Following last week's cup defeat, today offered a great opportunity for the reserves side to bounce back, especially with saturday & sunday 1st team management watching from the sidelines. Pembury welcomed back the tenacious Cornish into the side after a lengthy ban and Turner made the starting eleven for the first time this season. The away side started the stronger and within the first 10 minutes Gent opened the scoring pouncing on a dropped catch by Hadlow's keeper.
Pembury failed to put more pressure on the home keeper, and aside from the goal there was little between the two sides going into the half-time break. The management emphasised the need to keep hold of possession as far too often the ball was given away cheaply. Two substitutions were also made at half-time, the experienced Turner & the enthusiastic Drury made way for Allman & Wyles.
The second half had everything, providing the most eventful 45 minutes of the season so far!! Fifteen minutes into the second half the home side went down to 10 men, as Pembury started to dominate. The management's inspired substitution had almost paid off, but, Wyles was unable to convert from 5 yards into an open goal with no defenders or keeper in sight. However, Drury's cries of joy from the sidelines were short lived, as Wyles redeemed himself by extending Pembury lead 5 minutes later. Although the score was 0-2 in Pembury's favour, their nerves were a little uneasy which showed with Brooker missing numerous chances, Austin's Kung Fu style kick on their left winger, and not forgetting Lanaway's indecisive shout of "Keeper's....errr....away....errr....keeper's" to his defensive allies.
Further goals followed from Gent with a 25 yard volley, Rice-Tucker from a Brooker cross & to put the game out of reach Gent converted a free-kick from the edge of the box to complete his hat-trick.
A good performance by all, notably Lanaway & Gent. A great result, a clean sheet & thoroughly deserved by everyone!!
Carlton Palmer Clanger: M.Wyles - Ronny Rosenthal eat your heart out
Magic Moment: D.Lanaway - With the game still at 0-2, made a superb fingertip save from a goal bound free-kick, leaving Baker feeling a little uneasy on the touchline
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: T.Gent - hat-trick hero dominated midfield
Team:
D.Lanaway
J.Austin
G.Knight
T.Bowyer
R.Cornish
M.Rice-Tucker
A.Turner
T.Gent
L.Drury
B.Brooker
A.Evans
Subs:
O.Allman (for A.Turner)
M.Wyles (for L.Drury)
J.Bush (for A.Evans)