Recap

Penistone Church 3 Frickley 2

Despite never being outplayed by the hosts, The Blues were left to rue conceding 3 times in 18 first half minutes, as a late rally ultimately proved insufficient at Penistone Church.

Les Bleus looked to have the lead in the 4th minute when Sam Cable glanced the ball into the net, only for the flag to rule it out for offside. Footage later showed that Sam was onside – where’s VAR when you need it?

Cable then beat the goalkeeper to a ball in behind, with the loose ball falling to Woolly, but on his 100th Frickley appearance the gaffer could only fire wide of an unguarded net from around 30 yards. Woolford went close moments later, forcing the Church keeper to tip another long range effort over.

Penistone had a couple of opportunities of their own before taking the lead in the 27th minute, recycling a corner before a header at the back post found its way past Luke Allinson, who got both hands to the ball but could not keep it out.

Los Azules responded almost immediately. Liam Flanagan rolled the ball invitingly across the 6 yard box and, after it was turned behind for a corner, Flanagan delivered from the flag for Josh Dacre to nod home and restore parity.

The deadlock did not last long, however. Allinson could only palm away another Church corner and former Blue Harry Viggars was on hand at the back post to restore the Penistone’s advantage in the 39th minute.

The Blues went looking for another rapid response with Dacre heading over from a corner, just 2 minutes later, before a second corner lead to a Spence effort deflected over the bar.

Instead, Church went further ahead, right on half time when a cross was met at the back post and headed over Allinson.

There was still time for Williams Jenkinson to send a ball into the danger area, although Cable’s glancing header was comfortably held, and Church chipped an effort over in the 4th minute of added time. HT 3-1.

The Azzurri went in search of a way back after the restart, with Cable unable to keep his effort on target after being released through the middle, while Andrew’s cross caused a moment of uncertainty for the Church goalkeeper who fumbled the ball but it ran behind Willo running in.

Allinson was called upon again in the 55th minute, punching a corner clear, before Frickley made their first changes with Price replacing Woolford and Carmody coming on for Andrew.

The hosts had the odd moment but Allinson produced one of the saves of the afternoon in the 67th minute, pushing a curling effort around the post.

Cable was harshly booked when he involved in a tussle with a Church defender, before the home side sent another shot narrowly wide.

With the clock ticking down, The Blues made a triple change, bringing on Cleggy, Carrigan and Roberts for Willo, Spence and Flanagan.

The Boys in Blue kept pushing and Kilner’s cross in the 82nd minute presented Cable with a chance from close range, but the Church goalkeeper made a reflex save to keep it out.

The pressure finally told in the first minute of added time. Cable squared the ball across the area for Price, who kept his composure to slot home and reduce the deficit to a single goal.

And The Azzurri almost snatched an unlikely equaliser deep into stoppage time when Cleggy’s curling free kick looked destined for the corner, only for the Church keeper to produce a flying save. FT 3-2.

It was a valiant late effort from Les Bleus, but the damage had been done before the interval. Some interesting decisions from the officials and an inspired performance by the Penistone custodian, Harry Ambler, who has played for our U23s, ultimately left us with too much ground to make up.

WEBMASTER MOTM – momentary lapses in an otherwise decent showing were the difference. Josh Dacre was quality, his goal was the icing on the cake, as was Sam Cable, who did everything but score. Joel Spence was everywhere and Liam Flanagan was constantly looking for a gap. Then Chazzas Price and Clegg defined impact subs. And with 100 Blues appearances under his belt, over the course of 21 years, Martyn Woolford continues to show his class. But the Glitterball goes to Sam Kilner. He tackled, he headed, he got down the line, he crossed, he was properly on it. Sublime, Sam!

TWITTER MOTM – Sam Kilner takes it from Liam Dacre, Sam Cable and Joel Spence. Will Jenkinson also polled votes. Thanks to all who voted.

SUPPORTERS’ MOTM – Sam Kilner was chosen by Dave Bull. Well done, Killer!

304 through the gate, with strong  representation from the Triple Consortium of SESKU. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!

To hear the thoughts of the gaffer, Martin Woolford, click here.

To see the matchday programme, click here.

The Blues are next in action on Tuesday 25th August when Retford FC are our visitors to The Wezzie, 7.45pm kickoff. Hope to see you all there….

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#FFTD