Victoria FC v Pumpherston United - 28.02.2009
Pumpherston United planned to build on the previous week's superb come-back win against Newlands Community FC by beating Victoria out in Airdrie.
When Pumpherston arrived it looked like touch and go for the fixture due to large areas of very heavy park. Every Pumpherston player would need to play their part to gain what would be another important win. The ref gave the park the all clear so it was down to business for both under 14 squads.
Victoria FC started the match quickly, stroking the ball about well from centre. The Pumphy defence and midfield done well though, braking up play and most of the advances on goal by Victoria. Pumpherston were creating a few openings of their own too. Actual shots on target were limited by both teams however, while Victoria came close from a free kick just outside the box and two corners in quick succession, Pumpherston had the better play from 10 to 15 minutes in and did threaten on a few occasions from open play. John was unlucky not to net when he spotted the Victoria keeper off his line. He lobbed the keeper successfully only to see the ball fail to bounce (at all) on the goal line. Shortly after that John broke through onto a solid through ball from Jordan but the ball stuck in the mud just outside the box and John's momentum carried him past the waiting ball. Both teams had missed chances as the first half closed without a goal.
Half Time - Victoria FC 0-0 Pumpherston United
The second half saw an even more assured performance from Pumpherston. From the back line the ball was played out to the wings as Pumpherston started to give Victoria a bit of a torrid time. On 38 minutes James broke free down the right touchline only to be clipped as he moved past the 18 yard line and into the box. Kye was tasked with taking the resultant penalty and slotted it confidently and firmly past the Victoria keeper as Pumpherston took their hold on the game.
The Pumpherston players gave every effort to extend their narrow lead, defending from the front and pressing all over the pitch. The lads and their travelling support were delighted to see Liam grab goal number two on 55 minutes. Pumpherston could now afford to see the game out for the last 15. Liam was unlucky not to add to his debut goal in the closing minutes after he broke through the Victoria defence and steered the ball under the Victoria keeper, only to see the ball come back off the post and cleared out.
Full Time - Victoria FC 0-2 Pumpherston United
A very important win for Pumpherston as it sees the under 14's move into the reckoning in the mid-table area of the A league. It's a tight bunch just now in this part of the league and a few more wins for Pumpherston could see a big difference in the standings.