Penistone Church FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Penistone Church 5 Frickley 2

Penistone Church’s congregation saw all their pre-match prayers answered as their side easily triumphed 5-2 over The Blues in trying conditions.

Alex Varley and Charlie Clegg moved into the starting lineup for the suspended El Binno and injured Josh Haigh. Ben Ellison-Tope and Eivind Johnsen were added to the bench as was Brandon Murillo, for the first time since he broke his leg at Thackley.

We’d barely had time to moan about the weather before The Blues were 2-0 down. An innocuous 8th minute ball into the box evaded most, bar the slightest touch from a Church forward to turn it into our net.

Two minutes later and Church had scored another, from the edge of the box.

Henry Hampshaw continued to be kept busy, tipping a header over, clearing forward balls and a reflex save that looked a certain goal. But just after the half hour, the Church winger took advantage of Fletch slipping in the mud to cross for his teammate to tap in from a few yards out to make it 3-0.

Penistone didn’t quite have it all their own way as Big Al did his utmost to reduce the arrears. The Hawk had a rasping drive well saved by our very own U23’s and Penistone keeper, Harry Ambler. He also hit the side netting and smashed a shot against the post later in the half. HT 3-0.

At half time, Benno channeled his inner Phil Brown and lead the team talk on the pitch, instructing, encouraging and cajoling his charges to up their game.

The introduction of the big Norwegian, Eivind Johnsen, did seem to coincide with an improvement in the Azzurri offerings, the best of which was when Big Al fired narrowly wide from a 51st minute corner.

However, Church extended their lead to four as their sub side-footed the ball into the net from the edge of the box in the 59th minute.

Straight from the kickoff, Richard Collier strode forward and hit a shot wide but was fouled by the keeper after the ball had gone. Penalty awarded. Big Al duly stepped up to bury the spot kick.

Penistone weren’t really in need of any luck but got some regardless in the 72nd minute when a shot took a wicked deflection, causing it to bounce up for the attacker to nod in for Church’s fifth.

Just over 10 minutes from the end, Johnsen headed home a Ben Hall free kick to add a modicum of respectability to the scoreline.

Hampshaw prevented further goals, making a couple of late saves. And in time added on, it was great to see Brando Murillo return to action, replacing The Colonel after he was left hobbling by a challenge more akin to something Mick McManus would’ve dished out. FT 5-2.

It was a tough watch, especially when you know these boys can do so much better, but it was a positive that the second half was rather more competitive than a disappointingly lacklustre first half. Time for these lads to roll up their sleeves and go again next time out.

WEBMASTER MOTM – for fear of sounding like a broken record, again we’ve had better days. Church could’ve had more if it weren’t for some smart stops by Henry Hampshaw. Varls would’ve headed bricks away and Ben Hall worked hard at the back and got another assist from a set piece. Jake Hemingway and Johnsen injected some drive into proceedings when they came on as subs, and EJ took his goal well. But the Glitterball goes to Big Al Keita who never stopped, on a pitch that didn’t help his game, and had most of our best chances. Bob on, Big Al!

TWITTER MOTM – Ben Hall takes it from Eivind Johnsen, Alex Varley and Big Al Keita. Charlie Clegg also polled votes. Thanks for voting.

411 through the gate, in the biggest NCEL attendance of the day, with continued good numbers from SE. We genuinely thank you for your amazing support on days like these.

We’re next in action next Saturday, 14th January, at bottom club Yorkshire Amateur, 3pm ko, when we will be hoping for redemption and a return to the level of performance we saw against Hemsworth. Hope to see you all there!

#forzafrickley
#nosurrender