The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
PINCHBECK UTD 2
BURTON PW 1
A potentially pivotal day in Pinchbeck United’s season saw them reclaim top spot in ChromaSport UCL Division One with a battling 2-1 win over Burton Park Wanderers.
Strikes from Josh Smith and Tony Edwards in each half – either side of a Michael Byrne leveller – gave Ian Dunn’s side another three points at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday.
And, with title rivals Raunds Town, Buckingham Town and Blackstones all dropping points, player/boss Dunn admitted that it was vital his side kept their fine run of form going.
Indeed, the Knights have now won nine of their last ten ahead of back-to-back games against Raunds and Buckingham.
Dunn said: “It went as expected, really. They made life difficult for us and packed the midfield.
“In the first half we gave the ball away too many times and perhaps tried to play out from the back more than we needed.
“Saying that, they didn’t trouble us much. Barring the goal, our keeper only had one shot to save – and I felt there was a chance it was offside, too.
“We had words at half-time and decided to go much more direct. I’ve said it a few times already, but the pitches are starting to turn and get heavy.
“You don’t get marks for artistic impression in football, it’s not figure skating. So we went long and direct and got the ball into good areas in the second half.
“I think it worked well and they didn’t really bother us after the break.
“It wasn’t our best performance, but was very much job done as far as I’m concerned.
“I think that it’s one of those days that we may look back on in a few months and think ‘that was a good day for us’.
“Raunds, Buckingham and Blackstones all failed to win, so if we’d not got the three points it would have been pretty sickening.
“I’m glad that we didn’t slip up and it’s obviously great to be top of the table again ahead of two massive games for the club.”
Pinchbeck’s Dalius Kisla has joined South Holland neighbours Moulton Harrox after they waived the need for a seven-day notice of approach for the midfielder. They retain his UCL registration.
Pinchbeck: Swan, A Murrell, Gardner, Jack Smith, Bishop, Buzas, Tidswell, Wright, Josh Smith, Ogden, Maltby. Subs used: Dunn, Edwards. Not used: Ross, Shipley, Kisla.
Attendance: 55.
