Relieved player/boss Ian Dunn thinks that Pinchbeck United may look back on Saturday’s dramatic 4-3 win over Deeping Rangers Reserves as a huge moment in their season.
Top scorer Ollie Maltby took his tally for the season to an incredible 45 goals in 23 games with a four-goal haul in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division clash at Knight Street – including a winner some six minutes into added time at the end.
Deeping went ahead early on after a hugely controversial penalty was given against keeper Ben Martin, but Maltby notched an 11-minute treble (30, 36 and 41) to give the Knights a 3-1 half-time advantage.
It was game on when the visitors scored from a contentious set play on the hour, before the referee ignored an offside flag to allow them to level the scores 15 minutes from time.
However, ace goal-getter Maltby had one more goal left in him to ensure Pinchbeck’s title bid remained very much on track.
Dunn felt his side were nowhere near their best, but praised the character and spirit the treble-chasers showed to grab all three points.
The Pinchbeck supremo felt that referee Shaun Gray made life a little harder for his team too, but was pleased to see them close to within one point of leaders Peterborough Sports Reserves.
“It should have been 4-0,” said the former Boston Town chief. “That’s not to take anything away from Deeping, their performance merited a few goals.
“But the referee made mistakes leading to all three of their goals. I’m glad I can say this as a manager that has won the game, because it would sound like sour grapes otherwise.
“I think it’s horrible to criticise a referee, but he made life difficult for us.
“Don’t get me wrong, we weren’t at our best – nowhere near, to be honest. But we persevered and showed great belief and character to get the win.
“After such a good performance the week before against Netherton, it was a shame to see our levels drop. We had to make a few chances and perhaps lacked a bit of experience out there.
“If we’d have drawn the game it would have been a catastrophe. As it is now, we’ll probably look back on this game and think ‘wow, those three points were huge’.
“To be fair, we were indebted to Ollie again. He probably had five chances all afternoon and scored four.
“I don’t care what level you’re playing at, 45 goals in 23 games is incredible. I said a few weeks back that he might get 60 – now I think he’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t.
“To have already surpassed his tally for last season (42 in 33) is incredible.”
Pinchbeck now turn their attention to retaining their President Premier Shield crown. They visit Ketton in the semi-final on Saturday (1.30pm).
Pinchbeck: Martin, Gordan, Gardner, Ross, Brooks, Lawe, Shipley, Edwards, Panton, Ogden, Maltby. Subs used: Eyes, Francis, B Murrell. Not used: Wright. Att: 46.
