A Dan Woods double fired Pinchbeck United Sunday into the final of the Lincs Sunday Cup – and put Tom Roberts’ side on the verge of South Holland history.
Lone striker Woods struck early in both halves as Pinchbeck won their semi-final 2-1 at Scunthorpe-based Ironstone Gunness on Sunday – keeping them on-course to be the first-ever Spalding Sunday League side to win the competition.
South Lincolnshire side Thurlby United, who beat Fender BCS 5-4 in the other semi-final, await the Knight Street side in the final, which is expected to be played at Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank on a date still to be confirmed.
Sunday’s scoreline was a little closer than Pinchbeck’s recent rounds, but they were rocked by injuries to key men Ollie Pinner, Tommy Treacher, Matt Warfield and Luke Wilson less than 24 hours before kick-off. Still, player/boss Roberts reckons his side were always comfortable.
Roberts said: “We probably should have won by a few more if I’m honest, we did miss a lot of chances.
“Dan’s first goal early on really settled us down – and when we went 2-0 up I think it almost got a bit too easy for the lads if I’m honest.
“I always felt like we were in control and I don’t really think Ricky Drury in goal had a save to make.
“We had to make a few chances as the four lads were forced to pull out through injury on Saturday night.
“We knew that they’d be physical, so went 3-5-1-1 and it really frustrated them.
“Thurlby will be interesting in the final, we played them in the competition last year and won 4-3 after extra time.
“We know a few of their players – but we’ve certainly got stronger since last time, so I’m confident.”
Pinchbeck Sunday: Drury, Murrell, A Jackson, Stevens, Patterson, N Jackson, Cartwright (Johnson), Barnes (Ford), Gardner, Fairweather, Woods. Not used: Wheeler, Clare, Dickinson.
- Sutton Bridge Sunday and Punchbowl Panthers hold the initiative in the semi-finals of the Spalding and District Sunday League’s Mont Pell Trophy after recording victories in the first legs over the weekend.
The pick of the two ties saw Sutton Bridge defeat visitors Jubilee 4-2 in a cracking contest.
Matt Eaton, Ben English, Ben Partridge and Robert Hook struck for league leaders Bridge at Memorial Park, but Jubilee kept themselves in the tie through strikes from Chris Taylor and Chris Beale.
The other semi wasn’t quite as explosive, not that Punchbowl Panthers will care. Ashley Coddington’s goal was enough to see off hosts Brennans Sports at Monkshouse Lane, but Panthers did do things the hard way after seeing sub Gavin Phillips sent off.
The second legs of both ties will be played on March 15 (both 10.15am).
