A good run of recent results has seen the Spartans maintain a 100% record in the cup campaign. A big win away at Blackburn set the tone. After going 1-0 down in the first, the Spartans responded with an outstanding 4-0 second period with goals from Matt Haywood, Scott Morris, Dan Hughes and Nick Manning. With the score 4-1 going into the third period, Blackburn put a lot of pressure on Sheffield and found a second goal bringing the score to 4-2. The Spartans held on, creating a number of close chances. The game would finish with a tussle in front of the Sheffield net just as the final buzzer went.

Final Score: Sheffield 4 – Blackburn 2

The Spartans had a trip to Whitley Bay the following day where they faced the Braves, Whitley’s cup team. The Spartans played a good, well disciplined game, creating a number of good chances which were rewarded with a number of goals, fourteen in total. The Braves grabbed a controversial late consolation goal, which denied Ben Bowns a shut out.

Final Score: Sheffield 14 – Whitley 1

Last weekend was a double header against Kingston. Away on Saturday in the cup, home on Sunday in the league.

The Spartans traveled to Kingston with a short bench which included 8 forwards, 4 defence men and one netminder. Sheffield came from behind twice in the first period to tie the game 2-2, a returning goal for Richie Oliver and a tip in from Will Barron. However, Richie’s return was short lived as he got caught by a stick to the face, which resulted in 3 stitches on the inside of his lip. The second period continued in the same mannor, Kingston going ahead twice and Sheffield grabbing two more equalizing goals. Will Barron and Simon Offord the scorers. The Spartans came out flying in the third with a goal in the first 30 seconds, Shaun Ashton finding the top corner. Joe Millard got on the score sheet soon after, grabbing a rebound from an Andrew Turner slap shot. The Spartans seemed to sit back on this 2 goal lead, as Kingston grabbed a goal back. The Sheffield side came under a lot of pressure, but held on for the win.

Final Score: Sheffield 6 – Kingston 5

The Spartans were almost back to full strength on Sunday, with the under 18’s players available. The game started at a fast pace, with some good build up play from the Spartans. Hull managed to grab an early goal against the run of play, which was soon followed by another to give them a 2-0 lead going into the second. The Spartans upped their game in the second, with some good build up play and three goals. Ryan Handisides, Will Barron and Matt Haywood the scorers. Kingston really came at the Spartans in the third period, grabbing an early equalizing goal. The Spartans pushed for a goal to regain the lead, but were caught out on two occasions. The Jets now had a two goal lead with only a few minutes remaining, Sheffield pulled the netminder in a final attempt to try and get something from the game. However a bad pass left Kingston with a breakaway and an empty net goal.

Final Score: Sheffield 3 – Kingston 6

This loss could prove costly for the Spartans playoff hopes. With 4 or 5 teams fighting for the last 2 playoff places, The Spartans will have to win away at Blackburn and win all remaining home games (Manchester, Bradford & Grimsby). That leaves the last league game of the season, away at Nottingham. Both the league title and the Spartans playoff place could be decided on this game.