Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Parkgate 1-1 Penistone Church
Class act Andy Ring came off the bench at half-time and scored within a minute from coming on to earn Penistone Church a point at Parkgate, who remain without a win after four league games.
Ring cancelled out Kieran Hirst’s controversial first half penalty for penalty.
A draw was probably a fair result on reflection, but Parkgate were fortunate to escape with a point in the sense that twinkle-toed magician Jordan Coduri should have won it for Penistone with one of the last kicks of the contest.
The afternoon ended in the same way it started with drama and with Parkgate goalkeeper Aiden Tyas centre-stage. He may have been the hero when he pulled off the terrific game-saving save at the death, but he was fortunate to not concede after just six seconds. He mis-judged a long punt downfield, presenting Kieran Ryan with an open goal. You would have put your mortgage on the former AFC Emley striker scoring, but he only found the side-netting.
Parkgate’s opener came after a period of dominance, which notably saw them hit the post. Referee Kenwyn Hughes had earlier landed on the deck after been winded and some Penistone fans may say he was still disorientated when he awarded Parkgate’s spot kick. The official said stand-in Church defender Olly Beaumont handled Vincent Dhesi’s effort – even cautioning him for it. Once the appeals died down, Hirst converted the penalty.
Church manager Ian Richards was critical of Hughes in his post match interview, also claiming that Parkgate midfielder Chris Howard should have been shown a second yellow card for his involvement in a ruckus with Luke Johnson towards half-time.
Parkgate manager Graham Nicholas will have surely told his team to keep it tight for the early stages of the second half as a Church onslaught was inevitable.
His team did the complete opposite and were undone within 90 seconds. A cross from the right to the far post from Ryan stretched the home side. It found Coduri, whose vision was superb as he could have shot himself. Instead he saw Stocksbridge Park Steels legend Ring parked in a great position. He picked him out and the striker headed the ball across the goal and into the bottom corner, well out of the reach of Tyas.
From there on there only looked one winner. Parkgate sat back, seemingly setting for a point. Although it should be said that a team set up by former Garforth chief Nicholas is always dangerous on the counter-attack and there were brief moments where the home side got in good positions.
A further Ring header was ruled out for offside before the dramatic finish. Ring was involved again with an outstanding flick on the edge of the 18-yard-box which Coduri latched onto. With quick-feet he left the remaining defenders trailing in their wake and beared down on summer signing Tyas, who flung himself at Coduri’s effort and managed to get a strong enough block to clear the danger.
It was a real hands on the head moment for Penistone, but at least it stops the rot after three straight league defeats. Parkgate will also look on it as a point gained as they too had key players missing like Franck Zalo.
What They Said
Penistone Church manager Ian Richards
The Teams
Parkgate: Tyas, McGowan, Fawcus, Beever (Stewart 56), J Harris (captain), Howard, Nasir, Dhesi (G Johnson 56), Hirst, Mbela, D Harris.
Penistone Church: Birch, Whittington, Barnett, L Johnson, R Johnson, Beaumont, Howes (captain), Coduri, Keightley, Ryan (Young 82), Smith (Ring HT). Subs unused: Farrell, Ellis.
Who Was In Charge
Kenwyn Hughes (6/10)
Some Penistone fans would say he was still disorientated after being winded by the ball early doors when he awarded the debatable penalty to Parkgate. Penalty or not, his application of the laws of the game by giving Olly Beaumont a yellow card for the handball was suspect.
How Many Were There
98
Man of the Match
Joe Harris (Parkgate)
Harris had an excellent game and rarely let Penistone striker Kieran Ryan get a sniff.