After a number of games called off due to poor weather conditions, it was unknown how the players would respond to the first game of 2007.
The home side struggled in the first half with only a few opportunities coming their way, although with all of Pembury's efforts missing the target they knew they only needed to put one chance away to get something out of the game. Thankfully late in the second half & not for the first time this season, Brooker eased the pressure for Pembury & rewarded himself for an excellent first half display. The half finished 1-0 to Pembury, with still all to play for.
The away side started the second half very strong, and it was only a matter of time before the lead would be extended. The Pembury defence lead by Marsh was looking comfortable, but with still only one goal in it & Pembury firing blanks anything could happen. Fifteen minutes into the half a Leete corner found its way to Evans on the far post, who then laid it off for Brooker to bury a low shot past the Rusthall keeper.
A two goal cushion gave Pembury the security they needed to relax & enjoy their football. Now was the time to punish Rusthall & so straight after the second goal the management made some changes: Evans made way for Green, shortly followed by Gent for the injured Marsh, and Taylor for Marshall. The fresh pair of legs did the trick as shortly after the substitutions unselfish play from Green, in the penalty box, lead to Gent scoring the third & almost certainly stealing all three points.
Bowyer was unlucky not to get on the score sheet today, with two excellent headers from corner kicks saved superbly by the experienced Rusthall keeper. But it was Gent that stole the show, scoring his second and Pembury's fourth putting the game well out of Rusthall's reach. For good measure Green made it five with a simple tap in after some good work from Leete. An excellent performance from Pembury, five goals & a clean sheet.
As it currently stands Pembury are still in the Kent Cup & with a number of games in hand the league title is still well within their grasp. In order to succeed this season the management will need to utilise the entire squad they have at their disposal.
In the post-match interview the management stated they were "very pleased with today's performance, with all the players responding as we had hoped. They are well aware that Pembury has a big squad & in order to win at least one trophy this season the club needs to be put before any individual desires to play every single game. Yes, we expect competition from the players to earn their places, however, they all understand that it will be a united squad that will triumph at the end of the year, and NOT just the starting eleven." As an onlooker you would have to agree with the Pembury management, especially with players still to come in & I certainly cannot see Lindsey settling for a place on the bench for the rest of the year.
Carlton Palmer Clanger: Brooker - deliberate jug avoidance in the second half
Magic Moment: Gent - came off the bench to seal the three points
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: Bowyer & Marsh - Very composed & never looked in trouble
Team:
A.Evans
M.Wood
P.Marsh
T.Bowyer
L.Washer
B.Brooker
B.Leete
M.Lawrence
C.Ells
S.Evans
T.Marshall
Subs:
D.Green (for S.Evans)
T.Gent (for P.Marsh)
R.Taylor (for T.Marshall)
S.Lindsey