Casuals and Pelham got off the mark in the league with their first league win of the season at the second time of asking. Lining up against a familiar foe in Saffron Hawks, Pelham knew they would be up against a difficult team again and that they needed to play much better than last week. The home side started well and looked a lot more organised and up for it than last week. Pelham created s few early chances whilst also shutting out Hawks completely of any chances. The deadlock was broken around the 13 minute mark through some good one touch football from Dan Boyce, Gavin Brace and Steve Willett, with the latter sending Steve Callan through on goal who latched onto the ball, and calmly slotted past the keeper to make it 1-0. Pelham continued their good work, and again they defended well not giving the Hawks players a sniff at goal whilst piecing together some good build up play of their own. Steve Callan got in behind another couple of times but couldn't quite finish off the moves. A hard working Pelham slowed down with ten minutes to go of the first half as they let the away side back in it slightly. However again they defended well and gave away minimal chances to Saffron Hawks. The half time whistle blew and Pelham went into the break with a 1-0 lead. That ten minute break was just what the home side needed, and they came out of the blocks firing. Pelhams lead was doubled on the 50 minute mark as Steve Callan laid the ball off to Liam Perry who cut inside from the left on to his right foot and curled a beautiful strike into the top far corner. The home side were well and truly on top and started to look like they did early In the first half. Both teams knew the next goal would be vital and both were throwing themselves at the game in order to work that vital goal for their team. The third goal of the game and more importantly Pelhams third goal seemed to decide the match. A Doug Hazell throw was picked up by Dan Boyce who drove into the box and found Steve Callan who struck the ball across goal, and with a small amount of luck off a deflection the ball found itself in the back of the net. The third goal seemed to have wrapped the game up for the home side but it also seemed to be their downfall as they took their foot off the gas and dropped off slightly. Hawks were now managing to carve out chances and saw more of the ball as tired legs set in. Pelham didn't get their clean sheet they deserved as they over committed on a last minute corner and the away side broke on the counter attack, getting the ball out wide and drilling across the box for the Hawks striker to tap in at the back post. It was nothing more than a consolation goal and not long after the final whistle went, rewarding Pelham with a well deserved first win of the season. Good win today boys and it was absolutely vital that we bounced back from last weeks disappointment. Not quite up to full speed yet and their is still plenty of work today but we move on to next week and need to continue to build on this performance. Micks well deserved man of the match goes to Ant who came back in to the side at centre back and with his organisation and presence, made the back line look more assured in everything they did. On to next weeks game against Sawbo Brewery. COYCAP!
