Penycae Football Club C.I.C.

After a busy pre season, the players were ready for competitive football with points on offer. A tough away fixture at Hawarden was our first outing. With 4 players making there debuts, we were looking to get off to a good start. On a very narrow pitch which was in poor condition with rabbit holes all over, it was going to be hard to get the ball down and play. With both teams looking to gain the upper hand we were awarded a penalty after Alex Rowlands got pushed over after the ball had been played, the player also kicked out at Alex which the referee missed. Josh Millington stepped up to take the penalty only for it to be saved by the keeper. This lifted Hawarden and on 21 mins they took the lead when the striker turned 2 of our players and played a through ball for the winger to go one on one with matt griffiths in goal, the player slotted past matt for 1-0. A bit harsh on the lads as we seemed to be on top at the time, on 29 mins we were awarded a 2 nd penalty when Alex Rowlands again was bundled over by the centre half when he had no chance of getting the ball. Again Josh Millington stepped up and this time sent the keeper the wrong way for 1-1. We deserved this goal as had been the better side. Ht 1-1. A quick pep talk of more of the same from the lads and we'll get chances. The 2nd half started with Hawarden being a bit more physical and seemed to target Alex Rowlands who was causing them problems, again another player kicked out at Alex off the ball but the referee decided to take no action. On 70 mins Hawarden took the lead again when they broke out from our attack, a long ball over the top wasn't dealt with and the striker lifted the ball over matt griffiths who was caught off his line. We needed to get back into the game and we nearly equalised when am Alex Rowlands free kick from 25 yards hit the post and went to safety, we kept pushing for the goal and on 86 mins a great pass from josh Jones sent elliot Kavanagh through on goal and he volleyed into the bottom corner for a deserved equaliser. Deep into injury time we nearly got a winner when Ben Jones crossed to the far post only for the defender to clear from the onrushing Kavanagh. Ft 2-2. A very encouraging performance from the team and fully deserved a point, this was a game we would of lost last season. We now look forward to Tues night and Corwen at home.