Ian Dunn felt that his Pinchbeck United side enjoyed a largely comfortable afternoon on Saturday as they cruised to a 5-0 ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division win over struggling Thorney.
It took just 13 minutes for Ollie Maltby to register his first goal of the afternoon at Knight Street, before Callum Lawe (41) and Nick Bishop (42) made it 3-0 at half time.
Top scorer Maltby doubled his tally early in the second half to take his tally for the season to 38 goals in 21 games, while Tom Panton jumped off the bench to round off the rout ten minutes from time.
The victory, Pinchbeck’s 13th from 18 league games this season, propels them back up to second – one point behind leaders Peterborough Sports and three ahead of promotion rivals Netherton United, who are below defending champions Moulton Harrox on goal difference.
Dunn, who was without Liam Ogden, Brad Murrell, Jamie Francis, Jack Smith and Connor Eyes, shuffled his pack once again.
And, although his side never really needed to get out of second gear, he was happy with what he saw.
“It’s another win ticked off,” said the player/boss. “All in all – and with no disrespect intended – it was pretty comfortable for us.
“We shuffled the pack again and the lads who came in did very well. It was a good day at the office.
“We probably could have scored a few more, but it’s hard to play to your absolute best when the other side isn’t really causing any problems.
“They left a lot of men forward and tried to break on us, but it didn’t really work.
“It’s as you were at the top. It’s still close between the top four and I do still believe that the games between us four will determine who wins the league.”
Dunn and his side now take time out from their pursuit of the title and focus on reaching a second cup semi-final this season.
They welcome title and promotion rivals Netherton United to Knight Street for a PFA Senior Cup quarter-final this Saturday (2pm).
Having drawn 3-3 at Netherton on the opening day of the season, Dunn is expecting a great game.
He’s pleased to be playing them on home soil, with the opposition’s 3G pitch an obvious benefit. But Dunn pointed to Netherton’s 4-3 win at Moulton Harrox back in December as proof that they are dangerous opponents on any surface.
“Of course, I’m glad to have them at home,” added the Pinchbeck chief. “Their 3G suits the way they play.
“But Netherton are a good side. They have players capable of playing at a higher level and it’ll be very tough for us.
“You only have to look at their win at Moulton to see that they are capable of winning against strong opposition away from home.
“I always believe in my side and I’ll back us all day long to win. But we’ll need to be on our game.
“If we don’t play to our best, Netherton will punish us.”
Meanwhile, holders Pinchbeck have been handed a President Premier Shield semi-final draw at Ketton.
That clash will take place on February 25.
Pinchbeck: Martin, Gordan, Gardner, Ross, Brooks, Shipley, Lawe, Wright, Bishop, Dunn, Maltby. Subs used: Edwards, Oldham, Panton. Not used: Lovelace.
Attendance: 37.
