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.
Putney Pacers 
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