Pinner battled to thier second draw of th season against an energetic, if slightly, rough team who constantly left a foot in. It was this kind of tackling that resulted in Pyle having to come off after ten minutes due to a late stamping. Replaced by Tom Davies who slotted in to defence while Dan moved in to midfield, Pinner handled Headstone's attacks well and after a through ball by Dan, Little Jim put pressure on the defence and then vcalming rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home.
Some dodgy referring saw Micky penalised on a number of occasions and to rub salt in the wound, was booked for a challenge that the opposition had just done...must be his face or something!! Headstone then scored a goal from distance which could not be stopped and were under pressure but after good work by Tommy Stevenson getting a free kick, Dan put in a delivery which Micky rose above the defence and headed Pinner in to a half time lead.
The second half started with Pinner defending deep and well but were finally caught up when an unlucky bounce fell to their player and he slotted it home. With 25 minutes left, Nick made way for ShAne with Will slotting in at right back and Tom S switching wings. Despite being under pressure, Pinner had the clearer chances and somehow their keeper kept Micky out when one on one, followed by Tommy going close and then Shane being thwarted from a Dan free kick.
However, on the attack Headstone broke away and their player got the wrong side of Will and despite being fouled out side the area initially he fell in the area and the penalty was awarded. The ref said he was playing to the letter of the law which wasnt the case as they scored the penalty despite their players running in before the ball was kicked (a matter of which I pointed out to the ref but didnt take it well and booked me).
Chances still fell our way but with only one minute to go, a corner was won and pinner piled in to the box. Shane took the corner which went low in to the area which saw Little Jim get to the ball first and cleverly dummy the ball leaving Queenan with an easy but essential tap in and Pinner were level. There was huge delight as Pinner deservedly got an equaliser in a game they had to battle very hard with and cling on at times.
Despite not winning, against a team that will be up there this season, we once again showed great spirit and determination to hang in there and get the point with the final kick. With this attitude, im confident our first victory of the season will be right round the corner.
Special mention to Jimmy who worked very hard in central midfield as well as Tom Davies who slotted in at the back very well but Man of the Match went to Rob Queenan. His equalising goal capped off a fantastic defensive display where he won virtually every ball towards him and more!!
Lets keep improving boys each week and the news is Pyle has badly bruised his foot but no break...he will be back hopefully within 4 weeks (sorry)!!!
(Dan Hurst, Manager)
