Emirates FA Cup
Ian Richards has taken Penistone Church from the depths of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior League and up into the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Ian Richards is plotting to create another piece of history at Penistone Church as his side prepare to take on the might of Evo Stik giants Whitby Town.
Penistone’s DSM Memorial Ground will be packed to the rafters for the latest ‘biggest match in the club’s history’ tomorrow.
Church have already done the NCEL proud by beating Charnock Richard and Litherland Remyca.
Some will say Church face an impossible task, but Richards, who has form for guiding his side to ‘unexpected victories’, is eyeing up a first qualifying round upset.
“We have been writing our own scripts.” Richards told Non League Yorkshire.
“We had three (biggest) games (in our history) at the end of last season then the Charnock Richard game, the Rainworth game and now a great home tie against Whitby Town who are going to be the highest level team we have ever played in a competitive game.
“We’re going to make sure the club and the community are right behind us.
“It is the biggest opportunity we have ever had to profile our club to the local community. Whitby are a very established Evo Stik side and they’ll bring a fair few.
“It is a great opportunity all round, but we’re not there to make up the numbers and people saying how nice we are.
“We want to cause a shock, or at least get a replay.
“For me it is about the players and us doing ourselves justice against a very good Evo Stik Premier side,
“You never know, it is the magic of the FA Cup. In a one off game you never know.”
Church are boosted by the fact that the very experienced trio Brett Lovell, Andy Ring and Duncan Richards are available.
The trio will be very influential if Penistone are to pull off an upset.