Yorkshire’s team of the week

The sporting weekend actually started out on Friday night when Sheffield Wednesday took the derby honours at Rotherham United, whose wait for a first league victory over their neighbours since March, 1976 continued.

The following day, pride of place went to Hull City, who produced an impressive performance to dim the lights of a Championship surprise package in Birmingham City, while Middlesbrough got back on track with a 3-1 success at Molineux.

For Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley, now ensconced in the bottom four of League One, there were sobering afternoons, while York City’s limp 3-1 home loss to AFC Wimbledon proved to be Russ Wilcox’s final game in charge of the Minstermen after just over a year in charge.

Sheffield United’s inconsistency continued in a 2-1 home loss to Aidan O’Brien-inspired Millwall, while frustration was the watchword for Leeds United, whose lack of a telling final ball let them down in the final analysis in a 1-1 draw at rock-bottom Bolton.

Across West Yorkshire, Bradford City had to settle for a point in a 1-1 verdict with much-fancied Wigan - but at least continued their unbeaten run this calendar month after coming from behind.

Not too far away at the John Smith’s Stadium, Derby County had a bit too much in their armoury for Huddersfield Town, with George Thorne’s wonder goal giving the Rams the three points.

Here’s our Yorkshire team of the weekend - including Friday night’s derby at the New York Stadium.

1: Jed Steer (Huddersfield Town). On-loan keeper added to his burgeoning reputation with another accomplished performance, following on from his display at Portman Road. No chance for Thorne’s winner, mind.

2: Sam Byram (Leeds United). Back in harness in his favoured position of right-back, Byram produced another tidy performance and was invariably the ‘out-ball’ particularly in the first half at Bolton. Gradually getting back to his old self, a threat going forward - good to see.

3: Andy Robertson (Hull City). Caused havoc down the left at times against a Blues side whose organisation has greatly impressed many in the Championship, before being dismantled at the KC. Set up Abel Hernandez’s killer second day and could reflect on a fine afternoon’s work.

4: Tom Lees (Sheffield Wednesday). Given their side’s current defensive deficiencies, Leeds United fans must be ruing the day that Lees was allowed to head down the M1. Simply has not looked back since joining the Owls. Stood tall amid the derby cauldron.

5: Glenn Loovens (Sheffield Wednesday). The Dutchman’s partnership with Lees helped yield 17 clean sheets in the league last term and they have largely carried where they left off and look one of the most dependable in the Championship. Coolness personified.

6: Sam Clucas (Hull City). Having a splendid introduction to Championship life and caught the eye alongside Robertson down the left on Saturday. The former non-league player offers versatility and energy and is the proverbial managers’ dream. Went close to a deserved goal, but was denied by Tomasz Kuszczak.

7: Barry Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday). An ebullient performance and was heavily involved at the NYS, with Kieran Lee not too far behind. Only thing missing from a fine display was a goal, but excellent display all the same.

8: Jake Livermore (Hull City). To say Livermore has had a difficult time of it for the majority of 2015 is the understatement of the year. The Londoner is making the most of his second chance at Hull, some six weeks after escaping a long-term ban for a failed drugs test in April and was outstanding, once again, at the weekend. Drove on the Tigers in redoubtable fashion in a season’s-best showing from Steve Bruce’s side which has made the Championship sit up and take notice.

9: James Hanson (Bradford City). With Steven Davies out for three months with a knee injury, how Bradford will be needing the frontman to get back to his belligerent best, with the signs certainly good against Wigan. Scored a trademark header and posed problems for the Latics’ rearguard throughout. More please.

10: Fernando Forestieri (Sheffield Wednesday). The acquisition of the former Watford player is starting to look like money certainly well spent. Grabbed a poacher’s goal at Rotherham, while his adept movement, close control and trickery posed considerable problems throughout. Small wonder he is already proving a big favourite with Owls fans - who have not seen a player of his like in a good while.

11: Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough).

After a muted few weeks, the former England international was benched for Saturday’s game at Wolves - but while form is temporary, class is permanent. Made a big impression after entering the fray with Boro 1-0 down and staring at a fourth game without a win. Ran the game when he came on and scored an exquisite late free-kick to seal victory.

Manager: Carlos Carvahal (Sheffield Wednesday). Carlos has a dream is the favourite ditty of choice for Wednesdayites at the minute and after a contrasting opening month to the campaign, the Portuguese is winning his way firmly into the affections of the club’s support. The Owls look dark horses in the promotion stakes with a big Capital One Cup date with Arsenal tomorrow. Sheffield Wednesday, on the way back maybe....