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By Ed
Putney Pacers returned to Tooting Bec Common in search of back-to-back wins
After last week’s first league win of the season, confidence was high in the Pacers dressing room but below the surface there were sure to be nerves with much of the pre-match build up focusing on the team’s difficulty defending leads.
There were no surprises with the formation this week, as the Pacers stuck to a traditional 4-4-2 for the game against league newcomers Clapham New Town. Antonio made his return in goal after three weeks on the treatment table. The back four comprised Ash and Oli at centre-back, with Spracks at right-back and Ben at left-back. In the centre of the park were Alex and John, with Sean and Stephen providing width. There were no changes up front as Martin and Lewis continued in attack. Matt and Ed made up the match day squad.
The game started with a high tempo and the Pacers showed early promise – dominating much of the possession and putting Clapham New Town under plenty of pressure. After some crisp passing along the ground, someone (can’t remember who) was upended on the edge of Clapham’s box. Up stepped Lewis for the free kick, who calmly picked his spot and guided the ball into the back of the net.
Aware of their record of letting leads slip, the Pacers refused to sit back and maintained pressure on Clapham. Despite packing midfield by playing five across, Clapham found it hard to break down Putney and managed only a single chance on goal, which came from a desperate route one attack. It wasn’t long before Putney made it 2-0, when Stephen slotted home after some clever build up play by the Pacers midfield and attacking full-backs. Not satisfied with a two goal lead, the Pacers continued to get players forward, with Ben putting in a particularly hard-working shift at left-back. Eventually, a dangerous cross from Ash took a deflection off Martin’s back and found its way over the line, possibly via another deflection off a Clapham player. 3-0 HT.
At the break, Pacers knew that they were in control but also that, after conceding 23 goals in the last five games, a win was far from secure. More pressure from Putney led to Martin making it 4-0 after less than five minutes of the second half. Another quick goal, this time from Lewis, put the game beyond doubt at 5-0. Not content with his side’s 5-goal margin, Martin hit the floor in the box for the second week in a row. This week’s referee was more convinced by Martin’s tumble and awarded a penalty to the Pacers. With Matt not on the pitch, there was some confusion as to who was on penalty duties. Quick work by Kev on the side-lines identified Ben as next on the list, and before we knew it, he had put the ball on the spot and buried it. 6-0 Pacers.
Stephen and Spracks came off for Ed and Matt respectively for the remaining half hour. The rest of the match saw the Pacers spending more time in the opposition half, with just the one or two Clapham attacks to deal with. When the final whistle went, it meant an important clean sheet for the Pacers – their first of the season – and, after scoring six goals, they maintained their position as the league’s second top scorers.
By Flip-flop
On a chilly Sunday morning the Pacers travelled back to Tooting Bec to face Lambeth United in a bottom of the table six pointer.
After the experimental and crazy ‘3 at the back’ formation of last week, the Pacers reverted to the traditional and more familiar 4-4-2 formation. Alessio operated between the sticks with a back four of Sean, Ivo, Nashy and Oli playing just in front. Alex and John took position in the middle of the park with Nick and Chris playing on the flanks, this left the new striking partnership of Martin and Lewis operating up top. After cruelly being told he might start by Alex, Matt joined Ed on the bench.
The Pacers started the game playing the better football and dominating possession, this can largely be attributed to the bumper away attendance of 4 and chants of “you are my Pacers, my only Pacers…” by Spracks. Both Nick and Chris were getting the better of the Lambeth fullbacks, so it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. Alex slotting in for the away side, 1-0 Pacers!
As seems to be the way with the Pacers this season, concentration dropped and Lambeth managed to equalise with a goal mouth scrabble following a corner – this goal was against the run of play and put the tie at 1-1 (or as the home goalie stated, “its 0-0 Lambeth!”).
This time the reaction to a goal was much more positive. The Pacers grabbed 2 quick fire goals, through Lewis and then Norfield shortly after. At this point the away team were really starting to dominate, and could of easily grabbed a couple more. After 40 mins the first sub was made, Matt coming on for Ivo who had been carrying an injury from the start, this enabled Ed to his favourite role of running the line.
HT: Pacers 3 – 1 Lambeth United
The half time team talk followed an unfamiliar tone, mainly as we had a lead to protect this time – “Well played lads. We need to keep it simple, don’t do anything stupid and don’t let them score”. Despite this warning, Lambeth started to fashion a few chances, with the rather loud and squeaky number 10 often involved. After some impressive saves from Alessio, the deficit was reduced to one. The Lambeth striker scoring a glanced headed effort from a cross…… but wait, the flag was up! Luckily Ivo, who was now running the line, had noticed the striker had strayed a good 10 yards offside (I think). Good spot!
Unfortunately the Pacers didn’t take this as a warning. Following a corner and a goal mouth scramble, the ball seemed to be rolling harmlessly towards the corner flag, only for Nashy to come screaming in and plant the ball firmly in the back of the net. 3-2 Pacers, game back on.
And then, the real talking moment of the match. With some great build up play, Martin found himself through on goal, but instead of going for glory he decided to ‘swan dive’ over the keeper and perform a triple roll whilst holding his ankle (think Bale, Young, Suarez, Ramirez, etc) . Debate still looms as to whether he took inspiration from the swimming gala at the nearby lido or from his sporting hero, Tom Daley. Either way the referee awarded Martin a yellow card, and subsequently an £8 fine!
There were a few close calls at either end, but then finally with about 5 mins left on the clock the Pacers killed the game off. The same duo that grabbed the Lambeth 2nd delivered again, Sean delivering a perfect ball in for Nashy to direct a bullet header into the net.
This goal effectively killed off any thoughts of a Lambeth comeback, but just to make sure Ed nailed one of their players to stop a last minute attack – earning himself a yellow card in the process (he still claims it was unfair). Final whistle, 4-2 Pacers – the first 3 points of the season!
This was a very good away victory with positive performances all round, and most importantly the first 3 points of the season! Have the Pacers found a new striking partnership? Does this victory mean the end of the 3-5-2? Only time will tell, but it’s looking a lot more positive following this win. Next up will be another big game, Clapham New Town in Tooting! Bring it on.
By Nashy
Pacers went all experimental in their cup tie against the mighty Inter Yammam with a new 3-5-2 (or 3-2-3-2) which almost paid off apart from the 5 goal difference between the two teams on a crisp, sunny day on Clapham Common Lido.
The line up, after days and days, e mails and e mails and debate about who would best compliment this new winning formula was eventually decided by FATT Matt turning up just in time for the pre-match minute silence and Good/Gash Ash showing up in time for the two minutes silence on the Monday.
Nick donned the gloves with the back three of Ivo, Nash and Spracks. Alex and Ed started as holding midfielders with John in front and the only real “Pacers” (maybe Ben or Curtis pending the result of their race could be added to this); Sean and Norf playing in the new wing-backs spots and Curt and Lewis up top.
The idea was to dominate in the middle, protect the back line who had, up until Sunday, conceded 15 in 3 and use some real pace down the channels. It looked like that might happen too for about 4 minutes of tidy play from Pacers before Inter Yammam got Inter the back of our defence and scored two in succession with some clinical finishing and soft defending.
“Heads up lads!” the first of many came and indeed Pacers did get their heads up and genuinely dominated possession and pegged Inter Yammam back. Someone grabbed one back (sorry for forgetting who) after Ivo distracted the keeper by jumping in front of him from a throwing. It was all very positive and apart from conceding another two goals after some cool finishing, Sean scored a very nice bullet header after some very tidy play indeed.
HT and 4-2 but the tone was clear. “We are the better team here and apart from conceding silly goals (again!), should be in the driving seat” said the gaffer (or something along those lines anyway). The mood was positive and the formation was looking credible but if ever being 4-2 down could be classed as a honeymoon period, the honeymoon 45 minutes swiftly crashed and burned. Spracks pulled up with a groin injury and was replaced by Matt whilst John swapped with Nick and went in goal.
The second half was just not good enough. Simple mistakes like passing to their players led to them queuing to get on the score sheet and they put the game to bed quickly. Ash replaced Ed but the game was done and Pacers were 8-2 down before a neat finish from the boss added some sort of credibility to the score line. Curt managed to make the day worse by doing his now “cankle” although at least I got to drive a BMW. Which was nice.
Beaten by a very good side by an embarrassing scoreline, but genuinely some of the best passing football the Pacers have played in a long time (Spracks will tell us just how long). The questions still remain: What the hell has happened to the defence that was far more water tight last year? Will Alex risk the 3-2-3-2 again? Are we all sadomasochists that like to have our backsides handed to us on a plate every Sunday? Who will face the Pacers backlash?
Oh well. It was a Micky Mouse cup anyway. Time to focus on promotion.
by Martin G
After struggling for numbers last week the Pacers were back to a full strength squad and a full quota of 14 available players for this weeks game against Westminster Wanderers (including the return of ex Putney Pacer manager and all time leading goal scorer Ash).
Despite this, it looked like right up until the ref blew the whistle for kick-off that the Pacers would start with 10 men on the field as Goalkeeper Allessio decide to warm up by taking a run around the whole of Tooting Bec Common before stumbling across the right pitch.
A quick change and with time to squeeze in a quick piss behind his goal in full view of parents and kids enjoying a Sunday Morning stroll on the common, he duly took his place between the sticks.
Pacers began quite positively, trying to get the ball down and play, and it soon became apparent this was in stark contrast to Westminster’s playing style which was very much long ball, hit and hope.
However, in the early exchanges football was the winner and great work by Ben down the left set up Sean who ran to the byline and crossed for Curtis to coolly slot the ball into the corner.
Unfortunately, as seems to be the Pacer Way this season, we couldn’t build on or defend this lead for long.
Another long ball was played forward for the Westminster forwards to chase down and then a shocker from the referee as Ben looks to be in pole position to clear the ball to safety but is pulled down from behind by the chasing striker.
The linesman flags for a foul but the referee for some reason shouts play on, allowing a simple ball to be played across the box and tapped in for 1-1.
Pacers almost respond immediately to this blow, with Curtis working the goalkeeper and putting the rebound just wide.
That chance would be rued as not long after the referee awards Westminster a dubious free kick on the edge of the box.
A powerful hit is well saved by Allessio however Pacers are slow to follow up the rebound and allow Westminster to score again, 2-1.
Heads drop for a period and a couple of good saves from Allessio, keep the score at 2-1 before another ball over the top catches out the Pacer defence and Westminster get their third, worrying signs.
However, knowing goals were needed, attack seemed to be the best form of defence and, as the Pacers pushed forward chasing the game, Westminster knew the game wasn’t won and even at 3-1 up were intent on arguing and fighting between themselves.
Eventually the pressure told and Westminster give away a penalty.
Most watching on, knowing that Pacers had Ivo the Penalty Machine amongst their ranks thought that this must mean going into half time with just the one goal deficit.
Subs on the sidelines had their notebooks out, Kev was behind the goal to film at expert at work. The placing of the ball was perfect. The run up sublime. The connection, textbook. But… the net didn’t ripple.
The ball had been hit wide of the keepers right hand post and everyone stood still in disbelief.
The penalty master fallen from his throne, never to take one again until the 14 people in front of him in the pecking order have all missed.
A half time team talk from ex-manager Ash raised spirits and the Pacers started the second half well, a cross from the right headed in from the ex Pacer, 3-2.
But then, another long ball, Allessio runs out to try and sweep it up but the attacker gets there firsts and heads it in from 18 yards, 4 -2.
Then came a moment of pure tactical genius from the current Pacer Captain, Alex.
A triple substitution. Lewis, Martin and Ed replace goalscorer Curtis, Ollie and Steve.
All put in a good shift, but the fresh legs seemed to give Pacers some new energy.
Not long after ex Ash nips in with his second of the game, 4-3.
Pacers grab the ball and place it back of the centre spot, trying to keep the tempo up.
Pacers are starting to dictate now, forcing corners and winning free kicks.
One of these free kicks was played in by Lewis, flicked on by Alex and then volleyed home from six yards by Martin, 4-4 and a real swing in Momentum.
Another corner comes in from Lewis, there’s a bit of a scramble and Ed manages to poke it home, from 4-2 down Pacers now find themselves 5-4 up!
On taking the lead, a bit of nervousness crept in as the final whistle approached.
Westminster were chasing an equaliser, but Pacers were fighting hard to keep them at bay – picking up a couple of bookings from Alex and ex Ash at the same time.
Into injury time and it looked like we’d done enough with a final clearance pumped forward.
The ref blows for offside however and Westminster get one more chance to put one in the box.
The initial ball in is half cleared to Westminster’s Steven Seagal / David Seaman pony tailed wannabe who shows a bit of composure from the on rushing defence to play a ball out wide, which is crossed in and scrambled home.
Heartache on what is pretty much the last kick of the game.
Despite the disappointment, Pacers picking up their second away point of the season after being 3 – 1 and 4 -2 down has to be positive.
4-3, 6-4 and 5-5 in recent weeks, it’s surely not too long before someone is on the end of a Pacer hiding!
By Nashy
On one of the windiest days in Pacers’ history, and the day leading up to the biggest storm in almost all of our lifetimes (Spracks and Oli excluded), the Pacers were anything but “Hurricanesque” (this more for us below 30 Pacers obviously) on Purley Way playing fields aka The Arse End of Nowhere.
For the first time this season, the Pacers had to recruit a few extras in order to make up the 11 needed to start the game with Chris Evans being called out of retirement, Ivo’s mate Ian and Ryan’s future brother-in-law (cheers Alex), Guy making 12 players.
Antonio started in goal with Nashy and Ivo at centre-half, Oli left back and Guy right back. Alex and Norfield were in the engine room, Evans on the right and Alessio given the GKs dream of a crack on the left flank. Lewis and Stephen making a solid-looking forward line.
The start could not have been better with Pacers taking the lead in the opening exchanges thanks to a very ambitious shot from Stephen catching out the keeper. Pacers smelt blood (fishblood to be precise) but then the wind seemed to completely blow the back door open and Pacers conceded three in succession. It was, quite frankly embarrassing to concede such soft goals, all of which were avoidable and were a result of a real lack of organisation and general poor concentration. Luckily, Lewis popped up with one on the stroke of HT to give Pacers reason to think they could get back into it.
Alessio, dead from his ventures over the half way line, made way for Ian and Pacers started kicking up the hill with some real intent. The backline finally pushing up in tandem and the ball being pushed forward. Unsurprisingly then that Fish were to draw first blood with Antonio doing a Peter Enckelman impression and injuring himself in the process.
Pacers then grabbed one back through Norfield coolly lobbing the keeper after a superb ball from Guy who has started to really exert some influence down the right hand side. It looked as though Pacers might be able to win the uphill battle until Antonio’s injury meant that he couldn’t take what would normally be a routine catch and Fishblood snuck in again. Pacers once again brought some parity to the score line, again through Norfield (I think) before a bit of a mix up at the back led to a Fishblood striker being given the ball to slot home.
6-4 at FT with Pacers clearly disappointed to lose out embarrassingly on the same ground where they shamefully lost out to 10 men last season. To score seven in 2 games and come away with 0 points is a real detriment to some good forward play. When will that first league win come?
Putney Pacers 