9th tier player Brett Lovell stuns fellow teammates and staff by scoring from the halfway line on what was his last home appearance.
Brett Lovell, a legend at Penistone Church, made his last home appearance this week – scoring from his own half to add to his side’s 5-0 win at home to Thackley, with over 350 fans in attendance..
He has announced his retirement, after making 300 Church appearances, with everyone inside the stadium thanking him.
Leon Hurles-Brook and Josh Brown scored in the first half of that fixture, before Lovell made it 3-0 with a goal from 50 yards. The scoreline was extended thanks to Kieran Ryan and Tom Charlesworth, making it 5-0.
Manager Stephen Lenthall said as per Barnsley Chronicle: “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.”
Massive thanks to the @ThackleyAFC players for the guard of honour they have to Brett 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/yWeIMKS5h5
— Penistone Church FC (@pcfc1906) April 1, 2023
Brett has the last word today (a few seconds missed)#WhatAMan pic.twitter.com/Y2sBxzJXfw
— Penistone Church FC (@pcfc1906) April 1, 2023
Stocksbridge Park Steels uploaded a video to their socials, saying: “Following the announcement of his retirement, Ian Richards paid tribute to his former Steels team mate Brett Lovell.”
Richards could be heard saying: “Yeah. Brett. First, he was a teammate, and then second, he was a player in my team as a teammate.
“Excellence play alongside to give you that consistency, give you that rock at the back.
“In terms of a player in your team, he was excellent in the change room, excellent in terms of his character.
“He played through injuries and knocks. He was so dependable. He was a real threat in the opposition spell the box. But he was an absolute rocket in our own.
“But finally, most importantly, he’s a good friend.
“He’s one of my best friends in football.
“We still stay in contact on a weekly basis and I’m pleased that he’s going to on a high and scored a goal to mark his excellent non league career.
“And I wish him well in his coaching career first at FaceTime and wherever it takes him.T hank you very much.”
Following the announcement of his retirement, Ian Richards paid tribute to his former Steels team mate Brett Lovell. pic.twitter.com/YXpa97zHOq
— Stocksbridge Park Steels (@parksteelsfc) April 2, 2023
This is what fans said as the 9th tier player stuns his teammates and staff by scoring from the halfway line on his last home appearance…
@OliverBeaumont: What a player 🙌🏼😍
@NUFC_1892LR: Top club
@lowerbreck: Had few good battles with yourself’s and Brett over the last few years. We would like to wish him well as he hangs up his boots… 👏🏻
@moor_club: Go on big lad
@Glynhowarth: Wonderful
@mdavver: Love this @ThackleyAFC @NCEL
@Mickryan56yaho1: Sportsmanship ⚽️💙
@HACKETTREF: What a wonderful gesture from the players of Thackley AFC. A massive thank you.
Waza Bird: Wayne Hughes was that u knelling down great reaction of shock lol
Alison Broughton: Absolutely brilliant x
Edwin OSullivan: If Carlsberg did last match appearances
Ryan Woods: What a way to bow out 👌👏👏
David Bowden: Wreyt goal ⚽️⚽️
Amanda J Simpson: Been waiting to see this again. What a brilliant way to hang up your boots 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Paul Sowden: Great way to end your career. Well done.
Tom Jones: Amazing
Ben Johnson: Ha ha what a player legend in Penistone Church FC and he meant it🤔
Steve Fitzgerald: Absolutely brilliant Brett 👏👏
Roger Nail: Great goal from a great player class ⚽️⚽️
Peter Wootten: magic moment!
Richard Turner: Go on Brett ⚽️👍🏻
Jason Lee: haha what a way to end your career, pick that out. loving the player’s reactions, especially those on the touchline there
— The Dribbling Code (@dribblingcode) April 1, 2023
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