Untitled Document

Revolution Ambushed!

Despite enjoying the vast majority of the possession, Revolution were undone by a well-organised and stubborn PAFC defence marshaled by the commanding Stuart Gates, some inspired goalkeeping and 3 well-taken finishes.

After 5 minutes, PAFC’s first attack saw a looping effort crash off the top side of the bar. The next 25 minutes saw the Revolution probe away and create three, one-on-one chances which were, in short, wasted. Then there were turning points. First, a 25-yard scorcher from the one and only “Scouse Jesus” was tipped around the post by a save of jaw-dropping standards. Two minutes from the half time break, Pimmie finds a half-yard of space on the right edge of the Revo box and bangs a rocket into the far corner to give PAFC a lead against the run of play. Before the half closed, Louman tried to skip past a number of challenges just inside the box but was crowded out when, to Spikey’s relief a tame left foot effort was scrambled clear.

The second half started with PAFC playing a bank of 5 players in defence behind another bank of 4 midfielders leaving Pimmie alone upfront. Two minutes into the second half and a woeful Revolution defensive error gifted James Wickes the ball, again on the right edge of the Revolution box. A magnificent strike – technique honed on those Tottenham training grounds – saw the error punished leaving PAFC 2-0 up and Revolution with an uphill struggle to break down a packed PAFC defence.

There was always a danger of Revolution getting caught on the break with bodies being thrown forward. Revolution gambled and had two great calls for penalties. Firstly, “Fast Eddie” Chambers skips past two PAFC defenders and just before he unleashed, he was clinically brought down on the edge of the box. The resulting free-kick was skied over the bar. Minutes later, Scouse Jesus was clinically brought down on the 18-yard line and, Spikey concedes, should have earned Revolution a clear-cut penalty. This time, the resultant free-kick was kept low and struck the edge of the wall.

Another Revolution defensive error led to a back-pass being handled 10 minutes before time. The resulting indirect free kick was touched to Wickes, who again struck a sweet finish just inside the far post for 3-0. Looks like Wickes is an early favourite for fantasy league Player-of-the-Year.

Revolution earned a well deserved consolation goal when Dave Jessop headed a corner down for Scouse Jesus to tuck away from close range.

All in all, it was result that did not reflect possession but did reflect the number of mistakes made. Definitely, a closely fought game, won and lost by small margins.

Man-of-the-match was the PAFC goalie, (Scott Kinnear-Nock). Special mention goes to the PAFC debutants, who settled well and fought hard for the PAFC cause.

It was a close game, played in a good spirit. PAFC were not at full strength, and we had quite a good side out. First 20 minutes we were all over them - had 2 shots kicked off the line, keeper made 1 fabulous save - but Pimmy went up front and scored a great goal where he went round Snelly, cut inside and, as all were expecting the cross, bent it into the bottom corner.

The 2nd half featured a lot of Revo possession, a lot of free kicks on the edge of their area, some good keeping from their guy and Pimmy running riot on the break - he had 4 1 on 1's with me (although he did not score!). We gave the ball away in our own half just after half time, gifting them a goal, and in trying to stop a wayward backpass going out for a corner I stupidly handled it and they scored from the indirect free kick. At the death, Jessop got a header in from a corner and Al forced it over the line from about a yard.

1-3 was a bit harsh on us because our forwards played well and had no luck in front of goal but credit to PAFC who worked hard and defended well. Pimmy and their keeper, and poor defending on our part, were the difference between the 2 sides.