Pinchbeck United 0 Deeping Rangers 1
A disputed late strike from Will Bird settled an attritional South Lincolnshire derby in Deeping Rangers’ favour on Saturday as Pinchbeck United were left feeling frustrated.
The former Holbeach United striker headed home the only goal of the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North clash five minutes from time at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
However, at the very start of the move Pinchbeck were left annoyed by the referee overruling his assistant over the awarding of a throw in. From that moment, Deeping went up the other end and grabbed the only goal.
Knights boss Lewis Thorogood refused to be too harsh on the officials, instead opting to praise the effort his relegation-threatened side put into the game.
“It was a game full of blood and thunder,” said Thorogood. “In the end, you have to give all credit to Deeping for grabbing the win.
“There wasn’t many chances for either side on the day and the pitch was very difficult. In truth, I thought 0-0 was a fair reflection on the match.
“The only really disappointing thing for me was the referee overruling the linesman over that throw in. The linesman was 100 per cent sure the ball was ours, but the referee got his way and it ended up costing us dear.
“He wasn’t interested in talking about it after the game, while his assistant remained clear that it should have been our ball – and credit to him.
“In truth, it would have been a very well-earned point for the lads. Ultimately, Deeping took their big chance when it came and they got the job done.
“From my side, I’m very happy with the work-rate shown by the lads. They came off the pitch bloodied and bruised after such a physical game and feel for them that they took nothing.”
Knights: Smith, Worthington, Jackson, Moyses, Spafford, Melson, Peasgood, Kacirek, Johnson, Hollingsworth, Gagyi. Subs used: Onyon, Robson. Not used: Stevens, Pipes-Goulsbra.
Attendance: 56.
