Pioneers Easy Winners

Richmond Pioneers 7 Croatia 2

With the newly founded Premier Division about to be dismantled by the BCOTS because of the widespread dissatisfaction with the chosen participants and the schedule, the Richmond Pioneers played what will be their one and only Premier Division game against Croatia.

The Pioneers were easy 7-2 winners, and the gulf in class between these two teams only served to emphasize that the Premier Division was doomed before it even started.

Played on the beautiful playing surface at McMath, the scoreline flattered Croatia, despite the fact the Pioneers loaned players to the depleted visitors.

The Pioneers opening goal came early, when a Denis Harvington cross was headed in by a Croatia player for an own goal. The second goal, however, was a thing of beauty, when Harvington unleashed an unstoppable shot from outside the 18 yard box. Two goals from Eugene Kishmere gave the Pioneers a comfortable 4-0 lead at the half.

Although the Pioneers took their foot off the pedal in the second half, chances were still being created, but the Pioneers finishing was now suddenly woeful.

Croatia responded with two well taken goals, which only served to rid the Pioneers of their complacency.

Goals from Ken Johnston, Graham Mason, and, finally, the hat-trick marker from Kishmere with the final kick of the game restored the scoreline to one more indicative of the balance of play.

The schedules are being redone, so next Sunday’s opponent is yet to be established. Stay tuned.

- Based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, the Pioneers play in the Premier Division in the Over 50 League of the BCOTS (BC Old Timers Soccer). The league has over 40 teams from all over the Lower Mainland region

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