Our last game of 2007 saw us up against the division’s bottom side and with the team strengthened with the return of a number of players, a win was fully expected. This game also saw a debut for Richard Fothergill, although things didn’t start too well for him when he mentioned that there was not enough kit left. It was then pointed out that he was actually holding a Penshurst shirt!
We went up the slope in the first half and on a poor surface the opening exchanges were strewn with mis-placed passes. Possession was fairly even and with the return of Nick Edwards to the centre of defence we were looking very comfortable defensively. When attacking we would string a few good passes together, only for a lack of concentration leading to the ball being given away. A foul on the edge of our box led to the first goal, when the resultant free kick was placed into the bottom corner. We continued to make good breaks down both wings, with Luke Smith in particular causing the opposition real problems with his constant runs from left back. Our equaliser came when a drop kick from Andy was flicked on by Mark, for Yacine to run through unopposed and finish. We then took the lead when an excellent corner from Matt was met with a thumping header from Luke inside the six yard box. We had the chance to make the game safe just before half time, when a penalty was awarded for a push on Mark. Matt “I haven’t missed a (Sunday) penalty this season” Rice-Tucker stepped up and coolly dispatched his penalty low to the keeper’s right. Unfortunately it was the wrong side of the post. Sensing the disappointment Matt was feeling, Kevin decided that words of support for an old head were in order. He then shouted “Just like your old man in the cup final”. If you want further elaboration on this story either ask Boozer or if you can wait I’m sure this piece of cup final folklore will be included in the Chairman’s upcoming epic “A 100 Years Of Pembury Football Club”. At half time sensing that his message hadn’t got through, Kevin continued to take the mickey out of Matt.
With the slope in the second half we had the better of the game, easily dealing with any counter attacks they had. Although we didn’t make the game safe until the last 20 minutes. Good link up play led to Yacine finishing from close range at the far post, to take him to the top of the goal scoring chart. Matt’s day got worse when he then went down with cramp and had to the leave the field of play for a short while. In the final 5 minutes great battling from Richard down our right led to the ball being set for Garry to carry out his “Hot Shot Hamish” impersonation, when sending a powerful shot straight through the keeper’s hands.
A good end to the year. Luke just shaded Nick for man of the match. However both performances show how much better we are as a side when key young players make themselves available.
Team:
A.Whittaker
Lewis Drury
K.Waterman
N.Edwards
L.Smith
R.Fothergill
G.Knight
M.Rice-Tucker
C.White
M.Wyles
Y.Marouani
Subs:
D.Jacquin
S.Waterman