his arrest and then entered guilty pleas to the offences at the earliest available opportunity.

Man jailed for targeting two women and then mugging them in broad daylight


A man who committed a string of street muggings and day time house burglaries was jailed for a total of six years at Lincoln Crown Court.


Calling all dancing queens and super troopers, get ready for a night of Abba in Gainsborough this weekend.
Award winning Abba tribute band Revival are coming to Trinity Arts Centre on Saturday, September 3.
Revival have recently been voted as the UK’s official number one Abba tribute act by the Agent’s Association of Great Britain.
Shooting to fame after winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contenst, Abba were among the biggest stars of the 1970’s disco era with hits like Waterloo, The Winner Takes It All and Dancing Queen.
Revival takes their audience on a musical journey back to those heady pop-tastic disco days when Abba ruled the dance floor.
Their Gainsborough show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £15 on 01427 676655 or http://bit.ly/1coU3TT


Calling all dancing queens and super troopers, get ready for a night of Abba in Gainsborough this weekend.


A quick-thinking police officer from Worksop has been hailed a hero after rescuing a toddler from drowning on holiday.
Dan Radford, aged 37, was relaxing in the pool in Kos, Greece, recently when he spotted a small boy “swimming strangely” and swam over to check on him.
He said: “This tiny little lad looked like he was swimming in circles and something just didn’t look right.
“I swam over to him and it was obvious he wasn’t moving.”
Luckily, Dan’s police training kicked in and he “went into autopilot”.
He said: “I pulled him out of the water and onto the pool side. His face was blue and he wasn’t moving.
“I thought to myself ‘I’ll be doing CPR at the side of the pool in a minute’.”
Dan said before attempting CPR, he held the boy upright and gently squeezed his chest.
He said: “The water shot out of his mouth like a hosepipe, it was obvious he had swallowed a lot.
“Then a second later, the lad started crying, which is a good sign. If he had been left a moment longer he would have died.”
During the five minutes since spotting the young boy to saving his life, Dan said the boy’s parents came over to thank him.
Dan said: “His dad was completely frozen. He hugged me, started crying and said ‘I owe you my life – you have saved my son’s life’.
“The young lad, who turned out to be three, had been wearing an inflatable life jacket. But after lunch he had taken it off and jumped back in the pool without realising.
“His parent’s backs had been turned for less than a minute and there were around 40 people about.
“It just goes to show how easy things like this can happen.”
The young boy was taken to hospital and remained in overnight. He is now recovering well.
Dan, who was away with his wife Louise, 37, and his two sons Alex, nine and Lukas, seven, said: “It’s not the perfect way to start the holiday, but the main thing is that the young boy is safe and well.
“People at the resort kept coming up to me and calling me a hero, which gets embarrassing.
“I just did what anybody would have done.”

Worksop police officer who saved drowning toddler in Greece hailed a hero


A quick-thinking police officer from Worksop has been hailed a hero after rescuing a toddler from drowning on holiday.


Listen very carefully, Acorn Productions are presenting ‘Allo ‘Allo! in Worksop next month.
The stage version of David Lloyd and Jeremy Croft’s classic BBC sitcom is at the Acorn Theatre from September 28 to October 1.
And all the famous characters are there – Rene, Edith, Yvette, Herr Flick, Helga, Colonel Von Strom, Fairfax, Adamson, Michelle, Alberto, Gruber, Mimi, Le Clerc, Crabtree, Schmelling and the British airmen.
Performances are at 7.30pm each night, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets are £10 and £8 on 01909 501817 or www.acorntheatre.net


Listen very carefully, Acorn Productions are presenting ‘Allo ‘Allo! in Worksop next month.


The Met Office forecast for the East Midlands for today Wednesday, August 31 is for a cloudy day with sunny spells later.
Any early brightness will be short lived, as cloud and outbreaks of light rain spread east around the middle of the day.
However these should ease away through the afternoon, with sunny spells developing.
Maximum Temperature 22 °C.
Tonight the cloud will fade away with clear skies developing for most overnight.
There will be light winds and the risk of a few mist or fog patches by dawn.
Minimum Temperature 10 °C.

A cloudy day for the East Midlands with sunny spells later


The Met Office forecast for the East Midlands for today Wednesday, August 31 is for a cloudy day with sunny spells later.


Anything could happen today with the summer transfer window closing tonight.
Premier League clubs have already broken all known spending records for this summer’s transfer window with 12 clubs setting new transfer records for single deals, benefiting from the new £5.1bn television deal.
Arsenal’s £52m double signing of Lucas Perez and Shkodran Mustafi pushed top-flight summer transfer window spending close to the £1bn mark.
It has already surpassed the previous high of £870m set last year.
Here are the rumours floating around on deadline day . . . .
Monaco defender Fabinho could be a ‘left field’ arrival at Manchester United on deadline day, according to the M.E.N.’s Stuart Mathieson. “He’s one I wouldn’t rule out at all,” Stuart said at the M.E.N.’s live football event in Manchester on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old was interesting United a year ago but a move for the right-back failed to materialise. Despite Louis van Gaal’s departure, reports have suggested Fabinho could still move to Manchester.
Click HERE to read more
Jose Mourinho is furious with Bastian Schweinsteiger over the German’s refusal to leave Manchester United, according to reports. The midfielder has been told he won’t be part of Mourinho’s plans this season. But Schweinsteiger is happy to see out the remaining two years of his contract even if it means not playing. Reports earlier today claimed Sporting Lisbon had made an offer to bring him to Portugal. (Daily Express).
Click HERE to read more
Chelsea have made a surprise £32million move to bring David Luiz back to Stamford Bridge. The Brazil defender left for Paris Saint-Germain in June 2014 for £50million, a world record fee for a defender, but is ready to return to west London. (Daily Mail).
Click HERE to read more
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is set to join Crystal Palace or Bournemouth for the rest of the season so he can play regular first-team football. The 24-year-old met Palace manager Alan Pardew and Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe for talks on Tuesday. He played six times for England over the summer - including three games at Euro 2016 - but was not named in Sam Allardyce’s first squad this week. (BBC Sport).
Click HERE to read more
Tottenham have made a bid for Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko, according to Sky sources. The 27-year-old attacking-midfielder has wanted to leave the Magpies all summer after a successful Euro 2016 campaign with France. It is understood the offer is £16m, but Newcastle have reportedly been asking for as much as £30m for the player in recent weeks. (Sky Sports).
Click HERE to read more
Real Madrid star Isco wants a move to Tottenham, according to reports. It’s suggested north London is the midfielder’s preferred destination if he’s forced to leave the La Liga giants. A reporter at Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito of Mega said: “Isco’s situation at Real Madrid cannot continue. If he left his first choice would be to Tottenham.” (Daily Star).
Click HERE to read more
Burnley are poised to seal a deal worth in excess of £10million for Derby County midfielder Jeff Hendrick. The transfer would represent a club record fee for Burnley, topping the £8m cost of bringing Steven Defour to the club. Hendrick, the Republic of Ireland international, impressed for his country at Euro 2016 and Sean Dyche has been in pursuit all summer, originally opening with a £3m offer. (Daily Mail).
Click HERE to read more
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story FOOTBALL RUMOURS: United deadline day deal? Anger over Schweinsteiger, Luiz Chelsea return? Eagles and Cherries chase England star Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Anything could happen today with the summer transfer window closing tonight.


FOOTBALL RUMOURS: United deadline day deal? Anger over Schweinsteiger, Luiz Chelsea return? Eagles and Cherries chase England star


Organisers of a talent contest which raises money for charity are seeking entries.
Eckington’s Got Talent which will run on October 8 at the town’s Civic Centre, will aid Cardiac Risk in the Young and other charities.
Prizes for the winners will include cash, song track recording and trophies. The categories for entrants are ages 10 and under, 11 to 16 years and adults 17 years upwards. Entry costs are £5 per individual or £10 per group.
Admission for audience are £4 pre-booked adult, £3 concessions, £12 family ticket. On the night prices are £5 (adult), £4 (concessions).
To enter or for tickets, email: gparker018@yahoo.co.uk or call 07725 557197


Organisers of a talent contest which raises money for charity are seeking entries.


A Worksop chip shop owner who has been denied permission to dish up fried food at night has staged a protest against claims his business will “provoke anti-social behaviour” in the town.
Colin Barton says Bassetlaw District Council has a “vendetta” against him after rejecting his application to keep Nicola’s Fish Bar open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
In order to trade during night-time hours, Mr Barton was told he would need to employ two bouncers and install extra CCTV, as well as obtain permission from Nottinghamshire’s liquor team - despite the fact he does not sell alcohol.
Dozens turned out to Wednesday’s protest, which 56-year-old Mr Barton says he held as a last resort against the “countless excuses being made in order to close the chip shop”.
Angry demonstrators stood outside the council’s buildings on Queen Street, holding aloft banners and calling for more support for the Carlton Road business.
During the protest, Mr Barton said: “The council claim that, if it is open until late, my business will attract violent behaviour. I sell chips - so I find that notion bizarre.
“Why is it takeaways and bars are allowed to open until 3am but I am not? All I want is to make a living.”
Bassetlaw District Council has hit back at the comments, insisting that every business that applies for a late night licence is “treated fairly”.
Earlier this year, the council took Mr Barton to court after he was found to be trading beyond the hours of 11pm illegally- he was later fined £1,000.
Councillor Josie Potts, chairman of the licensing committee at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “In Mr Barton’s case, his application for a premises licence to sell late-night refreshments was refused at a licensing panel hearing following representations from Nottinghamshire Police. Mr Barton did not appeal this panel decision. Therefore, Mr Barton’s premises is not licensed to trade beyond 11pm.”
Mr Barton added that he had launched a petition which has reached 3,000 signatures from residents eager to see the council’s decision reversed so the chippy can remain open.
Resident Terry Haslam said: “When Colin took over the shop, it was empty and covered in graffiti. He has spent nearly £30,000 transforming it into an attractive and established business, which he should be praised for.”

“SAVE OUR CHIPPY”: Chip shop owner’s angry protest against council’s ‘vendetta’


A Worksop chip shop owner who has been denied permission to dish up fried food at night has staged a protest against claims his business will “provoke anti-social behaviour” in the town.


Even though rain washed out their latest match, Eckington have been crowned champions of the Mansfield and District Sunday League’s Premier Section.
They picked up six points from their abandoned fixture at Ashover, but they were enough to seal the title, with two games still to play, because their closest rivals, second-placed Hucknall, suffered a heavy eight-wicket defeat at Welbeck. The abandonment also confirmed Ashover’s relegation, along with bottom-of-the-table Teversal.
In Section One, Parkhead also saw their match cancelled without a ball bowled, but the six points took them level at the top with Handsworth. Kirkby Portland are only two points behind but have completed their fixtures, while Thoresby are just nine behind.
In Section Two, the promotion race is over, with Morton confirmed as champions and Holmewood runners-up. And the Section Three title-winners are Papplewick and Linby, ahead of second-placed Waleswood after both picked up a bumper haul of points at the weekend.
PREMIER SECTION
ANSTON (1) 114 (Marsh 34, Elliott 30no, Doughty 5-10) lost to CUCKNEY (20) 115-4 (Kotian 48no) by six wickets.
ASHOVER (6) v ECKINGTON (6) Abandoned (ground unfit).
HUCKNALL (2) 148 (Robin Maxwell 47, Josh Downie 69) lost to WELBECK (20) 149-2 (Jack Atherton 75, Richard Stroh 34no) by eight wickets.
SECTION ONE
COAL ASTON (20) 227-8 (Laurence Browes 100, Tom Griffin 36, Daniel Bearder 3-70) beat SOUTH WINGFIELD (3) 131 (Charles Jones 62) by 94 runs.
EASTWOOD (6) v PARKHEAD (6) Abandoned (ground unfit).
MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS (20) 160 (Matt New 66, Frith 33, Lee 3-14) beat UNDERWOOD (6) 154 (Holmes 32, Thorley 32) by 6 runs.
SECTION TWO
BLACKWELL (6) v NORTON OAKES (6) Abandoned (ground unfit).
CRESWELL (6) v MAREHAY (6) Abandoned (ground unfit).
HOLMEWOOD (0) 57 (Wilson 5-19, Richardson 3-23) lost to DENBY (20) 60-1 (Michael 33no) by nine wickets.
FRECHEVILLE COMMUNITY (20) 86 (Jack Moran 4-17, Jake Wild 3-2) beat WHISTON PCCC (4) 38(Adam Buckle 6-15) by 48 runs.
SECTION THREE
WALESWOOD (18) 203-9 (Aziz 91) drew with HOLLINSEND (8) 154-9 (Sharp 42, Hattersley 40, Ul Hak 5-54).
MANSFIELD (0) 57 (Gareth Blinkhorn 4-20) lost to PAPPLEWICK AND LINBY (20) 58-0 (Ratcliffe 34) by ten wickets.
SOUTH NORMANTON (17) 255-1 (Dixon 104no, Wilkinson 141no) drew with ALFRETON (4) 156-7 (Allford 3-12).

MANSFIELD LEAGUE ROUND-UP: champions Eckington are singing in the rain


Even though rain washed out their latest match, Eckington have been crowned champions of the Mansfield and District Sunday League’s Premier Section.


Carlos Carvalhal has brushed aside suggestions that Sheffield Wednesday’s midfield is too lightweight to thrive at Championship level.
Some observers believe the Owls have been overpowered, particularly in the centre, in their recent defeats to Burton Albion and Leeds United.
It was also a criticism levelled at Wednesday after Carvalhl’s side lost to Hull City in the Play-Off final last May, with Tom Huddlestone and Mohamed Diamé dominating that department.
Under Carvalhal, the Owls have earned rave reviews for their stylish passing football but his midfield quartet is on the small size. Barry Bannan, Ross Wallace and Almen Abdi are all under six foot and concerns are growing that Wednesday struggle to cope with teams who adopt a more physical approach.
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
Carvalhal told The Star: “It depends what you mean by physical. Barry Bannan is a very physical player with the way he moves and escapes the opponents. He’s clever and fast the way that he plays. It makes him a very strong guy.
“If you understand physical like rugby, I agree. But if you understand physical to play football I believe Barry and Kieran are two of the strongest midfielders in the competition.
“I don’t think we have lost the games due to the physical side. When we lose, of course maybe people start talking about this and this but I never put things down to the physical situation.
“We have guys who are not physical in size but are strong. There is no player in the Championship who runs more than Kieran Lee. He runs 13km per game. That is physical.”
Despite two slip-ups, Carvalhal has vowed not to abandon his principles, citing Barcelona as an example.
“I’m not a coach of rugby,” said Carvalhal. “I’m a football coach.
“Barcelona win everything and they play with Xavi, [Andrés] Iniesta and [Lionel] Messi. Do you say ‘let’s put a physical guy in and put these small, talented guys out as we need rugby players on the pitch?’
“It depends on the mentality. If you want to play direct football and win second balls like the past, it is an option. If you want to pay a ticket to see football, you must select the players to play football.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Carvalhal is expected to freshen up his midfield at Brentford as Wednesday look to halt their poor run of form. David Jones is in contention to make his first Owls start since arriving for an undisclosed fee from Burnley. It could be Wallace who drops out to accommodate Jones.
Whatever team he fields at Griffin Park, Carvalhal expects a strong reaction.
“Brentford are a very good side; I think they are better this season than last year,” he said. “They play with quality and have good players.
“We did a lot of correct things against Leeds. If we play with more soul and heart, the result will take care of itself.”
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Sheffield Wednesday: Carlos Carvalhal launches staunch defence of Owls midfield


Carlos Carvalhal has brushed aside suggestions that Sheffield Wednesday’s midfield is too lightweight to thrive at Championship level.


Sixties legends The Dreamers have a live date in Gainsborough this weekend
The group consists of band members, Alan Mosca, Bryan Byng, Colin Temple, and Steve Temple.
Alan and Bryan have been members of The Dreamers for more than 37 years, having been part of the original Freddie and the Dreamers with 60’s superstar Freddie Garrity.
The Dreamers enjoyed a string of hits in the 60’s with songs like You Were MAde For Me, If You Gotta Make A Fool of Somebody, I’m Telling You Now and I Understand (Just How You Feel).
They are at Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough on Saturday, August 27 at 7.30pm.
All tickets are £20 from the box office on 01427 676655 or online at http://bit.ly/1tgZiSf

Sixties legends The Dreamers live in Gainsborough this weekend


Sixties legends The Dreamers have a live date in Gainsborough this weekend


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Yorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks had a muddy great time at Leeds Festival - they drew a crowd of more than 6,000 fans then camped out with them.
The Sheffield indie four piece turned down a five star hotel and proved they are a real band of the people.
After packing out the Festival Republic stage they decided to pitched a tent in one of the muddy camp sites.
360 PHOTO: Take a look around the muddy camp site where hundreds of music fans also pitched their tents at Leeds Festival - CLICK HERE.
Frontan Kiaran Crook, aged 20, revealed: "We played our set then decided to camp through the night. We had an option to go into a five star hotel, with a jacuzzi and everything, but we decided to camp.
"We just love it."
He then joked: "We ended up camping next to the Red Hot Chili Peppers- I could hear Anthony snoring.
"But no, seriously, we love it. We love a bit of mud. We just thought, we might as well have the full festival experience."
Melvin Benn, Reading and Leeds Festival boss, said: "I didn't know The Sherlocks went and pitched up in the camp site. It doesn't surprise me. It's what my kids do. They want to be in the public camp site. Anybody who thinks the VIP area is the place to be, I can tell you it's a bit more boring."
Other Yorkshire bands who played at Leeds over the weekend included Sheffield's The Wired and Liberty Ship, Leeds band Dusk, Fighting Caravans, York based Faux Pas and many more.
The Sherlocks played to over 6,000 people then camped out with fans in muddy fields at Leeds Festival.
The Sherlocks, also featuring Kiaran's brother, drummer Brandon, 23, guitarist Josh Davidson, 22, and his brother and bassist Andy, 17, recently played the biggest music festival in the world, SXSW in Austin, Texas.
They also played at Reading Festival at the weekend but said Leeds, their Yorkshire homecoming, was the highlight of their year.
Kiaran added: "Leeds Festival is really important to us. It's given us a chance to pick up new fans. We had a blast. The tent was packed. It exceeded what we thought it would be.We're going on tour next month, starting in Brighton and finishing in Stockton, with a sold out gig in Leeds.
"It would be nice to do the NME/Radio 1 stage next year, I think that's where we are heading."
The Sherlocks at Leeds Festival
Brandon added: "We are at home when playing Leeds festival. Now we need to get an album out while we've got momentum behind us."
The Sherlocks, who will record their debut album later this year, begin a 16-date UK headline tour later this week, including a sold out show at The Wardrobe in Leeds, on Tuesday, September 20.
For full dates and tickets visit thesherlocksmusic.co.uk
The Sherlocks on stage at Leeds Festival

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Leeds Festival stars The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
If people expected sentiment they were sorely disappointed.
He might have spent six years in charge of Oxford but, as journalists discovered during yesterday’s pre-match media briefing, Chris Wilder does not do trips down memory lane.
“I’ve been at many teams in my career,” the Sheffeld United manager said. “I’ve had decent periods at all of them.
“So this is just another game. Another chance to try and win three points for my club which, as everybody knows, this has always been.”
Despite collecting only one since being appointed earlier this summer, Wilder was in determined rather than downbeat mood when he previewed tomorrow’s fixture at Bramall Lane. Yes, he acknowledged, United have not made the start he was hoping for. But no, the situation is not irretrievable yet.
“We have to look at all areas and see what we can do,” Wilder said. “It’s frustrating because we’ve not been smashed by anybody. I can’t think of a game where we’ve been totally ‘done.’ But, in a sense, that only makes it more annoying because, tee to green, I think we’ve been alright. It’s the individual errors which are killing us. That and failing to kill people off.”
Sheffield United is in no mood to get sentimental about tomorrow's game
Wilder’s attempts to turbo-charge an attack which, on paper at least, appears one of the best in the division were dealt a blow when Marc McNulty tweaked a hamstring during training this week. With concerns about Leon Clarke’s fitness and the form of Billy Sharp, the Scot was being considered for a starting role against Michael Appleton’s side.
“Marc will miss out,” Wilder confirmed. “He’s likely to be out for a couple of weeks. Leon was a doubt for Millwall last weekend but he said he was okay to take part and we thought it was right he led the line. He should train before this one and we’re monitoring him.”
“Marc is in my mind,” Wilder added. “He wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t. As I said during pre-season, we’ve got some good forwards here. Admittedly, they need to do better individually and as a unit. But they are good players. The forwards, when we get into the right positions, need to finish teams off because that puts a completely different slant on things. The players who haven’t been playing should be ready to say ‘this is my opportunity’ because, the reality is, we haven’t scored enough goals.”
Unfortunately, as Jack O’Connell’s last minute handball proved six days ago, United are not so penurious about gifting them to opposition teams. The visitors were on course to claim a deserved draw at The Den until the defender inexplicably punched Shane Ferguson’s cross. It was a ‘Phil Jagielka’ moment from the young centre-half.
“I’ve got to look at everything,” Wilder said. “Are the players we’ve brought in good enough to stay in the team? Are the players already here good enough to be in the team? Is the formation right? Are the combinations right? But, yes, we’ve got to stop killing ourselves with individual errors. Some of them, like the other day, you just can’t explain. What was going through his head? Jack probably didn’t know, at the exact moment, either. But I’m not going to kill careers here because the errors are uncharacteristic. We do, though, have to cut those errors out.”
“You saw what happened here with Jags (against Wigan Athletic) on the final day of the Premier League season a few years ago,” Wilder added. “It showed that players can play for England, be at the absolutely top of their profession and still be capable of doing things that make you think ‘wow, what was that.’ It was a poor decision in line with other poor decisions that have been made.”
Wilder, who won the Conference play-off final with Oxford in 2010, insisted he would not shy away from taking “big decisions” as United look to improve their results.
“We’ve made one already,” Wilder, highlighting the arrival of goalkeeper Simon Moore from Cardiff City, said. “People know that we won’t shy away from that. Equally, we won’t make knee jerk ones. We’ve taken the game to good teams like Bolton Wanderers and Millwall so we are doing something right. I don’t believe we’ve had the rub on occasions either. But I’m not going to deflect attention away from the fact that one point from four (matches) and the number of goals we’ve scored isn’t good enough. Not for me, the players, the supporters or this football club. Nobody is untouchable with the start we’ve made.”
Oxford won promotion after finishing as runner-up in League Two last term. Wilder, who lifted the title with Northampton Town before joining United, said: “The only thing I’m looking at is the game from my point of view and our point of view. Nothing else at all. We want to give our fans something to hang onto because they’ve not had much recently in terms of points and results.”

Sheffield United: Chris Wilder refuses to get sentimental about Oxford United


If people expected sentiment they were sorely disappointed.


The Outlines Festival will return to Sheffield City Centre in March next year with regional and breaking talent featuring heavily on the bill.
Emerging artists from across the area are being encouraged to apply to play at the event, with a number of slots available.
The full list of applicants will be processed by a range of music industry experts, and successful artists will be invited to join the event alongside a host of household names, with headliners to be announced shortly.
Kate Hewett, festival programmer, Kate Hewett, said: “New and unsigned artists are crucial to keeping a festival vibrant and exciting.
“Last year, we were able to introduce a whole host of impressive emerging talent to festival-goers, and we’re looking forward to doing the same for our second year.
Applications are open now via the festival’s website at outlinesfestival.com

Chance for new and unsigned talent to play at the Outlines Festival


The Outlines Festival will return to Sheffield City Centre in March next year with regional and breaking talent featuring heavily on the bill.


More than 7,000 objections have been made against the controversial plans for a new factory farm for pigs in Upton.
Opposition to the plans which is intended to hold nearly 2,000 animals has hit a new peak with 7,400 objections being submitted via Animal Aid’s website, urging West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) to reject the application.
The plans are to build two pig-rearing units, a straw storage building and a farmhouse off Cow Lane, Upton.
In January, plans for the farm were stopped following objections from more than 4,000 people.
The plans have now been resubmitted to the council, which has provoked the latest public outcry.
National animal protection group Animal Aid argues that the intensive farm, if approved, will cause a huge number of pigs to suffer in close confinement.
It also points out that the application raises serious public safety and animal welfare concerns due to inadequate provisions for dealing with fires, an issue raised by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Intensive farms liked the proposed development also pose a risk of disease outbreaks, such as MRSA and swine flu.
Isobel Hutchinson, Head of Campaigns at Animal Aid, said: “Aside from causing a great deal of animal suffering, these plans for a factory farm for pigs in Upton could have a significant impact on local quality of life.
“They pose a risk to the environment, to the health of the local community, and could spoil the area with noise, traffic and unpleasant smells.
“The latest public outcry shows just how unpopular these plans are, and we urge West Lindsey District Council to take this on board.
“We believe that the best choice for animals, the environment and the local community is to reject these plans.”
Objections include the smell, noise and traffic.
Peter and Diana Ford of Hawksland Close, Upton, said: “With the increase of traffic through our village, the noise will have a high effect on our daily lives.
“With increased tractor and lorry noise movements will effect the peace and quiet of the village. Some of the houses are close to the main road and the noise will impact on their lives.”
Don Spittlehouse, of Dovecote Close, Upton, has lived in the village for 30 years.
He said: “It does not seem feesable and financially viable to bring straw from the farmers land at Harpswell to Upton, and to take manure back to Harpswell. The cost of transporting in fuel and manpower alone doesn’t make sense. The pig units should be at Harpswell, where the applicant owns more than 60 acres of land.”
Beckside Buildings, the applicant’s agent, were unavailable for comment.

More than 7,000 objections to pig rearing farm plans in Upton


More than 7,000 objections have been made against the controversial plans for a new factory farm for pigs in Upton.