Pumpherston United v Victoria FC 14-03-2009
Pumphesrton United went four in a row unbeaten this morning, but they will feel that they could have taken more from the league encounter with Victoria FC.
Victoria were the quicker to start creating a few chances from a game that was being contested mainly in midfield. With chances at both ends it was Victoria that took up the challenge by taking the lead on the 25th minute. Pumpherston worked hard to try and get back into the game however Victoria were breaking down any attempts on goal by the home team.
Half Time Pumpherston United 0-1 Victoria FC
Into the second half and it was Pumpherston that came out with more determination. On ten minutes James popped up to score his first of the game, levelling the match with a well taken goal at the near post following a Pumpherston Corner.
Pumpherston were to take up the lead on 50 minutes when Liam played a through ball to James who drove at the keeper, slotting the ball home at the near post again for number two.
A minute later and with the momentum behind them, Pumpherston grabbed their third goal, and it was James again to seal his hat-trick. A long ball through from Michael in midfield seemed to be keeper bound but James never gave up on it. His determination paid off as he managed to get a foot to the ball and send it around the advancing keeper and into the back of the net.
At this stage of the match it looked like Pumpherston could only go on to close the game down and secure a good win however, 3 minutes after securing their 3rd they seemed to relax too much. Victoria found themselves with yards of space in midfield as Pumpherston failed to keep their shape. The Victoria midfielders were allowed to run at the defence and after the ball was first struck, then defended on a number of occasions within the 18 yard box, up popped Victoria to grab their second of the game.
This instantly added momentum to Victoria's game as they got taste of a possible point. Pumpherston, were attacking on breaks but also found themselves defending on too many occasions. The home team can feel slightly aggrieved however when, 3 minutes into injury time Victoria equalised with a contentious offside awarded in favour of the goal scorer. It was one of those decisions that sometimes goes for you, sometimes against.
Full Time - Pumpherston United 3-3 Victoria FC
During the match Pumpherston had the opportunity to take both points when they were 2 goals clear, a great performance after coming from a goal behind at the half way stage. It was the lack of focus after their 3rd goal that let Victoria back into the game. It's one of those lessons from football that the lads will be keen not to have to study again.
Plenty of positives as the point does see Pumpherston United keep in touch with a close mid-table group. The point also sees Pumpherston put more distance between themselves and the teams at the bottom. It's now four games unbeaten and we're making more of our opportunities in front of goal with 13 scored in the last 4 games too.
A good hat-trick from James today too.