Match Reports

Last year's league champions welcomed last season's cup winners with both sides having struggled to get going so far this term. Rope started the brighter with Tom Corless flying down the right and Jordan Freaney equally threatening down the left. The two combined with Tom playing in Jordan who was denied by a great double save by the keeper. Rope opened their account after great work by Niall Ford, cutting in on the left, putting the ball on to his favoured right foot and shooting, only to be denied by another great save as the ball was pushed up on to the crossbar for Keenan Quansah to follow in and bundle the ball home 0-1. Penlake had their chances too and they went close to levelling after a break down the left and a chip across goal missed the far post by a fraction. The Penlake keeper was by far the busier and he produced the save of the match from a Tom Corless pile driver which was bound for the top corner. Not only did he get to it.. he held it cleanly- a truly superb save. HT 0-1 Rope doubled their lead early in the second half, this time they needed a bit of luck as a hopeful shot by Regan Foy rolled towards the bottom corner the keeper tripped over his feet and failed to get across in time- the ball having just enough strength to cross the line. 0-2 The rest of the game saw Rope attacking and Penlake countering but as with the cup final fixture between the two the Rope's defence was simply too well marshalled today with Jud Thorniley pulling all the strings. Lots of half chances and some crunching tackles but neither side able to add to the scoreline.FT 0-2 Penlake put up a good show.. lots of new faces since last season but all ready to compete and do a job. Dillon who was until recently at Man United showed why he had been spotted but he was simply outnumbered at times today. Rope were different class today- they have been below parr most of the season and I have reported it that way, but today they had Jud in defence bossing everything, Tom Weeder moving to midfield and adding aggresion and bite and Keenan Quansah covering every blade of grass and showing great distribution in midfield. In addition they had Tom Corless and Jordan Freaney giving a constant threat down the wings and everyone else putting in a real effort. More of the same please boys- you have set the standard today.