Match Reports

Penlake turned up 2 men short and must have feared for the worst after Rope had won their earlier encounter. Early signs were that Rope would make the advantage tell and early pressure put the visitors on the back foot as Joe was unlucky to see the keeper produce a superb save to tip the ball onto the crossbar when a goal looked certain. Again Joe went close after a great ball from Matthew put him through- this time his effort was screwed just wide. After soaking up the pressure, penlake broke forward and as the Rope defence slept the ball was fired home 0-1. It was almost 2 as the Rope defence were caught in possesion playing to much fancy stuff when a good old belt forward would have been the best choice but thankfully keeper Callum stood up strong and saved from point blank range. Penlake doubled their lead as hesitant defending allowed them to fire home after a bit of pin ball in the box. HT 0-2. Still all to play for and Rope were helped with the strong wind at their backs but again Rope were sloppy as their attack was broken up and the midfield stayed upfield leaving the defence overrun and a great finish over the keeper 0-3. Matthew Kennedy started to push forward from defence and showed the midfield the way it should be done- tackling, moving and passing well but there were few players on form and it was a hopeless task. He went close with a free kick on the edge of the box but agian the keeper saved well- just pushing it over as the ball was going into the top corner. It was Matthew again who caused Penlake more problems as he tried a couple of long range efforts which were again well handled by the keeper. Rope finally got one back as Cameron Geering's willingness to work paid off and he scored from close in. Too little too late FT 1-3. After their 8-0 win against Appleton Rope went to the other extreme today and too many players didnt want to know. Penlake's physical approach knocked them out of their stride and players heads went down as they hid. Simply not good enough. Penlake were superb- 9 men, no subs and away from home. Rope probably had the better of the shots on target count but the Penlake keeper stood up to it all and there can be little doubt that the best side won. The title is now a 3 horse race. Rope can concentrate on the cup. Steve Kennedy