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Sunday 21st of September 2014 Pacers arrive in Barn Elms ready for first league match of 14-15 season, and after going out of the cup Pacers need a convincing performance to give back faith to the fans and “morale” to a team witch want to finish over the relegations zone of last year.
The sun is high in the sky Pacers opponent full of confidence already in the warm up after their first two winning matches, but they don’t know yet what is going to happen to their scoring machines!
With App-Skipper in charge of the bench and not match to choose from, Sean to get defensive and Chris Norfield on his debut the lineup is a pragmatic 4-4-2
Antonio
Oli jr-Andy-Oli senior-Sean
Nick ©-John-Sparks-Stephen
Chris-Lewis
Sub: Robert-Curtis
Coach: Alex
Wimbledon soon makes clear that they want to make the game possessing the ball for first 20 min, and Pacers defensive wall constantly closing the offensive, but suddenly the away team start put down the ball and play a fast counter attack with bring Chris Norfield his first chance keeper on one side ball on the other and the net blows up 0-1. The goal bring the home team under pressure for a little while with some corner kicks and a free kick from edge of the box, but they soon back on their feet hitting the crossbar and before half time a good save from Putney keeper send teams to changing room on 0-1.
In the dressing room Pacers realize that they cannot keep defending but make their own game.
Back on the pitch Putney comes back confident with ball on the feet and down the right Nick put down great runs and create couple of balls in but no blue shirts can’t make the winning touch.
Fatigue start to come on and Alex send in Roberts and Curtis for Stephen and Lewis.
Both teams want to make a results and Curtis wants to make an impact on the game dribbling 2 Wimbledon defenders but unfortunately their keeper make a decent save.
On the other side of the pitch the 3 Musketers and D’Artagnan (Oli,Andy,Oli,Sean) are putting down a tremendous shift with Senior trying is luck with Ref on some chancy tackle. Only chance Wimbledon got is long high ball, that makes them win a corner, only 5 minutes left tension is all over Pacers box a great cross come in and a powerful header in the top corner doesn’t give Putney the joy of the 3 points.
Result 1-1 with a Ref that need eye-test missing quite a bit to give for Pacers.
A promising start, a bitter result, a deserved point away .
Antonio
By Jordan
Sunday morning saw Westminster Wanderers arrive at South Park to witness the curtain falling on two Pacer legends and Popo to rewrite the laws of physics.
With Diego donning the gloves, the back four consisted of the confusing Oli, Oli, Ash, and Nash, Duracell bunny Alex and the calming Sprackers were in the the middle, flanked by Popo and Nick, with Sean and Curtis up top.
The first 10 Minutes paved the way for the rest of the match with the Pacers having all the possesion and playing some really good stuff.
A poor managerial decision left the “two most natural goal scorers” on the bench which was highlighted with chance after chance going begging.
Nick’s blast into orbit when well placed was bad, Nashie’s snap shot from the edge of the box had to be retrieved from the tennis courts.
Curtis looked out of his depth, the pressure of the class on the bench watching on looked like it was getting to him.
But all these mistakes were quickly forgotten about after the miss of the season.
A long lob in from Nick looked like it was going straight in. Being smart enough to realize this wouldn’t count, Popo came steaming in with perfect timing, afraid to go in with his head he opted to jump up and tap it into the empty net. Inexplicably, on the goal line, he somehow spooned his volley straight over the bar.
Sheepishly he ran back to position with his head bowed so not to catch the eye of the bench.
“Proper Howler that one like” was the comment from the Pacers events manager after he caught he’s breath from laughing so much.
Half time came and so did the manager’s axe.
The energetic Sean presumed that Curtis’s no show would save him from the chop……He was wrong, he was replaced by Jordan.
Pacers top goal scorer for the last three years was soon on the score sheet.
Blasting in a toe poke from all of a yard. It ain’t hard Popo.
1-0
Nashy was good enough to step down to let Kevla have a run around after 10 minutes of the second half.
The defence was never troubled and actually looked quite good passing the ball from one side of the pitch to the other to start attacks down the wings.
The new Oli found himself with the ball in his hands, so he launched it back into the fray for Nick to flick on to another well timed run from Popo.
He had his chance to redeem himself with a one on one but shot weakly at the goalies legs.
Their right back was on hand to tap in the rebound.
2-0
John and Steve entered the game at the expense of Spracks and old Oli.
Both looked sharp and composed on the ball.
A quick switch in position saw Kev up top and the gamble nearly paid off straight away when he had ample time to slot in Popo for his third one on one of the game.
He didn’t think Popo could face yet another glaring miss so he decided to massively over hit the through ball. The statisticians have recorded it as a shot. The keeper cleared the trouble.
A late Pacer corner was swung in and a diving Jordan nodded in the third.
A lot like Henrik Larrsons effort for Sweden in the 2004 Euros.(Feel free to let YouTube remind you).
3-0
There was still time for one last Pacer attack, more good work from the defence sent Alex scurrying away down the right flank.
A bad touch saw him run the ball out for a wanderers throw in. The flag didn’t go up so he half heartedly carried on. what happened next isn’t worth writing about because the ref eventually overruled the sleeping linesman.
A classy overall performance from everyone resulted in a good three nil victory.
A decent turn out in the Octoberfest saw a Das boot each for the two retiring Pacers, and Nashy letting on that Downton Abbey is his favourite TV show ever.
A good days work!
By Ed
Putney Pacers knew a win on Sunday against Sporting Crabs at South Park would guarantee their place in Division 3 next season. At half time, everything was going to plan with the Pacers playing some excellent football and earning a 1-0 lead. However, they were made to rue a host of missed opportunities as Sporting Crabs managed to sneak two past Antonio, who had another exceptional game in goal.
Pacers lined up with Nash and Ash sitting in front of Antonio, with Ben at left back and Oli at right back. In the middle were Spracks and Alex, with Ed and Robert on the wings. John played at number 10, providing support to Dan who was the lone striker.
Pacers started brightly and put plenty of pressure on the Crab defence. 20 minutes in, Nash delivered a pinpoint free kick onto the crossbar and back into the box to set up Ash, who slotted the ball home from close range – a move that clearly came straight from the training ground.
Pacers continued to control the game and threatened the Crab goal with a number of strikes from distance – if it wasn’t for the angle of the sun making things difficult for the Putney attack, they would surely have built on their lead.
One change at half time saw a straight swap, with Guy coming on for Robert on the left wing.
The second half started where the first left off, with Putney looking comfortable and creating chances – but unable to convert their efforts into goals. Meanwhile, the Crab attack made the most of the few goal scoring opportunities they had and put two past Putney. Despite a late charge from Pacers, Crabs went on to win the game 1-2.
Pacers showed glimpses of their full potential and can certainly feel aggrieved to walk away empty handed. However, Putney can take heart from their performance – particularly the first half – and approach the final two games of the season with confidence – and in the knowledge that their fate still lies in their own hands.
Massive thanks to Nashy for taking the initiative and writing up the year so far. It is a shame that the match reports dropped off as they used to be a good laugh and a chance to stitch up your mates as well as celebrate the good things we occasionally do on the pitch!
More effort required from here on in please.
Without further ado, over to Nashy…
March 02 2014 Pacers 0 – TEFA 5
On the first game back after 3 months of waterlogged pitches, Pacers had their first game against the impressive TEFA side who had more than played their part in the 1-1 curtain raiser back in September.
Unfortunately, Pacers were not as fresh and definitely not as fit as they had been on that day in September and the fact that the back 4 were weighing in at roughly 9 stone heavier than they had in December (no names mentioned) meant that TEFA found it all too easy to get in around the back in the opening exchanges and were 4-0 up at HT.
The second time saw a more composed passing performance that evened the game out slightly and kept TEFA almost completely out of the game.
A poor start to the year and the 4 game unbeaten streak over.
March 09 2014 Pacers 2 Hope and Horns 3
In the second game of the year, Pacers showed up for the first of their double-headers with the bare 11 after a bit of a mix-up and some last minute drop outs. Ben arrived late as the 12th man and thus the team picked itself. A skeleton 11 and with no captain meant that Pacers would always struggle and they went down 2-0 quickly after some very suspect defending. At the other end, Pacers were creating space and chances and Norfield pulled one back before HT.
The second half was a very cagey affair in which Pacers battled hard for an equaliser before conceding one and then a very cool finish from Norfield set up a nervous last 5 for Hope and Horns who hung on to their victory. First blood to Hope and Horns.
March 09 2014 Pacers 1 Hope and Horns 5
Game 2 of the day started in very different fashion to game 1 with Pacers very much on top and controlling possession. They seemed more composed and created various chances to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Norfield was once again the tormenter and was well complemented by Oli’s mate Charlie, Martin and Lewis in the middle. Sean grabbing the opener and Pacers looking in control.
Unfortunately, the referee decided that he did not want to risk the wrath of a club that had been involved in a bit of trouble the week before and he gave Hope and Horns a penalty to celebrate someone entering the box. Antonio very unfortunate to concede after clearly winning the ball.
At HT Pacers were 1-1 and had been the better team but the legs were getting tired and in the second half, Pacers fell apart with the ref once again not helping the cause and basically giving fouls for anything Hope and Horns were shouting for. One goal was allowed despite the flag being raised because apparently, the player that assisted the goal was not interfering with play when he, clearly offside, latched on to ball and squared to his team mate. Despite of the criticism, Pacers were the weaker side and were deservedly beaten.
March 16 2014 Pacers 2 Fishblood Stiffs 0
With numbers depleting week on week, Pacers got some revenge on the team that had somehow hammered them 6 3 in Purley earlier in the season. Pacers started with 11 with Ash coming sometime in the second half from Kent. Fishblood also had only 11 with their elderly gaffa starting up top and modelling some lovely tracksuit bottoms.
The game was Pacers to lose from the off and for once, they bossed the game, created various opportunities and were never troubled at the back.
Antonio kept his second league clean sheet of the season behind a very sturdy back four of Oli, Nash, Oli and Ben. Rob put in a shift on the left wing with Norfield on the right and Alex with Spracks in the middle. Curt started up top with (as far as my memory serves) Sean partnering him.
It was Norfield and Curt who scored, both after some clever play down the channels with new Oli and Norfield in particular causing all sorts of problems.
Finally a win in 2014 and a good performance.
March 30 2014 Pacers 1 Stockwell 12 (1-3 counting a 3 goal handicap for each missing player)
On a day of many records, Pacers were given a good test against table toppers Stockwell. Earlier in the season, Pacers had turned up with 15 against the same side who had narrowly run out 4 -3 winners and had questioned why Pacers were propping up the table. Although Pacers had since climbed the table, their answer came on a very warm morning at Raynes Park.
Have I mentioned that Pacers played with 8 yet? Yes 8! The heroes who showed up and took it like men that morning should forever be remembered in Pacers’ folklore: Martin, Lewis, Mrs Nick Kearns (first game back since married), Sean, Oli and Oli, Nash and Spracks.
It was the lowest ever starting line-up for the Pacers, the first 3-1-3 ever played, the most goals conceded in one half (8 Nash), most calories ever burned by a player in one match (Tied Martin and Oli S- 9, 462 each), and the largest total loss. Not surprisingly, the 8 Pacers’ legends involved left with sun-kissed heads held high. Martin, miraculously scoring in a second half which finished only 4-1. Oh yes, it was also the Sunday too many mummys’ boys got their priorities mixed up on mothering Sunday (especially Kev who went playing in the snow again).
April 6 2014 Pacers 2 Clapham New Town 0
Pacers put a few wrongs right in their second 2-0 win in 3 games. Antonio going 180 minutes without conceding. He started in goal with a back four of Oli, Oli, Ash and Nash (Trip to Trumpton?). Manager and recently disgraced captain Alex making his comeback from his over-sleeping injury and partnering Spracks in the middle.
Ben got his hour on the left flank to dissuade him from hurling abuse at the boss whilst Nick took the right flank allowing Norfield and Curt to start up top. John and Dan creating a dream bench.
Pacers dominated from the off. It was a very solid defensive line that kept Clapham well away from the danger zone for the vast majority of the game. They weren’t necessarily amazing in possession but the balls were getting into the box
and a few chances were ballooned over including a couple of close-range headers.
At HT it was clear that Pacers were going to keep it tight but would push on and finally break the deadlock. Spracks made way for John and after Oli finally got his yellow card for a few too many bone-crunchers, Dan pushed up top, Ben was sent to his familiar LB role and Norfield took the left wing. The results of the changes were immediate with Norfield exerting a much bigger influence on the game down the channel, Dan proving his class up top and bringing out the better side of Curt who after seeing his shot hit the post, saw it hit the
hand of Dan and give the Pacers the lead they deserved.
At the other end, the CB pairing of Ash and Nash did a number on Clapham’s captain forcing his removal and looked generally untroubled
. When troubled, Antonio provided more than adequate last-line defence. Pacers were 2-0 up soon after and virtually ended the game after Dan and Norfield linked up well and Norfield’s looping cross found Curt’s head and the far corner.
Pacers continued to threaten to make it a hammering with dozens of chances, a string of excellent saves from Clapham’s keeper and
some very suspect finishing keeping the scoreline too flattering for Clapham who in fairness, had one cleared off the line after a great save from Antonio.
When the full time whistle went, Pacers had ensured that they would not finish bottom of the league this season and need just two points to secure another season in the third division. With 3 games remaining against teams in the same area, surely Pacers can finish strongly. Crabs up next this Sunday.
Nash
By Adequate Ash
On a cold Sunday morning, Putney Pacers were at home against Kew Antigua reserves.
Having lost 2-1 on their last outing against Kew, the pacers were out for blood.
Following back to back wins and crowd attendance still at a record high – thanks Kevlar – the Pacers were full of confidence.
Antonio was back between the sticks, protected by Flip-Flop, Ben, Ollie and Ash.
Alex and Spracks formed the creative centre in midfield, flanked by Sean and Nick.
The Pacers’ very own Tom Daley found himself up top again and was partnered by Steven.
The game kicked off and started at a good tempo, with the Pacers controlling the game and putting together passages of good passing play.
The Pacers were applying pressure and had countless chances to take the lead, but were left wanting when trying to hit the target.
It could have been a rugby score line in the first 15/20 minutes but instead it was the Pacers that thought they were actually playing rugby, with shots ending up high and wide.
Down the other end of the field, the defence remained strong, playing the high line with Antonio sweeping up any long balls from behind.
The beak finally came mid-way through the first half. Flip Flop “got turned inside out by their right winger”, according to our match commentator/spectator/crowd/Kev, who crossed hard and low.
The ball took a huge bobble as it came across the box, altering its course and taking it out of the path of Ash’s right foot clearance.
Their striker pounced on the opportunity and came steaming in to smash the ball in the back of the net. 0-1 Kew Antigua.
Pacers didn’t let their heads drop and continued to play the better football.
Some great build up play by Alex and Spracks released Sean out wide, who put in a peach of a cross.
All it needed was a slight touch at the back post to caress it into the back of the net – but Martin had other ideas and his glancing header sent the ball wide.
Just before the end of the first half, an innocuous ball over the top saw Flip-Flop hit the deck in an elaborate fashion – apparently the winger had brushed his elbow against his nose, blood went everywhere.
Flip-Flop was removed from the field of play and given a tissue on the sidelines.
He re-entered the fray 5 minutes later and got his revenge.
Kew’s winger was steaming down the left wing but found his shot blocked, as Flip-Flop threw himself in the way to concede a corner.
The half finished 0-1 Kew Antigua Reserves.
The second half started in much the same way as the first, with the Pacers piling on the pressure as they looked for the equaliser.
Some neat build-up play forced Kew to concede a corner.
Sean whips in a beauty of a cross that lands right in the six yard box.
Following some confusion, the ball lands at Ash’s feet, who plays a neat pass into Martin’s feet.
The crowd – Kev – are on the edge of their seats as Martin pulls back his trusty right foot and blasts it goalwards, finding the bottom right corner of the net.
The crowd goes wild. 1-1.
With 20 minutes to go, the Pacers are still piling on the pressure as they look to get the winner. Rob comes on to replace the injured Flip-Flop – his nose never fully recovered.
As the Pacers continue to press forward, a long lofted ball from Kew’s centre back puts the Pacers on the back foot.
Kew’s left winger breaks the offside trap and sprints down the wing, with Rob in pursuit.
As he nears the edge of the box, Rob brings the winger down and concedes a free kick in a dangerous position.
They score – 1-2 Kew Antigua – and at least 10 minutes remain.
The Pacers really pile on the pressure for the last 5 minutes and, again, some good build up play leads to a Pacer corner.
Sean steps up. The crowd silent (busy finding the record button on his phone). Everyone is forward, including the goal keeper. This is it. The last chance…
Sean whips in a great ball and Alex rises like a salmon to smash the ball home. 2-2!
The Pacers manage to win one last corner before the full-time whistle, but it was harmless.
Final score 2-2.
Although not a win, the Pacers played well. If not for the two very soft goals, as well as the rugby-esque finishing by the forwards, and the Pacers would have won by quite a significant margin.
Putney Pacers are now 4 games undefeated.
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!
Putney Pacers 