A second-half penalty from Tony Edwards earned Pinchbeck United an impressive 1-0 win at ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title hopefuls Whittlesey Athletic on Saturday.
Edwards grabbed the only goal from the spot after Nick Bishop had been brought down for a clear penalty soon after the interval.
Whittlesey, who were second at the start of play, did have a big shout for a penalty of their own in the dying seconds, but the referee waved away an appeal for handball against Bradley Murrell.
The victory leaves Pinchbeck in fourth place in the table – and player/boss Ian Dunn reckons that finishing second isn’t out of the question for his side.
He also believes that Saturday’s success has given leaders Moulton Harrox a huge cushion in top spot, but behind them admits that it looks like being a free-for-all between Peterborough Sports Reserves, Whittlesey, Pinchbeck and Netherton United for the runners-up spot.
Dunn said: “We are all really chuffed with the result. I woke up at 6am on Sunday and was still buzzing about it.
“They don’t really need our help, but I think the result also puts Moulton in firm command at the top now. It’s very much theirs to lose in my opinion.
“We went there with a game plan – and to be fair, everyone delivered.
“We learned from the 1-0 loss at our place and made no mistakes. The penalty was nailed on, too.
“It was a great all-round display. We played a little direct, but the work-rate and commitment was absolutely brilliant.
“I think we can begin to play without any pressure now. Our aim was top six and a cup final.
“Barring a terrible run, we’ve pretty much done that now. But I told the lads on Saturday that, if we can win all of our remaining games, second place certainly isn’t out of the question for us.
“That’s not a target or a challenge, but something we can certainly aim for.”
Pinchbeck: Dickinson, Leggett, A Murrell, B Murrell, Shipley, Bishop, Gardner, Francis (Sae-Be), Ogden, Dunn, Edwards. Not used: Withers, Ross, Brown.
Saturday: Ketton v Pinchbeck (2pm)
