Toolstation NCEL League Cup
Penistone Church 3-2 Glasshoughton Welfare
Penistone Church striker Andy Ring’s goal won the contest
Penistone Church overcame a late fight-back from Glasshoughton to book their place in the final at Bramall Lane.
Penistone will face Bridlington Town in the showpiece final in mid-May. Ian Richards had jokingly suggested that he had told his wife that the semi-final would go to extra-time.
That nearly happened. At half-time Richards will have thought that he was going to get home early. By the end, his men were hanging on.
Church enjoyed a dream first half as Glasshoughton began disastrously. Inside the opening 60 seconds, Welfare goalkeeper Jordan Bradshaw spilled Danny Barlow’s free kick and Scott Whittington pounced to score.
More poor defending from Glasshoughton followed as injured defender Mike Brearley lost possession, gifting veteran Duncan Richards with an easy finish.
Richards was dancing as half-time approached when Andy Ring burst through and seemingly killed the contest.
However, Glasshoughton nearly caused a shock. It took until the 67th minute, but Glasshoughton did come alive thanks to Conor Glavin’s outstanding free kick – struck into the top corner from 30 yards.
The comeback was definitely on soon after when Callum Harrison turned in Adam Hayton’s cross.
But despite some late drama, Penistone held on.
What They Said
Penistone Church manager Ian Richards
The Teams
Penistone Church: Rhodes, Johnson, Young, Ellis, Stafford, Lovell (captain), Richards, Moore, Ring, Barlow (L Johnson 73), Whittington (Joynes 63). Subs unused: Ambler, Russell, Jones.
Glasshoughton Welfare: Bradshaw, Marsh, Brearley, Hayton (captain), Varley, Walsh, Keightley, Akeister, Horbury, Morley, Glavin. Subs: Harrison, Hornm Williams, Leggard, Cunliffe.