Penrith

Bank Holiday Monday gives me a chance to head to Penrith and a first visit to their Frenchfield Park ground. With their old town centre ground scheduled for redevelopment, Penrith have a new home on the edge of town, and the stand and floodlights can be seen here beyond the numerous pitches of the Frenchfield Sports Complex.



A closer view of the entrance to the ground.


The ground enjoys a gloriously picturesque rural setting.

Today's Northern League Division One fixture sees Penrith entertain Jarrow Roofing BCA, with the visitors having made a solid start after winning promotion, whilst Penrith have an unusual record to date with four league wins out of four away from home, but defeats in both their games here.

The seated stand provides an impressive viewpoint, though its high roof may not be the most practical in the depths of winter.


It looks as if Penrith's disappointing home record may continue, as David Malloy makes space on the edge of the penalty area to give Jarrow Roofing a 2nd minute lead, and it is 2-0 after 17 minutes as Michael Chapman runs on to a loose ball and fires an unstoppable 30 yard shot into the far corner.


Penrith almost pull one back just before the interval as a long range David Lynn shot comes back off the post, but they do reduce the arrears just three minutes in to the second half, substitute Matty Lea setting up Dan Robinson for a well taken finish.


The rest of the game sees some sustained Penrith pressure, and they are again denied by the woodwork, but they get a deserved equaliser in the 90th minute, Matty Lea heading back a Dean Douglas cross at the far cross, and with visiting keeper Liam Johnson unable to get hold of the ball, Wayne Robertson fires home from a couple of yards out.