Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Penistone Church manager Ian Richards
Penistone Church manager Ian Richards admits that his side’s magnificent FA Cup exploits did affect their league form.
Church remain in the lower reaches of the table following the 3-2 win over Thackley on Wednesday night – their first victory in the league since the opening day.
“I think all the Cup games have made it tough for us in the league because we put a lot of energy into them.” Richards told Non League Yorkshire.
“Everyone focuses on them and in between the Cup games we had tough and long away midweek trips.
“The Barnton one was a real funny one in the Vase. We had the Pickering one.
“The Cup run has been a distraction and I don’t think it helped.
“The league position has been concerning. We do have 35 games to go, but you want to get points on the board quickly because before you know it you’re in a relegation battle.
“Realistically we want to be pushing for the top ten and the better your start is, the better chance you have of doing it.
“We wanted to have a more positive start, but we got a win against Thackley. Let’s see if we can push on.”
The last time prior to the Thackley win that Church won in the league was the demolition of Rainworth on the opening day last month.
Nathan Keightley, Brett Lovell and Kieran Ryan earned Church their much-needed win and Richards added: “It was a relief
“We have had the euphoria and success from the FA Cup which has been brilliant for the club and the community, but ultimately we are judged on the league.
“The league is the priority and we are back to reality.
“I was really pleased that we got the three points because I thought the first 15 minutes were our worst of the season.
“We didn’t start right, we didn’t do the basics right. We didn’t work hard enough or show enough energy or tempo to our play.
“We then lost Jordan Coduri to injury. We then conceded a soft goal from a short corner and then lost Olly Beaumont.
“We had to make two substitutions early on. But we came in at half-time 2-1 in front because of good pressure on the ball and a great solo goal from Nathan.
“Then Brett scored from a corner.
“We said at half-time that although we were 2-1 up, it wasn’t good enough. We were much better in the second half. We played at a much better tempo and higher up the pitch.
“We were comfortable until they scored in the last minute. I think we throughly deserved the three points and it is an important three points because we haven’t won in the league since the Rainworth game.”