The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Buoyant player/boss Ian Dunn insists that he “doesn’t care” who Pinchbeck United face in the final of the ChromaSport PDFL President Premier Shield after coming from behind to beat Ketton 2-1 on Saturday.
Pinchbeck, who are bidding to win the competition for the second year on the spin, were 1-0 down at half time in a semi-final clash that was played on a very heavy pitch.
However, Tyler Wright – who scored the winning goal in last year’s final – netted a leveller five minutes into the second period, setting the stage for top scorer Ollie Maltby to grab the winner 15 minutes later.
With fellow PDFL Premier Division high-fliers Netherton United and Moulton Harrox, last year’s runners-up, set to contest the other last four clash at The Grange this Saturday (1.30pm), Dunn insists he’s not bothered who joins his side in the final.
He did, however, take the time to praise his side for a job well done – and is hungry to win the competition for a second time.
“It was such a heavy pitch,” bemoaned the veteran striker, who started the semi. “I’d guess it was one rain shower from being off – one end was particularly heavy.
“But that’s no criticism of Ketton, it was the same for both sides and they caused us a few problems in the first half.
“We let in an early goal from a corner – I can’t remember the last time we conceded from one.
“They also had a good chance when Ben Martin had to pull off a decent save, but after that I felt like we dominated for large periods. Something wasn’t quite right in the first half, so we tweaked a few things during the break and it seemed to do the trick.
“It instantly improved things and we started to cause them a few more problems. We got the goals quite early on and after that they seemed to tire a little.
“To be honest, I never felt that they would get back into the game once we went ahead. The second half performance was very good and we deserve to be in the final. Obviously it’s great to reach the final again and we want to defend our trophy.
“I don’t care who we play in the final. Moulton would add that extra local incentive, but Netherton are an equally tough opponent and that would be a good one too.
“I’d have Netherton as favourites as they’re at home in the semi, which gives them a big advantage.”
Pinchbeck are back in league action this Saturday as they visit lowly Leverington Sports (2pm). Dunn hopes to have skipper Nick Bishop and vice captain Brad Murrell back, but is still likely to be without defenders Kofi Ross (knee) and Jack Smith (rib).
Pinchbeck: Martin, Gordan, Gardner, Smith, Brooks, Lawe, Shipley, Wright, Edwards, Dunn, Maltby. Subs used: Ogden, Panton. Not used: Eyes, Ross.
