Pinchbeck United 5 Newark FC 2
Striker Enoch Opayinka helped himself to an incredible four goal haul as Pinchbeck United secured their best result in recent memory on Saturday.
The Knights ran riot against Uhlsport UCL Premier Division rivals Newark FC on Saturday, racing into a 5-0 lead before settling for a 5-2 success at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.
Teenage hitman Opayinka won and converted a penalty inside two minutes, before Haydn Havard doubled the lead (5) soon after.
With debutant Warren Hebblethwaite also on fine form, Opayinka then completed his hat-trick with goals on 19 and 33 minutes – putting Lewis Thorogood’s Knights in dreamland.
Not done there, Opayinka bagged his fourth on 51 minutes following a Hebblethwaite assist – his third of the game.
Two goals in a minute from Nathan Smith (67) and Dan Meadows (68) gave Newark some respectability back, before a red card for Will Rawdon (73) ended their mini revival.
The win made it three games unbeaten for Thorogood’s side, who are moved up to ninth in the table thanks to their best victory since a 7-0 romp over ON Chenecks back on March 16, 2019.
A delighted Thorogood said: “Before the game I’d have been very happy with a point, so to win in such a manner was a great surprise.
“I can’t say I’m not shocked by the result, because I am.
“But it was just one of those days when almost everything went right for us.
“The attitude of the lads and the performance we put in on the day was exemplary and to put in this kind of performance against a strong side shows the progress we are making.
“I think we’re slowly earning the right to be considered a respectable step five team, but we need to keep this form going.
“As for Enoch, it was one of those days when everything fell into place for him. Everything he hit seemed to go in!
“All credit to him, he’s just 17 and was up against experience defenders like Kern Miller.
“He linked up really well with his team-mates and showed what he’s all about.
“Hopefully this is the start of him launching himself as a striker at this level.
“I’m delighted for him.”
Knights: Smith, Stevens, Gagyi, Worthington, Fixter, Spafford, Peasgood, Johnson, Hebblethwaite (Machin), Havard (Moss), Opayinka (Taylor). Not used: Knight.
Attendance: 68.
