Pyrford held on despite conceding two late goals, which made the scoreline more flattering to their bottom of the league opponents.
Despite Pyrford’s complete dominance early on, Pixham went ahead from the penalty spot from their first attack. A fortunate deflection allowed the Pixham striker past Pyrford’s defence, and Edd managed to win the ball cleanly, only for the referee, whose decisions were questionable throughout, to give a penalty to widespread disbelief, despite no appeal from Pixham at all and no-one else on the pitch thinking it the right call.
Pyrford battled back and deservedly equalised soon afterwards. Edd won the ball and played it out left to Matt, whose through ball to Sam was inch perfect, and Sam slotted home convincingly. Pixham’s attacks for the rest of the half were purely on the counter, as Pyrford had around a dozen corners to no avail, and couldn’t seem to put the ball in the net despite numerous openings.
Pyrford brought Stubbs on for little Stu and started the second half on the front foot. Stubbs’ wingplay gave them a new dimension, and Pixham were unable to cope. Sam got his second after rounding the keeper, and Stubbs increased the lead with a great strike.
Against the run of play Pixham pulled one back, but Pyrford regrouped and Sam completed his hattrick, with Stubbs following in with his second minutes later. Pyrford were well on top, but to their credit Pixham kept trying and didn’t give up. Two late goals gave them hope in a seemingly endless second half that lasted over 50 minutes, despite no injuries or major stoppages, and the referee saying time was basically up and then playing 5 further minutes when the game got close.
A good win for Pyrford, but a more ruthless streak is needed to ensure they can keep hold of winning positions.
