Penistone Church FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Penistone Church 2 Frickley 0

A goal in each half by the hosts sent the The Blues home with nothing to show for their visit to Penistone.

Wade Ripley came into the starting lineup after a goal and 3 assists for the U23s in midweek, as did Keanan Mannings, replacing Lloyd Smith who moved to the bench and the injured Jake Hemingway.

It was almost a disastrous start when the ref awarded a distinctly soft penalty to Penistone with 52 seconds gone. Fortunately, the liner gave offside, so offside it was. Not the last piece of ‘interesting’ officiating that we’d see.

Around the quarter of an hour mark, both keepers had a hairy moment. First, the Penistone keeper slipped and Ellz Anku almost got there but could only deflect the ball out for a goal kick. Then Bradders found himself in a similar situation at the other end.

Morgan James failed to recover from a nasty foul, not even a yellow awarded, and had to be replaced by Lloydy before we’d even reached 20 minutes.

A nice move faltered after Rip played a through ball to Lloydy who squared to Big Ank but he blazed over.

On 26 minutes, Penistone took the lead when a softly awarded free kick was played into the box, and the loose ball was lashed in by their number 7.

A good stop by Bradders prevented the home side extending the lead from the restart.

The Azzurri did have the ball in the net when Rip scored with the sweetest chip into the top corner that you’re ever likely to see but the questionably positioned liner called it offside. Never was.

The Blues kept up the pressure as El Binno glanced a header past the post from The Elk’s free kick.

In the last few minutes before half time, Penistone’s number 9 got free but scuffed it wide with only the keeper to beat. And Big Al fired just over from 20 yards out. HT 1-0.

Penistone had 3 decent opportunities in the first five minutes after the break. Then The Boys in Blue stepped up a gear with Rip and Big Al linking up for Rip to shoot but he lifted his attempt over the bar. And Richard Collier put a 55th minute cross onto Keanan Mannings head, but his bullet header was narrowly wide.

From the goal kick, Penistone went straight down the other end and doubled their advantage, scoring with a diagonal shot across the box.

The two sides traded half chances, Big Al headed over and Lloydy’s wormburner and El Binno’s strike were both saved. Penistone also netted but it was ruled offside.

In the final moments, Penistone hit the angle of the bar and post from a free kick then The Elk saw his free kick go inches wide of the post. FT 2-0.

We simply got old manned by the home side. They deserved their win but they were very vocal, calling for everything, fouls, offsides, throw ins, the lot. They went down at the slightest touch, and they weren’t averse to leaving something in the tackle. We’re a young squad, still on a steep learning curve and we go again next time. At least it didn’t rain…

WEBMASTER MOTM – there was no lack of effort but no goals or points for that, unfortunately. Standouts were the dependable Alex Varley and Lewis Binns, the tireless Zav Elkin and Keanan Mannings and the combative Richard Collier and Ellz Anku. Brandon Murillo and Big Al ran all day as well. However, the Glitterball goes to Wade Ripley. The Bretton Baggio was involved in a decent move or a chance almost every time he got on the ball. Right on, Rip!

TWITTER MOTM – Wade Ripley takes it from Alex Varley, Keanan Mannings and Rich Collier. Thanks to all who voted.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Wade Ripley was chosen by volunteer, Bill Ainge. Well done Rip!

317 through the gate. Thank you for your continued support when the going gets a bit tougher!

To hear the thoughts of the manager, Pat McGuire, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Saturday 14th October when Handsworth are our visitors for a 3pm kickoff. And if you fancy some midweek footy, the U23s play Yorkshire Amateur at The Wezzie on Wednesday 7th October, 7.45pm ko. Hope to see you all there….

#forzafrickley