LUTTERWORTH TOWN 1
PINCHBECK UTD 2
Severely depleted Pinchbeck United pulled off one of their best results of the season as they came from behind to beat promotion hopefuls Lutterworth Town 2-1 on Saturday.
The ChromaSport UCL Division One champions were without half of their regular line-up – and fell behind early on.
But second-half strikes from player/boss Ian Dunn and top scorer Ollie Maltby, coupled with a stunning Ricky Lovelace save from 50-goal Tendai Daire, helped the Knights take a big three points.
Dunn’s goal was a close-range finish from a Chris Shipley free-kick, with Maltby’s 35th of the season being a fierce effort following a through ball from the player/boss.
As well as extending their unbeaten run to 27 matches, the victory also saw Potton United promoted as runners-up.
Dunn said: “At one point I was worried that we’d get stuffed in this game. But before the match Allan (Ross) and I just had this feeling that we’d get something.
“A lot of the lads were running on empty after the week we’d had – I know my legs absolutely went after about 25 minutes.
“Their goal, which we didn’t really moan about at the time, was a diabolical decision looking back.
“They had a player stood in front of our keeper and he just moved out of the way as the shot came in.
“It was clearly offside and Ricky Lovelace couldn’t see the ball.
“I think we needed to get to half-time still in the game, then the lads started to get their second wind after the break.
“I think Lutterworth began to get a bit nervous in the second half, with their chances of promotion still on the line.
“We managed to get a leveller, which I couldn’t really miss, then Ricky made one of the best saves I’ve ever seen.
“They were celebrating and we had given it up, it was an incredible stop.
“That spurred us on and Ollie scored a superb winner, which he took really well.
“It was a great performance, we all put a shift in. The younger lads bought into our mentality and it was as enjoyable an away win as we’ve had all season.
“Special mention goes to Luke Gardner and James Gordon, who played 90 minutes three times last week. It was an amazing effort from everyone.”
Pinchbeck complete their season with a home game against Harrowby United tonight (7.45pm).
They will again receive the ChromaSport UCL Division One title after the match, with fans able to “pay what they want” on the Sir Halley gate.
Pinchbeck: Lovelace, Gordon, Gardner, Ross, Jack Smith, Lawrence, Bishop, Shipley, Maltby, Dunn, Clarke. Subs: Swan, Josh Smith, Robinson.
