Mens · Premier Division
Ashworth earns Player of the Match but Ferndale Rovers take it 2‑1
1‑2Playwell United vs Ferndale Rovers· 06 Sept 2026· Home
A hard afternoon at Mill Lane Stadium ended in a 1-2 home defeat to Ferndale Rovers in the Premier Division. Playwell United gave plenty and got little back for it, with the visitors scoring inside the opening minute and then finding a winner in the final seconds to take all three points.
Ferndale Rovers were ahead almost immediately, scoring in the first minute before the home side had found their footing. It was a difficult position to recover from, and the visitors held that lead for the bulk of the afternoon on a muddy pitch under overcast skies, with around a hundred supporters watching on.
Sam Whitmore came on as a winger for Jamie Telford on 75 minutes and brought fresh legs to the forward line. Ten minutes later, Marcus Brennan came off with an injury, and Karl Neville came on as a striker in his place. Neville pressed from the front from the moment he arrived.
It was Brennan’s first appearance back from injury and an unfortunate way for his return to end.
Ferndale Rovers were ahead almost immediately, scoring in the first minute before the home side had found their footing. It was a difficult position to recover from, and the visitors held that lead for the bulk of the afternoon on a muddy pitch under overcast skies, with around a hundred supporters watching on.
Sam Whitmore came on as a winger for Jamie Telford on 75 minutes and brought fresh legs to the forward line. Ten minutes later, Marcus Brennan came off with an injury, and Karl Neville came on as a striker in his place. Neville pressed from the front from the moment he arrived.
It was Brennan’s first appearance back from injury and an unfortunate way for his return to end.
Ashworth levels
With two minutes left, Dean Ashworth pulled Playwell level at 1-1, heading home from a Liam Granger assist to give the home side something to hold onto. It looked, briefly, like it might be enough to earn a point.
It was not.
Ferndale Rovers scored again on 90 minutes to make it 1-2, and that was how it finished. Ashworth had a stoppage-time chance to level the match when he stepped up to a penalty, but it went over the bar, and the final whistle followed shortly after.
It was not.
Ferndale Rovers scored again on 90 minutes to make it 1-2, and that was how it finished. Ashworth had a stoppage-time chance to level the match when he stepped up to a penalty, but it went over the bar, and the final whistle followed shortly after.
Dean Ashworth was named Player of the Match. His goal brought the side level, while his relentless, selfless running led the line throughout the afternoon.
Manager Shaun Bennet was honest about how the result felt. "It's a tough one to swallow, especially that late," he said. "The lads worked hard and kept going right to the end. The subs gave us a real lift, and we got ourselves back into it, but we have to do better in those final moments. There are things to learn from today, but I'm not going to stand here and be negative about the effort."
Manager Shaun Bennet was honest about how the result felt. "It's a tough one to swallow, especially that late," he said. "The lads worked hard and kept going right to the end. The subs gave us a real lift, and we got ourselves back into it, but we have to do better in those final moments. There are things to learn from today, but I'm not going to stand here and be negative about the effort."
Kingsbridge Athletic away next
Playwell United travel to Kingsbridge Athletic at the Kingsbridge Recreation Ground next Sunday, 13 September 2026, with the game getting under way at 2:00 PM. After a result like this one, it would mean a lot to have some familiar faces making the trip. If you can get there, the players will appreciate the backing.
Thank you, Greenbank Garden Centre
Your support as our kit sponsor makes a real difference to everyone at Playwell United. You help gardens grow with plants, tools.
Greenbank Garden Centre
www.greenbankgardencentre.co.uk
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