Penrith hit back with two late goals to secure tie
Last updated 11:48, Monday, 06 October 2008
ON A surface made increasingly heavy by persistent rain both before and during the game, Penrith eventually came through their first round FA Vase tie, after a fully committed display.
FA Vase First round: Penrith 2, Squires Gate 1
The home side sufered two major blows before kick-off when Michael Reed, and Dan Robinson were ruled out, leaving striking options thin on the ground.
Underfoot conditions were difficult from the outset,and Thornton lost the ball on the edge of the area, but quickly recovered to regain possession and clear the danger.
A good run by Douglas,who was a constant threat to the visitors was followed by a low cross, which Errington just failed to reach, with the goal at his mercy.
Penrith monopolised possession,but were unable to turn their terretorial possession into goals.
Jones was outpaced by Harvie but his shot was blocked by Taylor, making his seasonal home debut in goal, and the follow-up attempt was cleared by the home defence, under considerable pressure.
The whistle blew for half-time with the game still goalless, and few clear-cut chances to either side,
Penrith started the second half in confident style, and had claims for a penalty waved aside, when a visiting defender appeared to handle the ball in the area.
On 54 minutes, Squires Gate took the lead when a surging run by Harvie saw him outpace the home defence.
His low cross evaded Taylor and Ryan finished in style.
This gave the Lancastrians confidence and they pushed forward but the home defence held firm.
David Lynn replaced Joe Blaylock on 58 minutes, and there was a double substitution on 70 minutes with Willie Paul and Paul Pattinson coming on for Mark Jones,and Ryan Errington, with Phil Thornton pushed up front.
With 15 minutes to go, the home side drew level when a powerful run by Matty Lea saw him find Douglas in space at the far post and he, in turn, found Michael Brown who coolly beat the keeper.
Penrith now scented victory and on 83 minutes went ahead for the first time with Lea again centrally involved.
The ball broke loose to Paul who drove it into the corner of the net.
Penrith held on well for a merited victory showing once again their fighting spirit and resilience to progress to the second round .
MATCH FACTS
Penrith: Taylor, Birch, Jones, Gray, Thornton, Frampton, Lea, Brown, Errington, Blaylock, Douglas.
Subs: Holland, Paul, Lynn, Pattinson, Prokas.
