The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Pinchbeck Utd 1
Leicester Nirvana 0
Player/boss Ian Dunn bagged a second-half winner as Pinchbeck United maintained their unbeaten start to the Future Lions UCL Premier Division season with a battling victory on Saturday.
Veteran striker Dunn, who had stated that he didn’t want to play at all this season, was forced to start against league heavyweights Leicester Nirvana – but it was he who delivered a knockout blow for the Knights.
The key moment came two minutes into the second period, with the ex-Spalding United and Holbeach United hitman burying a close-range finish.
With Pinchbeck missing as many as seven first-team players, they handed debuts to youngster Jamie Gaukroger and defender Luke Wilson.
Number two Allan Ross was impressed with their impact, but he felt the most important factor was that his side responded to their FA Cup loss at Rothwell Corinthians with a renewed work ethic.
Ross said: “We spoke before the game and we emphasised that it was very important that we brought our work ethic back.
“Probably Leicester Nirvana are, individually, better than us. They had a lot of possession, but they just couldn’t break us down.
“That’s almost what we did last year – how many 1-0 wins did we have then?
“We were good on the eye because we were working hard again, even though we didn’t play the best football.
“I though the two debutants did really well. Young Jamie had an impressive debut at this level and Luke was terrific. Jason Field was fantastic in his first 90 minutes, too.
“We also had no choice but to play Dunny. But, in fairness, I thought he was fantastic. He deserved his goal for all of the work that he puts in.
“To be honest, the week leading up to the game was horrible. We’re not used to losing matches!
“After almost a year without one, I was grumpy and didn’t really want to talk to anybody.
“But it’s great to be back to winning ways and, overall, we’ve had a great start to the season.
“We look like we belong at this level and there is a buzz around the place. We know that we’re not going to win every game, but that’s the level we need to aspire to.
“It was a great day for us. We know we’re not going to win every game, but let’s see if we can build from this.”
After an opening 15 minutes that saw both sides evenly matched at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, Andrew Tidswell fired the first half-chance of the day just wide from distance following a short corner.
The Knights then fashioned a big chance when Ollie Maltby chased down a seemingly lost cause and got in on the right. He squared the ball for a free Dunn some six yards out, but his low effort was well saved.
At the other end, Nirvana left-back Madeep Bains cut inside and fired a good right-footed effort just past the far corner of Ricky Lovelace’s goal.
There was almost a debut goal from Luke Wilson after he attempted to control a deep Tidswell free-kick, but the keeper saved at his feet and the sides went in level at half-time.
Parity didn’t last long in the second period, however, as the Knights got their noses infront.
A cross by Maltby on the right looked set to fall for Aaron Eyett, but it was knocked into the path of veteran frontman Dunn, who finished clinically from close in.
It was nearly 2-0 on 65 minutes when a short corner routine involving Tidswell and Eyett found the head of Jason Field, with Maltby then turning home from close in. However, an offside flag cut short his celebrations.
There was a scare for Pinchbeck 15 minutes from time as keeper Ricky Lovelace came out of his area and cleaned out Nelson. He was yellow carded, with Bains’ resulting free-kick curled agonisingly over the bar.
The trademark Pinchbeck ‘trench’ came into play in the final few minutes as they dropped deep and defended the Nirvana onslaught.
There was almost a leveller when Sam Burton drilled wide at the back post three minutes from time, but the Knights held on thanks to an impressive defensive display.
Player/boss Dunn added: “I’m proud of everyone and the effort and application they showed.
“They took on board what we said after last week’s performance, when I thought we were poor.
“We were twice the side we were last week. We worked hard and defended much better, while also creating a few chances too.
“My goal? Yeah it was nice. But it was a case of having to play myself. Like I said before the season, I didn’t expect to play this year – and don’t really want to play. I’ll feel it on the next few mornings!
“But, if I can recover from playing, maybe it’ll have to be the answer while we’re short.
“This was a case of playing with what we had. Luke Wilson came in and was superb, while Jason Field was outstanding. They were great as a pair in defence and the back four was tremendous.
“I don’t think Ricky had a shot to save all game – and he also took one for the team with what I’d call a great yellow card when their player tried to go past him.”
Pinchbeck, who now have to wait two weeks for their next fixture, are unbeaten in league fixtures since last September.
Pinchbeck: Lovelace, Murrell, Field, Tidswell, Wilson, Shipley, Eyett, Gaukroger (Brooks 52), Dunn (Clark 88), Maltby, Wright (Esteves 58). Not used: Smith.
