Into round 2

🏆 COUNTY CUP DRAMA AS PENISTONE PROGRESS ON PENALTIES!

Penistone Church Women’s U13 2–2 Doncaster Elite Gold

Penistone win 3–1 on penalties

On a wet and windy September day, Penistone Church Women’s U13 welcomed JPL outfit Doncaster Elite Gold in the County Cup.

It was a bright start from both teams, but it was the visitors who struck first. Penistone failed to clear their lines and the Doncaster winger did brilliantly to twist and turn before delivering a teasing low cross towards the back post. Penistone couldn’t clear and it was a simple tap-in at the back post to put the visitors ahead.

That lead didn’t last long, however. Just five minutes later, Penistone earned a corner which was whipped into the middle. Heidi timed her run perfectly and bundled the ball home to bring the scores level.

Both teams continued to play some excellent football, with neat interchanges through the middle and down the wings. Then came a moment of inspiration from goalkeeper Olivia. A route-one ball forward set Liz off on one of her trademark runs through the middle towards goal. A well-timed flick from the defender, however, diverted the ball behind for a corner.

Liz took the resulting corner herself, sending the ball high into the penalty area. It sailed over everyone’s heads before dropping perfectly into the back of the net! ⚽️

2–1 Penistone.

The hosts went into the break ahead after an entertaining first half of football.

Doncaster Elite Gold came out strongly after the restart and didn’t have to wait long to level the scores. A nicely worked throw-in, followed by a turn and a composed strike into the bottom corner, made it 2–2.

What followed was a cracking second half, with both teams working tirelessly through the rain, wind and occasional sunshine. Chances came and went at both ends, but as the clock ticked away, it looked increasingly likely that the County Cup tie was heading for penalties.

And so it did.

Full time: 2–2. Penalties it was.

Five penalties each would decide who progressed.

Doncaster stepped up first, but Olivia produced a huge save! Liz was next for Penistone and confidently smashed her penalty down the middle, through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Doncaster converted to make it 1–1, before Alyssia calmly dispatched hers to put Penistone 2–1 ahead.

Then came another big moment from Olivia as she saved again! That gave Girl of the Game Gracie the opportunity to put Penistone within touching distance of the next round.

Cool, calm and composed, Gracie stepped up and finished brilliantly. 3–1.

Elite Gold now had to score to keep the shootout alive — but their penalty was blazed over the bar!

PENISTONE PROGRESS TO ROUND TWO! 🏆

A fantastic game of football between two excellent sides and a brilliant advert for girls’ football. Plenty of quality, determination and drama from start to finish.

Back to league action next Saturday with a trip to Millmoor.

As ever, a huge thank you to our sponsors Conrad Energy and Wellhouse Leisure for their continued support.

Up The Church! ⚪️ ⚽️ ⚫️ ⛪️ 🏆