Toolstation NCEL Division One
Penistone Church 1-0 Selby Town
Tom Jones scored the winner for Penistone Church
It’s not unusual that unbeaten Penistone Church win and keep a clean sheet. That has occurred eight times and it is a key reason why the leaders have yet to beaten.
You have to right back to January to find Church’s last league defeat. That was a loss to Selby on the most unforgettable night. It finished 5-4 and it is most remembered for the five minute delay after the referee’s whistle broke.
The memories must have been on Penistone’s minds. Selby, who needed all the encouragement they could get after the 7-0 hammering at AFC Emley last week, will have felt quietly confident.
Ultimately Tom Jones’ second half winner ensured that Penistone stay top.
Selby battled hard, but lack of a killer instinct in front of goal was costly. The loss of Calum Ward to a groin problem at half-time took away Selby’s only real goal threat.
There were long range chances for Selby in the first half and Tom Hogg and Wayne Brook went close on two separate occasions.
Penistone had the bulk of the possession, but only really started to assert their authority on the contest straight after half-time.
After a period of sustained pressure, Penistone won a corner to win it.
Because of big Brett Lovell, Church are always a threat and for the only goal, Selby failed to deal with the former Stocksbridge defender. Lovell peeled away from his marker unnoticed and sent a lovely cushioned header towards the back-post where unmarked Jones was waiting.
Big Brett Lovell is always a threat for Penistone from corners and Selby failed to deal with him for the winner
Dale Kelly in an aerial battle with Selby defender Will Ramsay
Kelly attempting to beat Selby centre-back Leon Cusworth
It was a frustrating afternoon for Danny Joynes who failed to score
Selby joint bosses Graham Hodder (left) and Nigel Emery (right) watch on from the side-lines
Penistone boss Ian Richards sits down for a breather from patrolling the touchline
Joynes tangles with Selby duo Cusworth and Ramsey
Joynes striking for goal
Lovell gets the better of Selby left-back Craig Maynard
What They Said
Penistone Church manager Ian Richards
Selby Town joint manager Graham Hodder
The Teams
Penistone Church: Rhodes, Johnson, Young, Ellis, Cadzow (Jones 22), Lovell, Richards, Howes (captain), Kelly, Dickinson (Ring 62), Joynes (Moore 77). Subs unused: Johnson, Whittington.
Selby Town: Lawrie, Hogg, Cusworth, Ramsey (Lumley 79), Maynard, O’Neill, Brook (Hope 81), Arnold, C Ward (Flanagan HT), Crisp, Tonkinson. Subs unused: A Ward, Emery.
Who Was In Charge
Michael Leneghan (8/10)
Referee Michael Leneghan showed calmness
An excellent display from the official. He handled every situation he had to deal with calmness and lots of authority.
How Many Were There
131