Dinnington Town say thank-you after big Senior Cup turn-out

DINNINGTON Town have thanked the people who turned out in numbers to support them in this week's Sheffield Senior Cup quarter-final against Sheffield FC.

A crowd of 385, the best at the old Phoenix Park ground in years, saw the home side give their Northern Premier League visitors a good test on Tuesday night before losing 3-1. Town had been reduced to ten men inside the first half-hour after a sending-off.

The club now hopes a few will return to get behind the push for promotion back to the Northern Counties East League after a six-year absence, with even a free cup of tea or soup on offer at tomorrow's Central Midlands League fixture at home to Staveley (3pm).

Manager Gary Eades said: “It was a great turnout the other night and a good atmosphere. We were expecting about 100 to come from Sheffield but apart from about 20 people, most of the crowd were behind us.

Spectators at Dinnington on Tuesday night.

"To be honest we struggle when Wednesday, United and Rotherham are at home but we have noticed in the last few games that more people are coming along.

“I'm not expecting 300-odd every week, don't get me wrong, but it would be nice to average 100-150 to help us kick on and push for promotion.”

Dan Cain lashes in Dinnington's goal against Sheffield FC. Pictures by STEVE METTAM.

There's a report and more pictures on the game in today's Advertiser.

Meanwhile, Maltby Main nudged back into the top half of the NCEL Premier Division by taking three points at struggling Athersley Rec on Wednesday night.

Jonathan Hill opened the scoring in the first half and a 3-0 win was sealed by two goals in three minutes from Rory Coleman and Jack Shepperd around the hour mark. It was Maltby’s first win in four.

The Miners don’t play this weekend but in Division One Parkgate host Retford FC and Swallownest 

are away to bottom side East Hull.