Pembury went into today's game low in confidence after an embarrassing league defeat last week. The experienced Steve Waterman & Tim Marshall were called in to strengthen the squad, as the management made numerous changes notably in defence.
The first 20 minutes were well contested by both sides, however, a great strike from Biggin Hill gave them the lead. Although disappointed the home side knew there was still a long way to go and the football had been encouraging so far. However, trouble struck again when Biggin Hill were awarded a free-kick about 25 yards out after some sloppy defending. Blinded by the sun, Lanaway could not react as the ball sailed into the top-right hand corner.
Two-nil down Pembury were beginning to regret their earlier wasted opportunities, but in the 30th minute Marshall set a good example bringing the home team back into the game. The next 15 minutes were evenly matched, until the home side strung together an excellent move of 12 plus passes before Leete squared it across to Turner who gracefully finished into the bottom right hand corner. Things were on the up for Pembury until seconds before half-time when poor communication between Lanaway & the back four left the goal wide open for Biggin Hill to take the lead once again. The home supporters & stand-in managers Marsh & Lindsey could not believe their eyes, following an excellent period of possession for the home team!
The half-time team talk focussed on the need for 100% concentration, in both defence & with goal scoring opportunities. Although the intentions were good, a lack of desire lead to Biggin Hill's fourth goal at the start of the second half. A lofted in-swinging corner kick went unchallenged towards the far corner of the Pembury net, and although there was no need Biggin Hill headed the ball in to be sure. Evans did pull one back from the penalty spot, after a handball incident but it wasn't enough to spur on a fight-back. Moments later, Lanaway was left in no-man's land for the fifth Biggin Hill goal & the sixth was an unstoppable 30 yard screamer leaving Lanaway with no chance. The score finished 6-3 to the visitors as they progressed into the next round of the WKSL Cup.
"99% concentration leads to 100% failure"
Carlton Palmer Clanger: Lanaway - Biggin's fifth goal, although it's unfortunate that mistakes in defence are more memorable than those further up the field of play
Magic Moment: Turner - great finish at the end of a well worked second goal
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: Bowyer - despite the scoreline, he never lost a tackle
Team:
D.Lanaway
T.Bowyer
S.Waterman
J.Gale
L.Washer
T.Gent
B.Turner
B.Leete
C.Ells
S.Evans (Snr)
T.Marshall
Subs:
R.Taylor (for J.Gale)
P.Marsh (for T.Marshal)