Today was a game of massive importance to the home side for a number of reasons. After two weeks off and two defeats prior to this game, Pembury needed a big performance for their final fixture of 2006. The gaffer was unavailable for today's cup fixture, so the reigns were handed over to Marsh & Lindsey.
Once again Pembury had a side blessed with unbelievable pace, and if they were going to progress into the next stage of the Kent Cup they would need to play to their strengths.
Pembury started the game well looking comfortable on the ball, playing some good football despite the difficult conditions. The defence & a confident Lanaway dealt with any threats with total ease, and it was actually a break from the full-back Adams that stretched the away side down the right flank, linking well with Brooker who hit a low cross to the far post for Gale to slide in & open the scoring. Pembury were off the mark!
The way the home side were playing it only looked a matter of time before the lead would be extended, unfortunately it was not meant to be!! Brave goalkeeping by Lanaway sustained Pembury's domination, whilst numerous chances were wasted as Pembury bombarded Egerton's 18 yard box with both possession & goal attempts. However, minutes before half-time Egerton were awarded a free-kick on the edge of Pembury's penalty box, and after a great strike the ball sailed into the top corner, the scores were now level.
Little more could be said at half-time except to emphasise the need for concentration, and to continue playing in the same fashion. However, with only 10 minutes into the second half a rare lack of concentration at the back allowed the away side to take the lead. The frustration was felt throughout the team, notably on the sidelines where steam was coming off Lindsey's head!
Pembury continued to pepper the Egerton's goal but to no-avail, due to a combination of fatman saves & misplaced shots. The score was still 2-1 in favour of Egerton, so with approximately 20 minutes remaining and everyone playing well, the management had to make a very difficult decision.Evans made way for Gent, switching Brooker to centre forward in order to test their defence with his pace. The change of play paid off & within 10 minutes Brooker beat the offside trap, placing the ball to the right of the keeper bringing the home side level. Game on!
Unfortunately, shortly afterwards Marsh, who was having a superb game, picked up a knock and needed to be replaced. Rice-Tucker came on to left-side of midfield, Ells switched to centre forward, allowing the dependable Gale to slot into Marsh's position at the back. Both Gent & Rice-Tucker fitted into the game very quickly and with the momentum in favour of the home side, Pembury were awarded a corner in injury time. Bowyer made a late run into the box to meet the cross with a diving header to take Pembury into the next round of the Kent cup.
The unsung heroes of the day were the full-backs (Adams & Washer) who worked the flanks & defended tenaciously, and the front two of Evans & Gale who held up the play very well bringing the ever impressive Ells & pacey Brooker into the game. This was where the damage was done!
A well deserved win which could have been made a lot easier if numerous chances had been converted. Thus said, all thirteen players gave 100%, playing extremely well and should all be very proud of their contribution.
Carlton Palmer Clanger: Brooker - goal to shoot ratio left a lot to be desired, however, as they say you've got to be there to score them.
Magic Moment: Bowyer - Diving bullet header in the final minutes left the keeper no chance, rounded off an excellent game for the tireless 'Crash Bang'
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: Turner - controlled the pace of the game, kept possession & formed an excellent partnership with Pembury's captain marvel Leete
Squad:
D.Lanaway
S.Adams
L.Washer
P.Marsh
T.Bowyer
C.Ells
B.Brooker
B.Turner
B.Leete
J.Gale
S.Evans (Snr)
Subs:
M.Rice-Tucker (for P.Marsh)
T.Gent (for S.Evans)
S.Lindsey