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Akinfenwa claims he was ‘too cocky’ after having injury time penalty saved by outfield player

Adebayo Akinfenwa claims he was ‘too cocky’ after having his injury time penalty saved by an outfield player for his new non league club.

Despite having 40 years of professional experience and playing against an outfielder, it seems even EFL legends themselves have their bad days, even at non league level.

The striker was unable to get the equaliser as Faversham played Sittingbourne, who were opponents in the Isthmian League South East Division.

In the 94th minute, Sittingbourne was ahead 1-0, but goalkeeper Harley Earle had gone off injured.

And a crucial spot kick had been award. Outfield player Harrison Pont was forced to step up and face the penalty with Akinfenwa facing him.

Miraculously, Pont denied the ex-Wycombe player his chance of helping his relegation threatened side and made sure his side secured all three points for mid-table Sittingbourne.

SEE MORE: Scorpion kick seals Ramsgate comeback from 3-1 down to 3-3 between 93rd and 98th minute

Akinfenwa said, as per KentOnline: “I think the boys did a lot.

“Everybody misses penalties but I guess my downside was I was too cocky. I didn’t take the keeper that came in seriously and that was wrong of me.

“But the one thing about changing rooms and football is – even though I’ve been in the game for so long – the way the boys were like ‘Keep your head up’ was great.

“It’s not the way I wanted it to go but we have a big five Cup Finals to go, and I do think I’ve seen enough here to prove that it can be done.”

Faversham boss Sammy Moore said: “Football’s cruel sometimes.

“When Bayo picked up the ball for the penalty, I said to the boys on the bench that I’ve seen him put penalties away in the Football League – for AFC Wimbledon, Wycombe and others.

“The man he is, he came into the dressing room and owned it. He said that it was his fault.

“He was a little bit too cocky because an outfielder goes in goal but he says it’s on his shoulders and he takes it.”

“The game was scrappy,” Moore added.

“I think, first half, they should be down to 10 men.

“Shola goes through and it’s a goalscoring opportunity, and Joe Ellul brings him down. It’s a straight red for me.

“Then, he’s lucky to be on the pitch with the handball. I think it’s a deliberate handball.

“Derby games are about moments and you need the luck to go for you. Bailey Vose, apart from picking the ball out his net, has had nothing to do, really.

“We switch off from a set-piece. KC [Kieron Campbell] doesn’t go with his man and he gets in behind us, squares it and it’s a goal. Up until that point, there’s nothing in the game.

“Then second half, we penned them in for large spells and just needed a little bit of luck.

“We put probably 25 crosses in the box and just needed that bit of luck – and then we got the penalty and you’re thinking ‘Come on, get a goal and then there’s still four minutes to go.’ But it’s football.

“The best players miss penalties and, unfortunately today, we’ve been on the end of missing one.

“It hurts, trust me, but we just have to keep fighting.”

Akinfenwa had announced his retirement from playing at the end of the 2021/22 season after Wycombe’s hopes of promotion were crushed when they lost 2-0 in the League One playoff final defeat against Sunderland at Wembley Stadium.

‘The Beast’ however came out of retirement two weeks ago to sign for the Lilywhites and help them battle against relegation.

Back in July, Akinfenwa turned out for Hashtag United, playing a 45-minute cameo before being replaced by ex-Love Island star Toby Aromolaran. See more on that HERE.

After that game, he suggested that his knee “doesn’t seem like it wants to work anymore” and that he was probably done with playing football.

However, just under a year later, as mentioned, he signed for Faversham with manager Sammy Moore saying he was able to convince the veteran striker to sign.

Akinfenwa started in Saturday’s game against Lancing, with his side 1-0 up before coming off at half time, but his opponents netted twice in the second half to win the game.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Faversham Town F.C have landed a major coup, signing a hugely popular former professional striker.

Adebayo Akinfenwa, 40, joins the Lilywhites to further help bolster their frontline in their battle against relegation as he comes out of retirement.

Known as “The Beast”, the big frontman enjoyed two seasons with Gillingham between 2010 and 2014, where he worked alongside Faversham coach Darren Hare.

He also counts Leyton Orient, Doncaster Rovers, Torquay United, Swansea City, Northampton and AFC Wimbledon (playing alongside the Gaffer) among his old sides before he initially retired last season at Wycombe.

Akinfenwa came off the bench for what then appeared the final match of his career, losing 2-0 at Wembley in the League One play-off final to Sunderland.

But now, Faversham manager Sammy Moore has convinced him to put his boots on once more.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

 

Fans reacted as Akinfenwa claims he was ‘too cocky’ after having his injury time penalty saved by an outfield player…

@ChrisCare1: Just put your laces through it!!! He looked like he could barely run up to the spot 🤣

@theElgrunn: Terrible peno

@eoinfraser: What a divvy

@MRKPayne: What a save! 🧤 Up The Brickies!! ❤️🖤

@Gibbo8: Up the Brickies @SittingbourneFC

@tatterz: Sunny sunny sittingbourne 😂

@RobGWarren4: Hahaha fuck Akinfenwa.

@MRKPayne: Truly amazing! 👏

@Jamiermccloy26: Top drawer mate

@flynntoon1133: Gorn lad🫡😭

@harrybrooks_: HANG IT IN THE FUCKING LOUVRE. WHAT A PLAYER WHAT A MAN!

@Chr15t0ffL: Geezer never gonna stop going on about that 😂👌

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