A depleted Pembury squad of 12 travelled to Ashford with no goalkeeper & only 10 fully fit players, the management had a number of difficult decisions to make before 10.30am!
The away side started the game very poorly, and within minutes they were a goal down after poor communication in defence. Pembury immediately responded, as Brooker pulled one back to the relief of the back line. After only ten minutes you could tell this was going to be a very open game.
Although still not 100% Lindsey returned to captain the side in the absence of Leete, however, he was clearly struggling & looked well off the pace as he failed to marshal the defence. A poor back-pass from Taylor left Gale with no chance and the home side took the lead once again. Thankfully, an equaliser quickly followed with a thunderbolt from Ells who has been on top form since his introduction to the side.
At half-time Pembury made some changes to steady the leaky defence, moving Turner into the back line and reverting to a basic 4-4-2. Unfortunately, the second half started the same as the first with the home team taking the lead from K.O. without a single Pembury player touching the ball. From this rocky opening Pembury eventually started to gel & battle, and after some great work from Evans they were awarded a penalty from a handball preventing a certain goal. Evans stepped up & converted, the score was now 3-3 and Pembury fancied their chances. Numerous opportunities fell to the away side, however, it was 15 minutes from the end when Brooker struck again. Pembury were in front for the first time and they were not going to let this slip!
Pembury's senior men played significant roles today: Evans lead the line well, Turner was assured as ever & Gale rose to the challenge between the sticks, unfortunately Lindsey was far from his best & appreciated the support of his team mates who bailed him out on numerous occasions in the first half. A special mention goes to Bowyer who came on late in the second half & gave a typical battling performance to ensure the victory, even though he was one of the injured players.
Although this was not the most convincing of performances, it was a win from a team that pulled together when it mattered most.
Carlton Palmer Clanger: Davis - for accidentally locking the team in the changing room before K.O.
Magic Moment: Gale - excellent fingertip save at the end of the first half, to keep the scores level
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: Gunning & T.Gent - won the midfield battle
Team:
J.Gale
D.Gent
L.Washer
S.Lindsey
R.Taylor
T.Gent
B.Turner
L.Gunning
B.Brooker
C.Ells
S.Evans (Snr)
Subs
T.Bowyer (for D.Gent)