Sheffield FC 4–1 Bottesford Town
📍 Home of Football Stadium
📅 Saturday 25th October 2025, 15:00 KO
🏆 NCEL Premier Division

Bottesford Town’s recent run of good form came to an end on Saturday afternoon, falling 4–1 away to Sheffield FC in a frustrating afternoon at the Home of Football Stadium.

It was a bright start from Leigh Herrick’s side, who controlled the opening twenty minutes with confidence and composure. Okera Simmonds continued his fine form by giving Bottesford an early lead in the 7th minute, showing great control and a composed finish to put the visitors ahead.

Moments later, Jack McMenemy was inches away from doubling the advantage as his effort struck the post. However, the Poachers were dealt a blow when Mason Chaffer was forced off through injury after just fifteen minutes, replaced by Steve Ridley.

A controversial moment followed when a clear push in the back on Alex Render appeared to go unnoticed by the referee, allowing Sheffield to equalise in the 21st minute. The hosts then capitalised on their momentum, adding two more goals before the break — both from crosses that weren’t dealt with defensively.

At half time, Oakley Hill was replaced by Harry Roddis, as Bottesford looked to regain control. The Poachers created a few half-chances but neither side managed a clear opportunity early in the second half. Jake Brown came on for Blake Gregory in the 57th minute as Herrick’s men searched for a response.

Simmonds thought he’d grabbed his second of the afternoon on the hour mark, finishing neatly before being denied by a dubious offside flag. Moments later, he was shown a ten-minute sin bin, adding to Bottesford’s frustrations.

Just three minutes after that, another key decision went against the visitors when what looked a stonewall penalty was waved away despite the Sheffield goalkeeper having his hands across Alex Render’s face. In the very next attack, Sheffield went up the other end and scored their fourth goal in the 66th minute.

Aris Cunha replaced Jaxon Borland after 70 minutes, and despite Bottesford pushing to the end, luck wasn’t on their side. In stoppage time, Simmonds was sent clean through on goal and taken down — a decision that initially looked to bring a red card and free kick, but after confusion, the referee overturned his call to the disbelief of the Bottesford bench.

The match ended 4–1 — a frustrating result after such a strong start and a series of contentious decisions.

The Poachers will look to bounce back quickly when they return home to face Handsworth on Saturday 1st November.