#GAME96 05/05/18 Parkgate 3-1 Worksop Town

Parkgate F.C. 3-1 Worksop Town

Worksop End The Season In Defeat

Worksop took the lead just before the half-time whistle went however Parkgate pulled it back to win the game comfortably with second half goals from Flynn, Bagley and Brissett.

The day started fairly early. Me, Glyn Howarth and Rich Nelson all got the 10.13 train to Sheffield to start the day with a couple of beers while sitting in the gorgeous summery weather. The first two pubs we went to were both shut (Typical!) but we settled in The Graduate. After a couple of pints and collaring John Stocks over, after he was in the area writing bits for his upcoming books, for a drink and a chat about some old history of the Tigers past.

We then jumped on the train through to Rotherham to meet up with the other Barmy Army reprobates in the centre. Despite being surrounded by Rotherham United fans, we made lots of noise and out-sung them whilst also having a laugh. A few more drinks there and we booked the taxis up to Roundwood Sports Complex ready for the final game of the 2017/18 season.

The flag went up and the fans were in full voice as the lads walked out. This trend carried on for the full ninety minutes. In fact Parkgate netted the third goal but the Barmy Army just carried on singing. I was recording the chanting as it happened and a few fans cheered for the home side but they were drowned out by ‘Na Na Na Nananaaaaaa Nanananaaa Worksopppp’ (to the tune of Hey Jude).

Both teams had nothing to play for. Parkgate were already relegated and Town were safe but deprived of confidence and form. It also had that end of the season feel; Beautiful weather and players playing in second gear.

Charlie Baird had the first chance of the game. Mlynarski teed up Baird on the edge of the box. Charlie turned and whipped a dangerous ball towards the far post which went just wide of the upright.

Ten minutes later, Jas Alali swung in a cross towards the centre which was glanced wide by the head of Martin Brissett.

On the stroke of half-time Worksop Town got their noses in front. Charlie Baird did brilliantly to carry the ball down the left towards the byline before cutting in and rifling his shot under the keeper and into the far corner.

The Tigers then had the first chance of the second period. Michael Trench’s free-kick was flying into the top right until Jamie Housley scampered across goal to push the chance over the top.

Moments later, James Hastings switched the ball over to the right side of the area where Chris Wood dropped the shoulder, cut in, and fired a shot towards the bottom corner which was superbly blocked on the line by Jack Holden.

Parkgate equalised in the fifty-fourth minute of the game. A low cross into the box was uncleared leaving it to travel towards the back stick where Danny Flynn tapped home.

Parkgate took control over the rest of the game and they went ahead with twenty minutes remaining. Diggles’ clearance landed at the feet of Bagley. It took the number ten two bites of the cherry to net as his first effort was blocked but his second was neatly tucked home.

The Steelmen added a third goal in the closing stages. Martin Brissett turned his marker and fired a magnificent strike beyond the grasp of Joshua Diggles.

As previously stated, this goal didn’t stop the supporters from chanting but it did knock the belief out of the side whose heads were clearly down and desperate for the full-time whistle.

The referee, thankfully, blew for the end of the game and the end of a torrid campaign. A season to forget for Tigers fans. There were some good moments of this season though. Whether it was Barry Radfords sheep and goat impressions at the expense of the clubhouse and Athersley players. Or the player initiation songs after a 5-0 preseason win over Matlock Town including a special rendition of Carly Rae Jepson’s “Call Me Maybe” by Jack Barnett which brought many laughs. The FA Vase trips to Haughmond and Dunston were fantastic too! And even when things were really bad, us fans still had a laugh and a sing-song to try and drown out the sorrows. It’s a great shame what has happened this year.

The players came over at the end to shake our hands and say thank you for our support and we thanked them for their efforts. Milligan waited in the middle for his players for a post-match talk and clapped the fans from afar.

After the game a few of us stayed around for a chat with fans, volunteers and players. I’d personally like to thank Paul and Niall after a stressful beginning to their Worksop journey. They work tirelessly to get it right (which they will, I’m sure of it) and thank you to them for helping me with things. I’d like to thank the experienced players for sticking by us and helping us get through this season and also thank you the young lads for their efforts, it wasn’t easy for them however they’ve gave us their all. Good luck to those who are off to America for their scholarships. Thank you to all the fellow fans who continuously support our beloved football club. Thank you to all the volunteers who keep the club going, you’re all great! And finally to Jake and Luke who have helped me grow as a writer and gave me useful tips and advice that I needed!

The day finished off with tea in the chippy up the road and then the train back to Sheffield for one last drink in the Globe before heading back to Worksop so Glyn could get the last train back to his native Whitwell!

Attendance: 189
Goals: Flynn (54’), Bagley (69’), Brissett (87’); Baird (44’)

PFC: Jamie Housley, Jas Alali, Chris Telling, Danny Flynn, Tim Whittaker, Mack Collinson, James Hastings, Andrew Fox, Martin Brissett, Brandon Bagley
Subs: George Morris, Brandon Jenkinson, Chris Wood, Kyle Andre, Levi Owen

WTFC: Joshua Diggles, Alex Boyd, Michael Trench, Tyler Lysons (Harry Dunbar), Jack Holden, Dan Gardner, Luke Black (Jamie Robinson), Charlie Baird, Mitch Husbands, Luke Smith, Igor Mlynarski (Joel Phillips)
Unused Subs: Christian Beaumont, James Milner