Toolstation NCEL Division One
Hall Road Rangers 2-1 Penistone Church
03 – Connor Harman, and Jack Binns celebrate with Sam Belcher after Hall Road’s win over Penistone. Picture: Lee Myers
Promotion-chasing Hall Road Rangers claimed one of their biggest wins of the season so far and took their unbeaten league run to eight games with a dramatic win over rivals Penistone Church at Haworth Park.
Goals from Josh Batty and Jack Binns, along with a top penalty save from keeper Phil Dobson in the second-half meant that Danny Joynes’ late strike for the visitors was a mere consolation.
In what was a highly entertaining encounter, both sides battled the blustery conditions with clear cut chances coming at a premium. But the Rangers found themselves marginally on top for the majority of the contest, and held their nerve towards the end of the contest.
Hall Road started the better side and piled on the pressure in the early stages with most of the match played in Penistone’s final third. However, the visitor’s defence held firm until the 34th minute when Batty fired home his second goal in as many games and his 10th of the season, from a delightful cross from the right edge.
However, Penistone almost levelled the score immediately as Ryan Smith’s effort at the other end travelled just inches wide of Phil Dobson’s goal. Hall Road’s Joe Cooper also missed a fine chance before the break, taking the corner on his chest before blasting the volley over the bar.
James Piercy was booked early in the second-half for the hosts, with Penistone arguably starting the better side, peppering the Rangers box with opportunities on goal. Dave Ricardo’s side looked dangerous on the counter-attack though.
But Penistone blew their best opportunity of the game from the penalty spot. James Piercy and Ash Dexter brought down Brett Lovell with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. Joynes stepped up for the visitors but Phil Dobson dived to his left to make a brilliant save and keep the score at 1-0.
Hall Road would seal all three points just moments later, as Chris Spinks set up Jack Binns in the box who fired calmly past Adam Rhodes before being mobbed by his teammates in celebration.
A stunning bending strike from Penistone’s Joynes just before stoppage-time was nothing more than a consolation with Rangers holding on for a huge win.