Player/boss Ian Dunn scored a memorable overhead bicycle kick as Pinchbeck United thrashed nine-man Uppingham Town 5-1 on Saturday to climb back into the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division’s top five.
Pinchbeck went ahead through an own goal at Knight Street, only to be pegged back immediately by an Andrew Sayers strike for an Uppingham side that were unbeaten in nine league matches.
The game changed when Dunn collected a cross on his chest and directed an incredible overhead into the top corner before half time.
It was followed by second-half strikes from Ryan Leggett, Ash Murrell and Liam Ogden, with the visitors seeing Tom Hubbard and Jordan Spencer sent off.
Pinchbeck number two Allan Ross, who turned out for Boston United, Spalding United and Holbeach United in his playing career, admitted that Dunn’s goal was the highlight of the game – and played tribute to his colleague.
“It was a genuine take a bow moment,” said Ross. “The ball came in and he controlled it on his chest, like Dunny has done plenty of times over the years.
“We then watched on flabbergasted from the sideline as he overhead kicked the ball into the stanchion.
“As well as being a stunning goal, it really changed the game.
“I’m pleased for Ian, for a player/manager you’re really on a hiding to nothing.
“If you don’t perform on the pitch you can lose the respect of the dressing room. But Ian is leading by example and we have improved as a side since he got himself fit.
“Overall it was a shame that Uppingham lost their heads at 3-1. Before then it was a very competitive game, but they were ill-disciplined in the second half.”
The win leaves Pinchbeck in with a real chance of a top four finish, but they now turn their attention to a President Premier Shield semi-final at AFC Stanground (who play on Yaxley’s 3G pitch) on Saturday (1.30pm).
Should they win, a final with South Holland rivals Moulton Harrox, should they see off Netherton United, would be in the offing.
Ross admits that everyone will be expecting the two Lincolnshire sides to progress, but has warned against complacency.
He added: “On paper, you’d expect the South Holland sides to go through.
“But we know we’re not very good on 3G. We’ve prepped right and are taking a coach to the game, so we’re treating it like a big match. Stanground are a very different prospect on the 3G, it’ll be tough.”
Pinchbeck: Lovelace, Leggett, A Murrell, B Murrell, Brooks, Bishop, Withers, Gardner, Edwards, Dunn, Ogden. Subs (used): Brown, Francis, Sae-Be.
