TIGERS BEAT THE CHURCH

Well it all went "bust" up on Saturday at the Memorial Ground, home of Penistone Church FC. I watched this "top table tie" through to the final minutes as visitors, Worksop Town, broke free and won a penalty in the 93rd minute. They had been on the receiving end for much of the game but it could have gone either way. I left a few minutes early and missed the four red cards dished after the pen. Will have to read the press to see what's what!
Church live to "fight" another day though; Twitter described it as "handbags".

Worksop Town has helped the world of football enjoy Wilfred Bartrop, who played for them between 1908-9 and then progressed to Barnsley FC between 1909-14 appearing 160 times. Wilfred then played for Liverpool briefly, an experience interrupted by war. He went to fight and die days before the end of the First World War.

Another hero is Herbert Chapman who despite an undistinguished playing career played at Worksop between 1900-1, he then went on to manage Northampton Town, Leeds City, Huddersfield (very successfully) and then Arsenal (very, very successfully), where he was legendary.
(worth searching this Blog for more on Herbert)

Worksop Town claims the club was founded in 1861, which, if proven, would make them the FOURTH oldest club in the WORLD. Their 1911 "Minute Book" records a celebration for existing 50 years, so we might be persuaded.
Previous to this there is a record of a match between 15 locals and 15 Church players.
In 1882 there is a further reference to a game against Eckington and they joined the Sheffield and Hallamshire League ten years later. Since then they have spent most time in the Midland League and now feature in the North-East Counties premier-Level 9 in the EFL.

Best known "old" players include Alan Hodgkinson, once England goalkeeper (only 5 caps) who played in the shadow of Eddie Hopkinson  and Ron Springett but he earned 576 apps for Sheffield United. There were also Peter Eustace, Chris Waddle and Dean Gordon on the Tigers' roll call. Here's Hodg!

There have been interesting moments in the Tigers' history; notably an FA Cup 1st Round in 1908 against Chelsea at the Bridge, losing 1-9.
In 1923 they drew Spurs again in the 1st Round drawing 0-0 and losing the replay at WH Lane 0-9. Prior to Rd One they had beaten Scunthorpe, Grimsby and Chesterfield.
In 1926 they beat Coventry in the Cup's 1st Rd and then lost to Chesterfield.