Late Equalizer Spares Blushes

Richmond Pioneers 4 Essondale 4. The Pioneers went into this game hoping for a more competitive contest than the last two lopsided games, and Essondale didn't disappoint as the visitors grabbed a point at McMath in an exciting down-to-the-wire 4-4 draw.

Both teams came into the game on a good run of form, with Essondale on a six game win streak, and the Pioneers on a five game unbeaten streak.

Essondale would strike first, following some slack marking by the Pioneers. After that tentative opening spell, the Pioneers settled well and were carrying the play to the visitors, with opportunities opening up. It was just a matter of time before the Pioneers equalized on a Eugene Kishmere penalty, after the Rocket was fouled while bearing down on the Essondale goal.

At the 20 minute mark of the first half, the Pioneers took the lead, when Ken Johnston headed home a fine cross from Jim Langlands. The third goal soon followed—very similar to the second goal—this time Stan Bogdanovich supplying the pinpoint cross for the unmarked Johnston to head past the Essondale keeper.

With everything seemingly going their way, the Pioneers prematurely eased up on the opposition, and Essondale made the Pioneers pay for it, as they pulled a goal back before the half.

After the break, referee Jimmy Somerville awarded Essondale a penalty, with Tony McBride the victim of a harsh decision. Justice was served when Pioneers' keeper Dave Valitis made a fine diving save to deny the visitors their tying goal.

At the other end of the field, the Pioneers were creating many openings, but wasting the chances that fell their way, the most noticable saw Kishmere missing the target from six yards out. Inevitably, the Pioneers would pay for their profligacy. Against the run of play, Essondale would tie the game, following a defensive communication breakdown.

Amazingly, with about 10 minutes to go, Essondale would take the lead for the second time in the game when Valitis was caught out of his goal.

In the closing minutes the Pioneers turned on the pressure as they attempted to salvage something from a game that should have long been sealed and delivered, but was now slipping away from them.

In the dying seconds of the game, the Pioneers got lucky. A Stanley Chan cross was headed into the goal by an Essondale defender, and the Pioneers unbeaten home record remained intact with basically the last meaningful touch of the game.

Next game. For the last away game of the winter season, the Pioneers travel to Port Moody. Take the Ioco Road turnoff, going straight up the hill (Heritage Mtn Blvd). After approx 2 lights, turn right at the 4 way stop, and right at the grocery store.

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