06/09/2026
⚽️ SHREWSBURY ARMS 1–3 PENNINGTON VETERANS ⚽️
WRONGS = RIGHTED ✅
Well… what can we say?
It wasn’t pretty. In fact, for most of the first half, we couldn’t make a five-yard pass land if our lives depended on it. But through grit, determination and Shrewsbury not managing a shot on target, we went into the break level.
Credit where it’s due: this was a much better footballing and more organised Shrewsbury side than the one we faced last season. Strong, physical and extremely well drilled—Adam had definitely got his lads ready for the season opener.
Playing in the middle of a running track, on a wide, flat pitch with a bit of rain on it, we thought the conditions would suit our style perfectly.
They didn’t. 😂
We looked jaded, as though the league season was nearly over rather than just beginning. From the sidelines, apart from Shinksy and Paul wearing two designer rucksacks disguised as centre-halves, there wasn’t much excitement.
And when we say wearing them, it was more the centre-halves wearing our forwards. They either wanted a cuddle—or possibly something more—because their hands were absolutely everywhere. Lucky lads, some might say. 👀
There may also have been a decent penalty shout when Paul was pushed so far while challenging for a header that he briefly saw Narnia.
Half-time: 0–0.
Anyway, enough of the boring bit…
After a few words at half-time, the lads were told to calm down, simplify things and get back to doing what they’ve done so well throughout the last 12 months of competitive football.
That’s right—just 12 months. 👀
The second half started more sensibly, although Shrewsbury matched us and the game became something of a chess match.
Then Ralph decided he’d had enough.
Picking the ball up in central midfield, the Silent Assassin produced a run that would be described as world-class if a certain little Argentinian had done it. He glided past two, then three, before sliding a perfect through-ball into…
Go on, have a guess…
PAUL ATHERTON!
Paul did what Paul does and calmly slid us into a 1–0 lead.
You could immediately smell the confidence pouring from the lads. We looked calmer, sharper and more focused.
Ten minutes later, Azza decided to show everyone who the best goalkeeper with his feet really is. Ederson is still arguing that he didn’t mean it—but Azza launched a raking 60-yard ball forward, one of our midfielders produced a dummy that nobody can quite remember, and Paul collected it before making it:
2–0 PENNINGTON!
Cruising—and righting a few wrongs along the way. 😎
Now, I promised I wouldn’t include this next bit…
But Karl “The Gaffer” Atherton decided to demonstrate exactly what he’s always telling the lads not to do when trapped near the edge of your own box.
He literally fell over the ball.
He then looked up with an expression that simply said:
“SH*T… I’m getting some grief for that.” 😂😂😂
At 2–0, with around 12 minutes remaining, we rang the changes. Karl was obviously dragged off immediately 👀, Paul joined him and Shinksy had already departed, leaving us with a completely new strike partnership of DC and Bucky.
And did you really think The Apex was going to miss out on the goalscoring party?
Bucky turned one defender inside out, chopped past another and then—BANG!
3–0 PENNINGTON!
Shrewsbury were absolutely fuming, claiming Bucky had fouled their man. Being completely honest, their defender tried to pull Buck back, lost the battle and paid the price.
The Apex by name. The Apex by nature.
Shrewsbury did manage to pull one back, but the damage was done.
FULL-TIME: SHREWSBURY ARMS 1–3 PENNINGTON VETERANS
Let’s not pretend today was only about the goalscorers, though. Our two joint Men of the Match both came from the back three, which tells you everything about the quality and physicality Shrewsbury brought to the game.
⭐️ JOINT MEN OF THE MATCH ⭐️
🧊 Si “The Iceman” Pendlebury
Absolute domination across the back line. Calm, powerful and immense throughout.
🇧🇷 Wes “Carlos” Proverbs
Another class performance, backed up with some seriously silky passing from defence.
👏 SPECIAL MENTIONS 👏
⚽️ Paul Atherton – Two goals from limited service while carrying a centre-half around for most of the afternoon.
⚽️ Andy Buckley – Asked to play in an unfamiliar position, still stood out and still got himself on the scoresheet.
📖 Adam Ralphson – A ridiculous run and perfectly weighted assist to finally unlock the door.
👐 Azza – Outstanding distribution to create the second goal and another confident performance between the sticks.
😂 Karl Atherton – Completely unselfish leadership, showing the lads firsthand exactly what not to do defensively.
It wasn’t vintage Pennington. It wasn’t pretty. But against a strong, organised and much-improved Shrewsbury side, we dug in, stayed patient and found a way to win.
The only team to beat us competitively last season…
Wrong righted. Three points secured. New season underway.
🔵⚫️ THE PENNINGTON WAY 🔵⚫️
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