Penistone manager Ian Richards was pleased with his side’s efforts in September
Penistone Church have propelled themselves into the Toolstation NCEL Division One promotion mix, according to Ian Richards.
Penistone endured a difficult opening month, but September has been really positive and Church have shot up to sixth in the table.
The debacle at Emley started the month, but Church have since gone unbeaten and have collected 18 points.
Richards told Non League Yorkshire: “I can’t fault the lads because they have been excellent.
“I asked them to win two-thirds of their games in September. Out of nine games, we have won five, drawn three and only lost one which was against Emley when we had the two players sent off.
“It has been excellent. Only Mansfield and Bottesford have had better form than us in September.
“It has given a true reflection and it has filled me with a lot of confidence to say that we can challenge for promotion.
“Automatic might have be out of reach because of how Mansfield, Bottesford and Hull are playing, but play-offs are well within our reach at the moment.
“We have nine games in October, six league and three cup so it is another huge month for and if we do well in the league then it keeps us right in there.”
FA Vase action is next on the agenda for Penistone, who welcome local rivals Athersley Rec to Church View Road.
A win would be their historic first in the competition and Richards added: “Any game against Athersley is a big local derby.
“It is nice that it is in the Vase and at home because we’ll have over 200-plus there.
“I always enjoy playing Athersley Rec. Ever since County Senior days we have had some good battles.
“They have had a difficult start, but it is a one-off game and they’ll raise their game.”
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