Oxford Utd Commentary

The view from the press box

I had an absolutely brilliant time commentating on Oxford United's pre-season friendly versus Mansfield Town for BBC Radio Oxford. A career ambition achieved commentating on a 90 minute match and on the team I support! To top it off, Oxford United won. It was a pleasure to be alongside Jack Shoemark, from The Manor Podcast, who was my summariser and did a top job. Here's the short highlights of the match...

markansell · Mansfield v Oxford 22nd July 2025 Highlights

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Doncaster Rovers' Celebrations

I've been to see Doncaster Rovers celebrate winning the League Two title. There was a big event at the Eco-Power stadium and it was an absolute pleasure to be there. The story was also covered on the BBC News website.

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Oldest Derby Live

I thoroughly enjoyed reporting live from the world's oldest football derby. Hallam FC took on Sheffield FC in front of a sell-out crowd. They first played each other there 165 years ago. There's more on this story on this BBC News website article.

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Hillsborough Death live

I reported live from outside Hillsborough stadium after a man had a medical emergency in the stands and later died.

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Shin pads

A South Yorkshire football club has banned tiny shin pads after a teenage player suffered a double leg break. Penistone Church under 16s striker Alfie broke his tibia and fibular in a tackle during a recent match. The 15-year-old's shin pads, which were no bigger than a credit card, were similar to a size worn by some stars of the professional game.

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Chris Kamara

“Unbelievable Jeff!” I had a thoroughly enjoyable time filming, photographing and interviewing Chris Kamara this week who's been awarded Freedom of the City of Wakefield. It's in recognition of his services to charity and the city ⚽️😀 

This is the article on the BBC News website and here's my interview for BBC Radio in Yorkshire...

markansell · Chris Kamara

Chris Wilder SUFC live

I reported live on Chris Wilder's return as manager of Sheffield United.

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Bradley Lowery court case

A Sheffield Wednesday fan who used a photo of Bradley Lowery to taunt opposition supporters has admitted a public order offence. Dale Houghton was pictured laughing as he brandished the image of the six-year-old during a match against Sunderland - the team Bradley supported before he died of cancer in 2017.

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Sheffield Wednesday Promotion

What an incredible treat to work on the League One play-off final which couldn't have ended in a more dramatic fashion with Sheffield Wednesday beating Barnsley right at the end of extra time. Here are my reports from Hillsborough, Wembley and the promotion party in the city centre.

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I covered the promotion party for the BBC News Channel...

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...and for BBC Look North in what has to be my favourite live report ever! I was buzzing for hours afterwards!

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Blades at Wembley

I had a thoroughly enjoyable trip to Wembley on a coach with a bunch of Sheffield United fans. Despite losing 3-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final the Blades gave it a good crack.

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Football Couple

It was really good fun reporting on this one...A married couple flew more than 3,000 miles together to go to the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley - only to sit at opposite ends of the stadium! Sheffield United fan Shaun Littler and his wife Caroline Oatway who is a Manchester City supporter, moved from the UK to Boston, in the USA, last year. But football comes first in their marriage!

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Sheffield United v Wrexham live sport

Hollywood owned Wrexham were in South Yorkshire this week for their FA Cup replay against Sheffield United. Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds co-owns the Welsh club with fellow actor Rob McElhenney. For one night only I was a Hollywood spotter! Really enjoyed interviewing Carl Asaba, the former Blades striker - a thoroughly nice bloke and excellent guest.

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Hillsborough 2 way

The Football Association will speak to officials from Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle and the police over reports of overcrowding during the FA Cup third-round tie at Hillsborough. I did a live 2 way on our  Look North lunch bulletin about the story.

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Qatar World Cup

I reported on how Yorkshire people were watching England at the Qatar World Cup. I filmed at Penistone Church FC where Three Lions defender John Stones played as a youngster.  I also used footage that colleagues had gathered in a school in Knaresborough and a pub in Leeds. It was a bit of a rushed edit in Leeds but with the help of Craft Editor Andrei, we got in done just in time.

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Football Award

A football fanatic from South Yorkshire has been named the Football Association's 'Nationwide Mutual Respect Award' winner for her commitment to football for three decades and for her inclusion of players with disabilities. Emily Rowles from Rotherham devotes her life to football, volunteering as a coach for children and women at Kiveton Park FC as well as playing for the club. 

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Women's Euros Semi-Final

I've had an absolutely incredible last few months planning Look North's coverage of the Women's Euros and then reporting on the tournament. It's brought such a positive atmosphere to Sheffield and Rotherham which has hosted 8 matches. It's been the most enjoyable story to report on since the Tour de France came to Yorkshire 8 years ago. This week I was live from the fan zone where my Swedish and footballing skills were tested....

I was with the Sweden fans as they marched to Bramall Lane for the semi-final versus England...

I reported from the Fan Party after England won 4-0...

And I was live with experts the following day....

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Women's Euros Live

The Women's Euros has brought a carnival atmosphere to Sheffield. Sweden and Switzerland supporters took in the beautiful weather at the Fan Party in Devonshire Green on Wednesday ahead of the match at Bramall Lane. And both sets of supporters marched to the stadium one after the other.

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Women's Euros pkg & live

I've really enjoyed leading BBC Look North's coverage on the Women's Euros. I've been to Burton to film with the England squad and interview our Yorkshire players and have also filmed with girls who just love playing football as I did as a child and still do now! It's got me really excited about covering the tournament.

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Women's Euros

The Women's Euros starts on 6th July and two of the tournament venues are here in Yorkshire. Sheffield's Bramall Lane and Rotherham's New York Stadium will host eight matches including a quarter and a semi-final. Assuming the Lionesses progress through the tournament, they'll play their semi-final in Sheffield.

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Rotherham United Wembley

I had the great pleasure of reporting on Rotherham United's EFL Trophy win at Wembley on Sunday - my first time working at the national stadium. It was a really exciting match - the Millers were seconds away from losing the final when they turned the tie. This is my first report on the final which went out on the Sunday night. I can't upload the my pkg which went out on Monday's Look North as it includes match footage which Sky Sports has the copyright of.

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