Sheffield, The Home Of Carling Lager

Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme A 3 v Sheffield United Community Foundation A 1 

Community & Education Football Alliance League, North Central 1 

Wednesday 7 February 2024 

Played at Jubilee Sports & Social Club, Sheffield 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #47 

Ground Tick #471 

Different Ground watching a Sheffield United XI Tick #233 

Nostell Miners Welfare 0 v Brigg Town 1 

Northern Counties East, Division One (Step 6) 

Tuesday 6 February 2024 

Ground Tick #470 

The Jubilee Sports & Social Club ground, out in S6, is (among other things) the home of the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme. That was my 471st ground tick. And my 233rd different ground watching a Sheffield United XI.

But, as I'm a Beer Blogger, I can also tell you that the Jubilee Ground is the Home of Carling Lager!!!

Yep. Not a typo. Sheffield famed for traditional brands such as Stones and Wards. The (re)birth place of independent UK cask ale at Kelham Island. Sheffield, home to a myriad of traditional and push ahead independent breweries. Sheffield is the Home of Carling Lager. And, Jubilee Sports is the Hopicentre (not bad…).

In 1892, Christopher Carter, Eleazar Milner & George Bird founded a brewing business based on Mowbray Street, Neepsend, Sheffield. The business grew quickly in the 1930s, fuelled by the introduction of Jubilee Stout. Jubilee became a national brand. And, following redevelopment at their original location, production was moved to Clay Wheels Lane in Sheffield 6. Keeping the original name - the Hope Brewery.

In 1942, the company merged with Henry Tomlinson Ltd. And the name of the Clay Wheels Lane brewery was subtly changed to - the Hope & Anchor Brewery.

Based on the success of Jubilee Stout, the Company was able to merge with/acquire a number of other breweries and (what we'd now call) pub chains.

After the War, beer consumption in the UK fell. Companies and the Government looked to overseas markets to keep the economy ticking. Jubilee Stout was one of the products up for grabs at the Canadian International Trade Fair in Toronto in 1949. As part of that, Jubilee Stout was airlifted to Toronto.

Eventually, that lead to a deal with Canadian Breweries (CBL), allowing them to brew and sell Jubilee Stout in Canada. But, it was a reciprocal deal. The Hope & Anchor Brewery, on Clay Wheels Lane, where I've just ticked my 471st ground, and 233rd SUFC ground - got Carling Lager in return. And production of Carling in Sheffield began in 1952.

As ever in the brewing industry, there were takeovers a-plenty. Familiar names Charrington got hold of the Hope & Anchor in 1962. And in 1967, Bass got hold of that lot. 

Under the Bass stewardship, the Hope & Anchor increasingly became a brewery for bottled beers. Including, one of the small number of bottled conditioned beers - Worthington White Shield.

The Hope & Anchor was closed in 1994. The Sports & Social Club on the site was called Jubilee. In a nod to the history of the site.

“Shouldn’t they have called it - The Carling Sports & Social Club - Phil?”

Did I buy a tin of Carling from that Sainsbury's at the bottom. And drink that as the game kicked off?

No, I fucking didn't.

Do I wish I had bought a tin of Carling from that Sainsbury's at the bottom. And drunk it as the game kicked off?

Yes, I fucking do.

Speaking of the kick off. Mucho discussion-o among the Carrier Bag Firm as to the EARLIEST kick off we'd ever ticked. At 9:45am, this one is deffo in the frame. 

“Aaahhh, I see Phil, it would have been too early for a beer anyway, Carling or otherwise.”

“What is this - too early - you talk of?”

(I am indebted to the historical work on the Hope & Anchor Brewery researched by Dave Pickersgill on behalf of Sheffield & District Campaign for Real Ale)

The Being Educated Blades got beat three one.

The night before, I had ticked my 470th ground out at Nostell Miners Welfare.

In the absence of Carling Lager, the Beer Of The Blog was in;

The Old Shoe

Unit 20 Orchard Square, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2FB

A magnificent 14 on Keg, and two Cask.

Shiny Brewery (Little Eaton), I Don't Want Spaghetti Again, West Coast IPA on Keg at 6.4%

Simcoe, Mosaic, Amarillo and Chinook. Carling? Different Hop Profile bro’.

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He Doesn't Live On Shoreham Street

Sheffield United 2 v Brighton & Hove Albion 5 

FA Cup Fourth Round 

Saturday 27 January 2024 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #42 

Sheffield United U18 0 v Birmingham City U18 2 

U18 Professional Development League 

Saturday 27 January 2024 

Played at Shirecliffe 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #41 

Sheffield United Community Foundation A 3 v Derby County Community Trust B 0 

Community & Education Football Alliance League, North Central 1 

Wednesday 24 January 2024 

Played at Handsworth 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #40 

This week's beer adventure was on Woodseats. I was brought up at the bottom of Woodseats Road in Sheffield. My Dad used to play snooker in the Woodseats Social Club. One year, the Committee did the end of year numbers and found they could offer Members 5p off a drink. My Dad and his mates immediately switched to drinking halves. That way, they got 10p off a Pint rather than a Bob. Fuckers.

Over Christmas 1977, I worked behind the bar in The Big Tree. Baptism of fire, that ‘un. A coach used to go from the Tree to Sheffield United away games. They called it - The Snakebites FC - coach.

Previously, I've been a #BigFan of Guzzle MicroPub on Chesterfield Road. But, recently, a number of other pubs/bars have opened on Woodseats. So, I went for a big catch up.

The Boston Arms

676 Chesterfield Rd, Woodseats, Sheffield S8 0SD

By the gennel, on a corner plot, next to Woodseats Primary School. Bar in the front room with some seats. A separate side room. And, I hear, some additional seats up top. When I went in, there were three Casks on. Including Abbeydale Moonshine. And a Keg list that was a tad safe & uninspiring. It's context ain't it? SALT Loom, the best in ground footie beer around. A go to. But, if it turns up on Woodseats, I'm all - fuck me, not again.

Still. I was on a little bit of a crawl. And I can only drink one at once!

Brew York, JARSA, IPA on Cask at 3.7%

They've acronymed it bruv. From Juicy And Refreshing Session Ale. Very nice beer. The initial burst is citrus. That hails a long way down. But there is some tropical fruit down there.

Mesters Tap

706 Chesterfield Rd, Woodseats, Sheffield S8 0SD

Same side of Chesterfield Road. The other side of the ‘spoons. Opposite Woodseats nick. My mate Craig was once locked up in Woodseats nick after a United home game. When he came to on the Sunday morning, the Copper asked him his name and address.

“What you asking me that for? You've locked me in all night. So, you must have took those details when I came in.”

“We did Sir, but we don't believe you're called Keith Edwards. And we don't believe you live on Shoreham Street…”

The outlet for Little Mesters Brewing. A single room affair. There was a hand pull. But no sign of anything on it. Seven on Keg. But those included Camden Hells, Pale and Stout.

For the uninitiated, Little Mesters was the phrase given to self employed craftsman in Sheffield. Often self employed in the cutlery game. The last living Little Mester was reputedly Stan Shaw. Stan died in 2021, aged 94. Legend has it he made knives for the Queen, US Presidents and Elvis Presley. Stan was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2017 for his services to manufacturing in Sheffield.

Little Mesters Brewing, Stan, IPA on Keg at 4.6%

That was named after Stan Shaw. It was an OK, but safe, keg IPA. Falling a little way short of the sort of Craft Stan and the other Mesters were famed for.

A longer schlep along Chesterfield Road, past The Big Tree, to a Gaff I did not even know was there until my guide/kidnapper pointed it out.

The Herd

5 Holmhirst Rd, Woodseats, Sheffield S8 0GU

The best way I can describe it is - a mini food court. The Baaa (fuck sake). No Forks Given (breakfast and street food). Dough Bros pizza. And maybe others. I was too taken aback by the wonder of it all. And this is in Woodseats.

SALT Huckaback, Hazy IPA on Keg at 5.5%

Mosaic, Citra and Amarillo Hops. The Citra coming through. A lot. Just the right amount of joooooce.

So, finally, just across the road to;

Guzzle MicroPub

843 Chesterfield Rd, Woodseats, Sheffield S8 0SQ

I've still got great feelings about Guzzle. I just think their throughput means there'll always be a new and interesting cask doing the rounds.

Neepsend Brew Co., Alphito, Hazy Pale on Cask at 4.7%

Superb. Double dry-hopped Mosaic and Azacca. Wheat and oat malt base. Smooth as your chosen smooth thing. But some dandelion bitterness coming in.

Very enjoyable little trail up in Woodseats. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. I inevitably felt the Boston Arms beer choice was a bit "safe". I found the Mesters a bit odd. Didn't really feel like they were showcasing their own beers. Herd was a surprise and lovely.

But I still feel Guzzle is the best of a good bunch.

A poor show from the U18 Blades. Who couldn't really get anything going at all. Although, they were a bit better after the substitutions. The Young BlueNoses extending their lead at the top. They're now five points clear of Crewe. And, seven clear of Barnsley in third. Birmingham certainly fully deserved their points from this one. United remain in eighth. 

Ryan Andrews in goal.

Set up as a back three this week. Prunty (armband and attitude) in the middle, Okyere on his right, Tahir on his left. Sam Colechin wide right and George The Trialist wide left.

Jackson Blaize up top on the right, Marshall Francis on the left. Looked like Sam Aston anchoring midfield this week. Billy Blacker to the left, Ethan Cummings to the right. But, they were very fluid across there. 

Ethan Cummings fired wide on 24. But chances were scarce at both ends, despite BCFC being well on top. The Young Blades conceded on 41. George The Trialist made a mistake on the left corner of the penalty area, got robbed, and as Keeper Andrews came out, the striker went down over his outstretched arm. Penalty. From a defensive error. It's Shirecliffe. There's not many watching. You can hear what the players and staff are saying. That's part of the fun. Penalty. From a defensive mistake. And didn't Jayden Prunty let EVERYONE know who had made the mistake, and what he thought of him.

Keen readers will recall that Prunty had onfield slanging matches with both the bench and teammate Beattie, last week at Barnsley.

Ryan did really well to save the Pen. And, got an awful lot on the second go off the rebound. But he couldn't keep it out. One Nil Blues. The nearest defender to the scorer as he tracked down the rebound was George The Trialist. So, Prunty had another fucking go at him for not getting there first.

There's passion. And there's leadership. And there's out and out bullying. This Blog has been a supporter and “friend” to many Academy Lads over the years. But, we call it as we see it. Always.

“Jayden, you can fuck off with that eyeballs out berating of your teammates anytime you fancy.”

George The Trialist didn't come out for the second half. I hope he was putting Deep Heat in Brunty’s keks. Like for like Mekhi Haughton-Parris replacing George.

We went two down on 60. Failed to clear a corner. And the West Midlands Lad lobbed/volleyed it back in.

The Coaches changed it all up after that. Noah Kiwomya coming on for Marshall Francis. Blaize dropping back into midfield. With Blacker and Noah up top. We looked much more lively and coherent after that. Kiwomya even hitting the bar on 83.

But, that was it. Everyone back to the dressing room for a bollocking from Prunty!!!

Good team to watch ain't they Brighton? Just constantly looking to move it. And move it accurately to someone's feet. Not hopeful hot potato like a lot of United's play. And then. They don't give you a moment. Good positioning in the first place. And boom. They're on you. And, you feel they've got that decisive, clinical thing going on in the opponent's box. Not a bad fucking blueprint that.

Cup Run(neth) Over.

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Is It Safe?

Sheffield United U17 2 v Crewe Alexandra U17 1 

U17 Professional Development League Cup, Group C 

Thursday 9 November 2023 

Played at Shirecliffe 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #23 

Sheffield United Community Foundation U19 4 v i2i International Soccer Academy "Green" 1 

National Football Youth League, North East Championship 

Wednesday 8 November 2022 

Played at Handsworth 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #22

Sheffield United Community Foundation A 1 v Doncaster Rovers College A 3 

Community & Education Football Alliance League, North Central 1 

Wednesday 8 November 2023 

Played at Handsworth 

SUFC 2023/24 Game #21 

NBDR 

No Beer Don't Read 

The usual ballache getting in at Shirecliffe. If you turn up in a car, they give you a cursory look, lift the barriers and let you in. If you say you're a player's relative, they give you a cursory look, and welcome you in. But, if you're in the Carrier Bag Firm, and turn up on foot, three stewards descend out of the hut to ask for your credentials.

"No point me telling you anything other than the truth. I'm a Sheffield United fan. Our Academy team are playing over there. I can more or less see them from here. Warming up on that pitch there. With the lights on. I want to come in and watch the game please."

The main word you will hear is NO. Although, fair play, you will hear SORRY quite a lot. Security will deploy the word SAFEGUARDING. You, as a former producer of the School League Tables, who once had access to the details of every child who has been through the English & Welsh education system since 1970, will know full fucking well what SAFEGUARDING is thank you very much. You will not say that. Because it won't get you anywhere.

You will be told you need a MATCH PASS. You, will know full well that no such fucking thing exists. As car after car and "relative" after relative is waved in with no suggestion of a MATCH PASS, you will not say that. Because it won't get you anywhere.

You will be bombarded by any amount of nonsense fuzzy logic as to why you can't come in. That logic will evaporate while the words are still cloudy vapour in the cold, November S3 air. You will not say that. Because, on this occasion, confronted by this scenario, logic is your enemy.

You know, in your ever colder bones, that the longer you stand there, being told you can't come in, the more people will be let in with a cheery wave. And, guess what, the guys on the gate are FUCKING HUMAN. And they will begin to understand the ridiculous dance we are all in. 

Key at this point is - don't make them back down. Don't make them feel uncomfortable. Put it on someone else.

"Of course. Of course. I fully understand. But, you'll understand my disappointment. I've spent ages getting here. On a miserable night. I'm just disappointed. You are letting people in. I can see that. I just think if you explain to the office that there's some poor old guy here, who's come miles, and just wants to watch the game. They'll give me permission, like all these other people you've let in have got permission. I'm just disappointed is all. You'll understand my disappointment."

At this point, proximity is important, take five paces away, let them be the Alphas. You fucking know you're getting in. They still think you're not. Look at the floor. Avoid eye contact.

Mutter. Mutter. Mutter. (Pretend conversations on Walkie Talkie).

"Thank you Sir. We've now had clarification. The pitch is over there."

The U17 PDL Cup is played under lights. At Shirecliffe, that means the plastic pitch. At Shirecliffe, that means one of the pylons will inevitably be out and it will be virtually impossible to see that part of the pitch and the play. 

A ninety mile an hour, no composure, chests out, adrenaline game. Very feisty at times. The fucking swearing was appalling. You wouldn't think they'd want that in such a Safeguarded Environment would you. Both teams were giving needless fouls away all over the parts of the pitch I could actually see. On 24, one of those resulting free kicks just outside the Blades box ended in the opening Alex goal.

A great equaliser just before half time. And on 75, United won it. Crewe failed to clear a corner. It did fall nicely to the United youngster. But, the technique and power on the shot was phenomenal.

That leaves the group wide open. In this format, you only play each other once, three games each. After last night, United, Crewe, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday have all played two, won one, lost one. All four sitting on three points, one to play.

No such shenanigans for that double header at Handsworth. Of course, during the week, Handsworth actually IS an educational establishment, a school, a college. Some of the SUFC Community teams play in the Community & Education Football Alliance League. But, proper safeguarding risk assessment, and proportional measures mean we're good to go.

i2i International Soccer Academy is a does what it says on the tin private Football Academy run out of Northumbria University and Leeds Beckett. England Youth, Leeds United, Sampdoria, Hellas Verona & Torino midfielder Ronaldo Viera is an i2i graduate. Of course, Ronaldo was also a Sheffield United transfer target back in the day. That turned into a fairly comfortable 4-1 run out for this Learny Blades team.

Although, earlier in the day, a Doncaster Rovers team were too strong for the United A team.

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And Coulibaly Makes Forty Three

Sheffield United U21 3 v Wigan Athletic U21 3 

U21 Professional Development League 

Tuesday 10 January 2023 

Played at York City 

SUFC 2022/23 Game #41 

Sheffield United Community Foundation A 2 v (Manchester) City In The Community C 2 

Community & Education Football Alliance Men's Cup 

Wednesday 11 January 2023 

Played at Handsworth 

SUFC 2022/23 Game #42 

What the fuck was he thinking? We were sat in the downstairs bar of;

House Of Trembling Madness (Lendal)

14 Lendal, York YO1 8AA

one of our "regular" York haunts as the city becomes our U21 home. Door opens. Matey comes in wearing an eye-catching grey woolen greatcoat. Vaguely military. The bar goes silent. If someone had been playing the piano (hint, there isn't one), they would have stopped. All eyes on this fairly distinguished gentleman. And particularly on the fucking Nazi SS flashes on his lapel.

What the fuck was he thinking?

At that stage, I was well down a;

Verdant Brewing Co (Cornwall), Big Stupid Westy, West Coast IPA on Keg at 6.5%

I'm reasonably confident that's the Mosaic version. It was brilliant. Not hazy, but just a bit opaque. There was an insanely big fruit hit. I could listen to peach bids. But, there was a lot of tangerine on it for me. Sugared up an' all. There wasn't too much of a hop bitter take me home. But, the balance felt riiiiiight. I don't know if it was suitable for invading Poland.

The Professional Development League basically has had a mid season break. This is our first league game since the 3-0 win against Crewe Alex on 25 November. Although there have been some Premier League Cup games since then.

Going into today, United were six points clear of Burnley at the top. P14 W9 D2 L3 Pts29. Today's opponents the 'Tics were in third on 20 points. We won 2-0 away at Wigan in September, with a Theo Williams brace.

The player churn at the moment seems very high. Kids going out on loan. Kids being brought back from one club and loaned out to another. First teamers recovering from injury sent down for rehab. A colossal forty two players used across the previous 19 league and cup games.

And. Ismaila Coulibaly makes it forty three.

After coming on at Millwall on 90. And just doing the +, Ismaila lasted an hour here, before being subbed off for the lesser spotted Antwoine Hackford. Coulibaly basically anonymous.

Ismaila set up in a very distant and disjointed midfield. Chaz Staniland anchoring, often deep, in front of the three. The other Millwall pluser, Andre Brooks mainly left and Ismaila mainly right. They never seemed close enough to each other to be called teammates. I hope they shook each others hand at the end, because that would have been it.

When Hackford came on, he partnered Will Osula up top, Louise Marsh withdrawing into "the ten". I'm not going to say that worked any better. Because it didn't.

Finley Potter in the middle of the three. Ky Gordon right. Nix Gomis t'other side. Callum Hiddlestone number one. Generally, and collectively, sloppy. Potter (I think) and Hiddlestone (deffo) getting into a right old pickle to give the ball away and be horrendously out of position for Wigan's first on 25. Hiddlestone coming out and not getting there for Wigan's second (and equaliser) on 49. Potter (I think) going to ground and missing the tackle, Callum clumsily out with his feet first to concede a penalty on 81. Looked to me like the penalty hit the post (rather than - was pushed onto the post), but, fair do, Callum did get down to that side. But, a 'Tic came in first from outside the box and put the rebound away for the 3-3 equaliser.

Potter and Hiddlestone have had much better games. And they need to get back into a groove.

I suppose Osula caught the eye most. I've said it before. He looks like a striker. Moves like a striker. And does striker things. He was in a physical battle all night. But, nice and calm, no red mist. Oli McBurnie was in the stands as a spectator. He probably had the fucking red mist just watching.

Will scored on 17. Lovely bit of short burst movement to create the space. Trick n flick turn on the edge of the box and efficient left foot finish. Andre Brooks put us two zip immediately. Marsh turning nicely on halfway. Finds Brooks just inside on the burst. He takes it from the centre circle to the edge of the box and calmly slots home.

Then, the two Wigan goals fiasco. Some (for once) neat midfield linking put Hackford in a yard of space, he drove on and was brought down for a penalty on 77. Osula put the penalty away to put us 3-2. Before that disappointing Wigan leveler.

I haven't mentioned Jili Buyabu, who was left wing back. And U for Unidentified Trialist wide right. Trialist lasted the 90. And, well frankly, he was the catch the eye standout behind Willie O. Fast and comfortable with the ball. Fitted in well with "the system". Got a bit carried away with overhit crosses when he was released wide right. And must have fucking wondered what was going on inside him with the keeper and three.

All told. Not awful. Could have won. But sloppy at times.

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I have now Blogged from 1,199 games in 3,067 days