The score-line was not a true reflection of the game, 42-1 would have been closer and still would have allowed for at least ten missed chances as well.
With only eleven players at their disposal Pembury were very relieved when Charcott arrived with just nine men & no recognised goalie. Needless to say the referee did his best to even the game up with some dubious decision making & by also sending off Evans in the first 10 minutes for handball outside the penalty area. Gale then put on the goalie gloves and Pembury switched to a 3-4-2 formation.
The score was 7-0 at half-time, and the three points were certainly in the bag. However, it was the second half when the fun really began. Charcott went down to 8 men, as one of their players went off injured and after this they reverted to a 1-3-4 system. Every possible howler, bobble, slice & fluke happened in this half. Without exaggerating Pembury had a chance to score every two minutes maybe less, with every third attempt being a straightforward tap-in. The Charcott defender & goalie were doing well to hold-off the six man Pembury attacks!
As Brooker was having little luck in-front of goal, he replaced Gale in an attempt to change the team's fortunes. Unfortunately, the curse continued with Gale joining 'The Missed Sitter Club' on a couple of occasions.
Throughout the game Pembury's defence became increasingly frustrated, not only because of the team's missed chances & general amusement, but because when Charcott did attack they out-numbered them at the back.
Although many would be happy with plus eleven goals, this year's title could go down to goal difference! Pembury's marksmen were Chris Ells (2), Lee Washer, Ben Brooker (3), Tim Marshall (3), Dave Hymers (2) and Barry Leete.
Carlton Palmer Clanger: Where do i begin!?!
Magic Moment: Brooker - fingertip save on to the post
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: Washer & Bowyer - excellent for the full 90 minutes
Team:
S.Evans
T.Bowyer
S.Lindsey
J.Gale
S.Adams
L.Washer
B.Leete (cpt)
D.Hymers
C.Ells
B.Brooker
T.Marshall