THE BATTLE of Barnsley’s two highest-placed non-league clubs ended in a 1-1 draw between Wombwell Town and Penistone Church on Tuesday evening in the NCEL Premier Division.
Church – who had lost their previous four matches – took the lead on 57 minutes through Kieran Ryan after Wombwell’s Poland international goalkeeper Sebastian Małkowski dropped a cross, but Eddie Agnew levelled almost instantly for the hosts.
Penistone are eighth, four points off the play-off places and eight clear of Wombwell who are 16th out of 20 and four points clear of the two-team relegation zone.
Town manager Karl Rose said: “It was a proper game of football, with two teams 100 per cent committed and going to win it. It could have been 3-3 early on then settled down.
“We’re happy with our performance. We feel we could have won it but they probably do as well.
“We’re desperate for a win and we knew Penistone were champing at the bit to get in the play-offs.
“It was much better from us and sets a good standard so hopefully we can get some good wins now.
“It’s a big step in the right direction.”
Church coach John Whitehead said: “The attitude, desire and application was there.
“We haven’t had that continually throughout the season but we have in the last two games.
“The lads know they haven’t hit their straps early doors but nothing is won at this point.
“I thought the performance warranted a point, maybe even more.
“We’ve turned up at the land of the giants and defended sternly against a team full of six foot plus players.
“The first half was bitty then we improved in the second half but couldn’t take our chances.
“We know we’ve had a blip and historically we usually have a blip at this time of year but I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
Penistone had lost 1-0 at home to leaders Liversedge on Saturday in front of 447 fans – their largest attendance of the season so far.
Coach Brett Lovell said: “We were ultra-proud of the attitude, desire and effort of the lads to try and get a win against a team that will more than likely be up there at the end of the season.
“We knew the enormous task we had facing a side that, in the last 14 games, had won 12 and drawn two.
“But we always thought our lads had the skill, determination and desire to upset the form guide and get a positive result. It turned out that it wasn’t meant to be but that was an unbelievably true Penistone Church performance.”
Town had been beaten 2-1 at Albion Sports on Saturday.
Agnew put them ahead but the hosts scored twice early in the second half.
Wombwell have only collected a point from seven away games this season.
Both clubs will now focus on the FA Vase on Saturday with Wombwell at Winsford Town and Penistone at home to Droylsden, before playing in another all-Barnsley game at home to County Senior League side Silkstone United on Wednesday evening.
