Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup
Penistone Church 3-4 Shaw Lane AFC
Shaw Lane celebrate winning the Senior Cup for the second year running
Shaw Lane AFC retained the Senior Cup, but were given a massive scare by underdogs Penistone Church in the epic final which was eventually decided in extra-time.
Brett Lovell’s own goal was the difference as Chris Willcock claimed his first piece of silverware as Shaw Lane boss. It was a cruel ending for Church, who led three times during normal time and gave absolutely everything they had.
Tom Brennan’s 17th minute header was the opener and it set the tone that Church meant business and ready to cause yet another upset.
Captain Spencer Harris equalised, but Penistone restored their lead before half-time when young starlet Nathan Keightley raced clear.
Kieran Lugsden briefly levelled matters early in the second half, but Church went in front again as veterans Lovell and Andy Ring combined for the latter to score.
Lugsden would head the Ducks level again with 20 minutes remaining.
Shaw Lane had to wait until the first half of extra-time to finally take the lead when Lovell accidentally turned in Chib Chilaka’s cross.
Even the last half of extra-time had drama. Penistone hit the post, so did Shaw Lane.
Then in stoppage time of the extra half-hour, Shaw Lane were awarded a penalty. Harris took it, but his effort was saved.