EAST PECKHAM JUNIORS

4th October 2008 - East Peckham Juniors 2 - 0 Pembury Reserves

Starting Lineup

				Nichols
	Tom Revell		Meager		Ryder		Tony Revell
	Hayes		Lardner (2)		Scott		Willett
			Jennings		Howell

Substitutes Used

Liam Payne > Jordan Willet, Callum Matthews > Dean Hayes

Report

Having lost their first three games in the first division, Juniors were desperate to turn things around with the visit of Pembury Reserves, and the home side got off to a dream start.

Playing against very strong winds, Juniors took the lead as early as the 5th minute, Lardner picking the ball up on the left hand side of the box and hitting a short across goal which crept through the keeper and into the far bottom corner.

Having taken the lead, Juniors almost found themselves back all square again immediately, the Pembury right winger played the ball across the goal, finding the striker unmarked 7 yards out with only the keeper to beat, but despite making a crisp connection, Nichols plunged away to his right and managed to push the ball inches round the post.

The game opened up and the wind was definitely playing into Pembury’s hands as again their right winger broke free and played an almost identical ball into the same striker, however this time he was unable to make a decent connection.  Juniors did have chances, but some resolute defending from the Pembury backline kept Juniors at bay, and with the wind becoming so strong, Pembury were always likely to break.

A long ball up field found the payer on the left wing who pulled the ball back to the on rushing midfielder 8 yards out, but Nichols managed to dive away to his right before getting back to his feet to save the rebound with his leg.

Pembury were using the wind to their advantage playing long balls forwards, but good communication between the centre back pairing of Ryder and Meager along with Nichols snuffed out any chances that may have come Pembury’s way.

At the half time interval, Juniors were 1 goal to the good but knew that they would have the wind in their favour in the second half.

Pembury were looking for the equaliser which was leaving gaps at the back, and Juniors almost extending their lead when a long ball up field from the home keeper bounced into the path of Howell, and rather that take on a shot, the young striker unselfishly played the ball across the box but the on rushing Juniors players were just unable to reach it before the defender.

Juniors were looking dangerous on the break with Tom Revell and Dean Hayes linking well down the right hand side, and Willet linking up well with both Jennings and Tony Revell on the left.

The best move of the game almost extended Juniors lead, as a neat interchange between Willet and Jennings lead to the latter putting in a cross which Howell met with a diving header, but the 16 year old was unable to direct his header either side of the keeper.

Looking to make their pressure pay and put the game beyond their opponents, Juniors made two changes with Payne and Matthews replacing Hayes and Willet.

With Scott performing the holding role in the centre of the park, it gave Lardner the freedom to roam forward, and this lead to the captain getting his and Juniors second goal midway through the second half, another left foot finish, this time leaving the keeper with no chance.

Juniors had more chances to extend their lead, and Lardner very nearly completed his hat-trick as he met an in swinging cross from Jennings on the volley, but was unable to keep his attempt down.

Juniors closed out the game for their maiden victory of the season, and will look to go from strength to strength next week as they visit Otford in the Kent Cup. EPFC!

 

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Top Goalscorers

Player	Goals
Jason Lardner	3
Liam Jennings	3
Dean Hayes	2
Brett Howell	2
Jordan Willett	2
Robert Pearson	2

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