The first 10 minutes were pretty even until Cooke got onto the end of a long free kick to head over stranded Haystead. It was disappointing for Sheffield , however, as the free kick was taken some 10 yards infield and certainly played a part in the assist. .
Club were playing against a strong wind and up the hill at Lairds and went 2-0 behind 12 minutes later when ex Buxton player Reed headed past Haystead from a similar position.
Club rallied and Dolby shot was cleared off the line and just before half time Ingall shot over from 5 yards out from a Dolby cross.
In the second period Sheffield pushed the Lairds back for long periods, but couldn’t create too many clear cut chances. Dolby again went clear but his shot smashed against Townsend and to safety and an Ingall header forced a good save from the home keeper.
On 81 minutes Copnell controlled well and blasted a reply to make it 2-1 and then the proverbial kitchen sink was thrown at the home side, who to be fair defended well on the day.
For the final 5 minutes Sheffeild went 5 up top and two at the back and unfortunately could not quite find an equalizer and as so often does they got caught on the break when in injury time Reed and sub Neziaiya both tapped in on break aways.
The game ended 4-1 and although disappointing for Sheffield no other clubs made up ground other than Belper Town and a play off spot is still the target.
Club travel to Colwyn Bay on Tuesday and play Kidsgrove at home on Thursday, before playing Gresley Rovers on the Saturday – busy yes, but a great challenge in our first season in the Unibond League.
SHEFFIELD: HAYSTEAD, WINTER, P SMITH, DAVEY, INGALL, JONES, HAWES, DOLBY, COPNELL, TOWNSEND, WARD SUBS: J SMITH, POWELL, BOULTER
MOM: DOLBY
