The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Ian Dunn praised Pinchbeck United’s second-half showing as they kept the defence of their President Premier Shield crown on track.
Pinchbeck battled back from 1-0 down at half-time to beat visitors ICA Sports 2-1 at Knight Street – booking their place in the semi-finals in the process.
An offside-looking Tom Curtis gave the Peterborough side the advantage in the quarter-final clash, prompting player/boss Dunn to bring himself and midfield maestro Tyler Wright on for the second period.
It didn’t take long for The Knights to level matters as Brad Murrell lashed home a leveller from distance on 47 minutes.
The winner then came from top scorer Ollie Maltby 20 minutes later, making it 33 goals this season for the PDFL Premier Division’s leading marksman.
Dunn admitted that the difference between both halves was like “night and day” for his charges – and said that they fear nobody in their bid to retain the trophy.
“It just didn’t happen for us in the first half,” said the experienced striker. “We gave the ball away too many times in key areas.
“Credit to ICA, they broke very quickly at times and played very well.
“I did feel their goal was a few yards offside, but we didn’t do enough in that first half regardless.
“We made changes at the break and it seemed to do the trick. The difference was like night and day.
“With Tyler Wright on, we played some lovely stuff and dealt with them much better.
“Brad’s goal was perhaps a little fortunate as it went under the keeper, but we really piled on the pressure.
“They are a decent side, but I felt we deserved to progress for our second-half performance alone.
“Obviously we now want to retain our trophy. We’d fancy our chances against anyone.”
Keeper Ben Martin, signed from Wisbech Town, made his debut in Saturday’s success.
With Joe Ashton at University and Ricky Lovelace injured, Dunn is hoping to have Martin at his disposal for as long as possible.
Meanwhile, Pinchbeck have been drawn at home to title rivals Netherton United in the PFA Senior Cup. That last eight clash is on February 11.
Pinchbeck: Martin, B Murrell, Gardner, Smith, Brooks (Wright 46), Ross, Shipley, Edwards (Dunn 46), Ogden, Panton, Maltby. Not used: Lawe, Francis.
Attendance: 50.
