Pembury travelled to Old Boars with eleven outfield players, no recognised goalie & one sub/linesman/master tactician/waterboy/token slaphead. Thankfully hot-shot Evans was prepared to take one for the team & pull on an oversized pair of goalie gloves.
Once again prior to kick-off, the management went through individuals' responsibilities in & around set-pieces, stressing the need for organisation & forming team habits.
Although they were playing against a strong wind the visitors started the stronger, almost scoring from a corner in the first 15 minutes. Leete delivered an excellent corner, where Waterman rose like a salmon to head the ball into the top right hand corner of goal. All but one of the Pembury team had turned to celebrate the opening goal, that one was none other than Brooker who appeared from nowhere to head the ball over the bar. At least the management know they can apply his talents to the defensive line in future!?!
Despite the promising start it was the home side that took the lead, using the adverse weather conditions to their advantage. A long kick down field went unchallenged, surprising a number of Pembury players. Old Boars were first to latch on to the kick, lobbing Evans in the process & giving him no chance.
Pembury responded well, and within 5 minutes a moment of brilliance brought them level. Both teams were matching eachother in the air, with the ball being headed back & forth just inside the Old Boars' half, until it dropped into the vicinity of Leete. From 40 yards out Leete struck a first time volley, the ball looped & swerved over the keeper, dipping just under the bar to bring Pembury back on level terms. It was pure class, which deserved a bigger stage & audience.
Old Boars scored again in similar fashion to their first goal, as Pembury struggled to deal with the wind. After this second set-back Waterman rallied the troops & from here on Old Boars were getting very little change from the Pembury back line. From front to back, Pembury were linking play well and after sustained pressure an accidental handball resulted in a penalty for the visitors. Hymers did not hesitate, drilling a powerful strike down the goalie's throat. Although the keeper got a touch, the force of the shot bulged the back of the net.
Five minutes before half-time, Pembury crossed in from the right flank and found Hymers just inside the 18 yard box. Without the ball touching the floor, he controlled it, then flicked it over the opposing the defender & hit a left footed volley into the top right hand corner, all in one movement. Poetry in motion. Pembury went into half-time with a 2-3 lead, and the advantage of the wind behind them in the second half.
After the break, as expected, most of the play was in the Old Boars half with a number of opportunities coming to Pembury, mainly from Evans' goal kicks! It was only a matter of time before the lead would be extended. The fourth goal came when the ball fell to Leete inside the 18 yard box, after some great work done the left. He dribbled past two defenders before hitting probably the hardest shot of the day from just outside the six yard box. This gave Pembury the cushion they needed.
Old Boars did come back into the game briefly, scoring a header from a corner, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback. The final score was Old Boars 3, Pembury Reserves 4.
I can honestly say that today's performance was the best I had personally witnessed this season by the reserve team. It was not necessarily a game they dominated with possession, shots, flair or creativity, nor a game where they won every single challenge or tackle. However, it was a fantastic team performance, with every single player supporting, encouraging & working for eachother for the greater good of the side. A special mention needs to go the players not often found in a Pembury Sunday shirt, they fitted in perfectly.
A Pembury performance to be proud of, especially inlight of the limited resources at the management's disposal. It was a pleasure to be reporting on this game, and despite Lindsey's push-up drills at full-time, you could see a glaze of satisfaction shining from his perfectly formed head!?!
Carlton Palmer Clanger: Brooker - where do I begin?! Today he was firing blanks in a big way, however, all players have their off games it's how they respond that shows true quality.
NB: To date, Brooker is joint top goalscorer on sundays...playing right midfield, so he must be doing something right!!
Player Fines* (push-ups): Hymers (15 - for failed back heel) & Brooker (45 - cos it would have been harsh to give him 90 to do)
Magic Moment: Leete - I can guarantee a better goal will not be scored in WKSL 06/07 season, FACT! An excellent performance, who lead by example throughout!
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: Evans - Bruce Grobbelaar eat your heart out, epitomized the sweeper keeper system
* Fines can be given for any number of incidents acquired within a 45 minute period. Such circumstances include Showboating & Hollywood passing where possession is lost to the opposing team. Each incident results in 15 push-ups, to be completed at either half-time or full-time, whichever arises first. Please note: ONLY the management, or players empowered by the management on a given date, can decide such fines.