Pumpherston-united.co.uk

West Lothian United 2-8 Pumpherston United

WLAYFC League: 11-10-2009

Pumpherston United Under 15's secured both points against West Lothian United  this morning however, the match didn't go all Pumpherston's way despite what the comfortable scoreline might suggest.

The game kicked off in blustery cold conditions but Pumpherston were right onto their game. Passing the ball well and making headway into the West Lothian 18 yard box right from the start. The home team's defence managed to hold firm despite a few close range attempts.

It wasn't until 10 minutes in that persistence paid off when the ball broke for James (J) who finished well to get Pumpherston off and running. Soon after Scott continued his Birthday celebrations from Friday by securing goal number two after the Pumpherston supporters had witnessed a number of near misses prior to that. Scott almost added number three when he found himself 1 v 1 against the West Lothian keeper after he had broke forward from the restart to steal the ball off West Lothian's central defender. The keeper stood up well to deny Scott his quick double. 

At this stage it looked like Pumpherston might go on to see out the game as early as the first half however West Lothian weren't done yet and they started to create their own chances, the first being a backward header that floated just wide of Scott's far post. Pumpherston didn't heed that warning though, shortly after that West Lothian repeated almost the exact same move, this time with United's forward knocking the ball home after Scott tangled with his own defenders in an effort to clear the ball. West Lothian started to see a turn-around on the cards and it wasn't long before they drew level. Working the ball into the Pumpherston goal area, the ball was cleared out to the 18 yard line where it was met with a lovely  shot on the turn that sailed past Scott who had little chance of stopping the delightful strike.

The next goal was going to be important in this game and it didn't come until minutes before the first half ended. Pumpherston pressed the game once more, bringing the ball down and passing intricately through midfield. The good football secured their third courtesy of Matthew from close range and close enough to the end of the first 40
to avoid any further chance of West Lothian getting back in before the break.

Half Time Score:
West Lothian United 2 Pumpherston United 3.

Pumpherston introduced James for his debut appearance at the start of the second half. The big forward made an instant impact when he showed good feet to bring the ball through the busy West Lothian defence, only to see his shot steer wide after the keeper intervened. Moments later however James did add his name to the score sheet when he picked the ball up just in front of defence, broke through and slotted the ball under the advancing goalkeeper to make it 4-2 Pumpherston.

Sean nearly followed this up when his low drilled 20 yard free kick ricocheted off of the forest of legs in the six yard box and sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

Jimmy changed things a little replacing Michael at right back with Nathan beside Jack, Jamie and Ally. Anthony also came on in place of Kye on the left wing, Kye had been unlucky to see 3 of his shots come back off the posts earlier in the game.

After the players settled in Pumpherston won another free kick on the opposite side from Sean's first, about 25 yards out from goal. Sean took the free kick hitting a wonderful strike past the West Lothian keeper, a shot that even more experienced keepers may have struggled with.

By this stage Pumpherston were looking more comfortable despite West Lothian's continued efforts to get back into the game. Things were to get worse for the home team though when Pumpherston won a corner. The ball was hit in close to the West Lothian goal where Anthony leapt highest of all the players waiting in the box, heading confidently home at the back post for his first ever Pumpherston goal. Anthony had waited a few weeks to grab his first Pumphy goal despite a lot of effort. He was therefore as delighted as the Pumpherston onlookers were when he grabbed his second and Pumpherston's seventh 5 minutes after netting his first goal.

Pumpherston added one more before full time. Sean's earlier free kick had been a great strike however goal of the game falls to Ally who netted from 15 feet inside his own half! The ball had been cleared out by West Lothian and fell to Ally who had stepped up from defence to clear the oncoming danger. Ally's clearance was struck high and long bouncing only once in the opposition's box - cruelly over the West Lothian keeper and into the empty net. Ally was of course delighted with his goal of which we all know was meant all the way

Full Time Score:
West Lothian United 2 Pumpherston United 8.