Pembury went into today's game with injuries to two key defensive personnel (Welsh & Lindsey). However, the management made a positive change moving Adams to right back, combined with the return of the experienced Marsh alongside the excitable Bowyer, offered excellent cover. This starting eleven was probably the quickest ever fielded by the manager with the pace of Adams, Washer, Brooker, Leete, Turner, Ells & Evans (Jnr) enough to scare any team in the area.
Although the away side certainly looked the stronger, the ability to pass & control 10-15 yard balls put them under unnecessary pressure in the first half. Tempers also flared unnecessarily, with players either not accepting criticism or with others being too hasty to point the blame.
A half-time cuddle & a quick collection of lost toys seemed to do the trick as Pembury started the stronger in the second half, peppering the opposition's goal in the opening 15 minutes. Evans (Jnr) eventually opened the scoring with a precise finish that gave the keeper no chance. No more than 5 minutes later, Gale switched play to the right flank where Brooker beat his man and knocked a cross back to Gale who finished his effort with ease. The game was 0-2, and Pembury were coasting, however, numerous wasted chances could have cost Pembury dearly. And with 15 minutes to go, a rare misjudgement from Lanaway lead to Malling pulling a goal back.
To ease the pressure on Pembury, Leete ghosted past three Malling players in the closing minutes of injury-time, before being brought down by their last man through on goal. Already on a booking, the referee was left with no choice but to send the player off.
A good Pembury performance, notably in the defence, but once again something is still missing. Both Taylor & Gent fitted in well when they came on, and Evans (Snr) showed his experience by being in the right place having four good chances. The personnel available today had the ability to put this game beyond doubt long before Malling scored. And with the home side finishing the stronger, this emphasised the need for Pembury to convert chances earlier in the game.
Thought for the day: Players do need to be told when they've made mistakes, however, they already know in themselves, so there's no need to ram it down their throats!!
Carlton Palmer Clanger: Evans (Snr) - Effort from halfway line left wanting
Magic Moment: Lanaway - Last minute save to deny Malling an equaliser
Reporter's Roy of the Rovers: Brooker - worked the right flank tirelessly
Team:
D.Lanaway
S.Adams
P.Marsh
T.Bowyer
L.Washer
B.Brooker
B.Turner
B.Leete
C.Ells
A.Evans
J.Gale
Subs:
S.Evans (for J.Gale)
R.Taylor (for L.Washer)
T.Gent (for B.Brooker)
*SPOT THE DELIBERATE MISTAKE, please email all entries to Luke Hattle on lrmhattle@talk21.com before Thursday Midnight 12th October. A bottle of wine will be awarded to the winner at the Pembury Race Day that evening at the Black Horse.