Penistone Church v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Penistone Church 7 Frickley 2

The Azzurri closed out the season by being on the wrong end of a chaotic and controversial afternoon at Penistone Church. A string of late goals in each half saw the hosts run out 7-2 winners, despite periods of solidity and a pair of excellent strikes from The Blues.

Jack Cawthorn, Charlie Clegg, Panashe Makwiramiti and debutant Owen Jowett came into the starting lineup for Harrison Rowley, Harry Gagen, Luke Hinsley and Tom Alngohuru. Tom and Harrison took their place on the bench, alongside the veteran Lee Crooks.

It was a bruising start. Just 3 minutes in, Blues keeper Will Sykes received an elbow to the face while attempting to head clear outside his box. Harry Alexander had to head off the line to prevent an early goal and only a corner was given for what was a clear foul, as even the opposition bench were calling for a halt to play.

Sykes was briefly knocked unconscious and left concussed, forcing him off to be replaced by young Dylan Sefton. Manager Tom Claisse was shown a yellow card for complaining about the serious lack of consideration for player welfare by the officials.

Sefton made an early catch but couldn’t stop Penistone taking the lead in the 14th minute, when a cross was headed in to make it 1-0.

Frickley dug in, with much of the next 20 minutes being a midfield scrap. Harry A had a shot blocked, and Sefton pulled off a good save a minute later, but the game turned on another 2 controversial decisions just before half time.

First, in the 45th minute, the referee awarded a soft free kick for an infringement that no one else saw, and Penistone headed home to double their lead. Then, 2 minutes into time added on, another questionable call on a Cleggy tackle led to a third Penistone goal, this time knocked in off the post from a similar set piece. HT 3-0.

Things didn’t improve to start with after the break. In the 51st minute, Penistone again found joy in the air, heading in from another delivery to go 4 up.

The Azzurri responded almost instantly. Sefton made a smart save from a free kick, and Willo broke away at the other end, only to see his shot deflected over by a defender’s hand. A corner was given as the penalty shouts were waved away.

The Blues continued to show some fight. Zav delivered a dangerous 61st minute cross, and 7 minutes later, The Blues finally got on the board. Tom A, on as sub, cut inside and fired a deflected shot into the net.

The Azzurri went close to quickly adding another. Chippy’s effort was blocked, and PMak’s thunderbolt was tipped over. From the resulting corner, Tom A could only guide his header narrowly wide.

But Penistone restored their cushion in the 76th minute, scoring at the third bite of the cherry after Sefton made 2 brilliant saves.

Les Bleus hit back a minute later when through ball found Tom A, and he cracked a shot into bottom corner.

The Boys in Blue kept pushing. An 87th minute goalmouth scramble was hacked clear, although Penistone did then miss a sitter at the other end. And Zav almost produced a moment of magic from 30 yards, just missing the top corner.

With seconds of normal time remaining, Zav fell awkwardly, breaking his wrist. This necessitated the introduction of assistant manager Lee Crooks. At 47 years and 81 days young, there won’t have been many (if any) older players for The Blues at any time in our history.

The final whistle couldn’t come soon enough for Les Bleus, as Penistone scored two late scruffy goals in stoppage time. A scuffed finish and another from a rebound after a Sefton stop sealed a good afternoon for the home side. FT 7-2.

Firstly, big love from all at the club to our 2 wounded soldiers, Zav and Will, who both ended up in A&E (thanks to Phil Cooper for driving them there x 2!). We hope you both recover ASAP!

Less importantly, the scoreline didn’t reflect the Blues’ battling spirit and moments of quality. In a game riddled with ‘interesting’ officiating, missed chances, and tired legs late on, we’ll take heart from the positive bits and look to rectify the rest in time for next season. The best cure for the season gone is the season coming. I can’t wait already!!

WEBMASTER MOTM – it was an open game that, despite the score, was not without its plus points. Going forward, Zav was a marauding force, and Willo was a livewire. Spence and Mannings were their usual combative selves. Harry Alexander and PMak, and Harrison Rowley when he came on as sub, were good representatives of the young talent we’ve got at the club. But the Glitterball goes jointly to a pair of subs, Tom Algohuru and Dylan Sefton. Tom A gave the fullback a torrid time down the left and took his first 2 goals for the club with aplomb. And Dylan might’ve picked the ball out of the net more times than he’d have liked but he made some super saves and deserved more help from his defence than he got. Yay, young guns!

TWITTER MOTM – Zav Elkin Sheppard takes it from Tom Alngohuru, Joel Spence and Keanan Mannings. Lee Crooks, the fans and Phil ‘A&E’ Cooper  also polled votes. Thanks to all who have voted all season.

SPONSORS/VOLUNTEERS MOTM – Dylan Sefton was chosen, by Ken Whitehead, for his brave performance. Well done, Sef!

402 through the gate, with a considerable, and defiant, away following from the People’s Republic of SESKU to put the season to bed. A mahoosive thank you to each and every one of you, your support is what makes this club so amazing. Let’s do it all again in 2025/26 😉

To hear the end-of-season thoughts of the gaffer, Tom Claisse, click here.

That’s all folks! Thanks again to all our fans, and our management team, the board, our priceless volunteers, and the 53 lads who have pulled on the Blue shirt this season. Every one a legend. The Blues are next in action in July for preseason. Keep an eye on our social media channels for further details. Hope to see you all there in 2025/26….

#forzafrickley

#FFTD