Pinchbeck United did their hopes of finishing in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division’s top four the power of good by winning 2-1 at fellow high-fliers Ketton on Saturday.
Tony Edwards gave Pinchbeck the perfect start with a goal on 30 seconds at Pit Lane, turning home a Liam Ogden cross after a through ball from player/boss Ian Dunn.
United failed to add the second goal that their play after the opener merited – and they were pegged back by a goal from Ian Marsh.
However, a dragged shot from Dunn was converted at the back post by Ogden to give the visitors a 2-1 half time lead with what turned out to be the winning goal.
Pinchbeck saw chance after chance blocked by the resolute home defence in the second period, but were ultimately indebted to keeper Ricky Dickinson for a superb late save.
Relieved chief Dunn paid tribute to the commitment shown by the hosts, but felt his team were the better side on the day as they moved three points clear in fourth place.
Dunn said: “We scored incredibly early, which always helps. I think it was about 30 seconds in – and gave the lads a real confidence boost.
“We knew it would be difficult going to Ketton. They’ve got a tight pitch and there’s a bit of a slope to contend with, which they know how to use to their advantage.
“I thought we defended the slope really well in the first half. We played a lot deeper than usual, which really helped.
“I felt we dealt with everything and they didn’t look like scoring, but when they equalised out of the blue it was a little concerning.
“We got our noses back in front before half time and then really piled on the pressure in the second half. It was a bit like the Alamo, we had attack after attack – I’ve never seen so many shots blocked in one game.
“You have to give massive credit to Ketton, they put their bodies on the line time after time.
“Then they had a big chance in the last minute. I was worried they’d pinch an equaliser, but ‘Dicko’ made a big save and earned us the points.
“It’s a good win for us and keeps us on track in the top four.”
Next up for Pinchbeck is a home clash against Sawtry on Saturday (3pm), with a trip to Deeping Rangers Reserves on Wednesday night (7.30pm).
Pinchbeck: Dickinson, Leggett, A Murrell, B Murrell, Bishop, Gardner, Francis, Wright, Ogden, Dunn, Edwards. Subs used: Sae-Be, Withers. Not used: Ross, Runnalls.
