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!
Putney Pacers 
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