PENISTONE Church legend Brett Lovell made his final home appearance for the club this week – and scored from his own half.
The defender, who has made more than 300 appearances for Church, has announced his retirement.
They won 5-0 at home to Thackley on Saturday in front of 357 fans.
Josh Brown and Leon Hurles-Brook scored either side of half-time before Lovell made it 3-0 with a goal from 50 yards. Tom Charlesworth and Kieran Ryan completed the rout.
Manager Stephen Lenthall said: “It was a fantastic result and a fantastic day for Penistone Church Football Club.
“With it being Brett Lovell’s last home game as a player for Church, it brought a lot of emotion for him, his family and many of the players as well who have been with him for many years. When Brett scores they’re always good ones but this time he scored from his own half when he caught the keeper off the line. He’s a modest person, he’s said that he thought the referee was blowing for a foul so he had a go at it. The referee hasn’t blown and the ball’s gone in the top bin.
“What a great goal and what a great finish to his career, you could see the delight from all the players, fans, myself and John Whitehead in the dugout, physio Ruth in the dugout and all the subs. It brought a tear the eye to see Brett finish his playing career on such a high note.
“I can’t wait for him to be involved with us next season as a full-time coach.”
Church are now fourth and could finish anywhere between that place and seventh after they complete their campaign against lowly Bottesford Town tomorrow.
