The visitors from Walnut Grove had a different look about them from the team the Pioneers beat 6-2 back in November. The new faces gave them a stronger midfield, but ultimately they were no match for the improving Pioneers, who ended up comfortable 5-0 winners.

First Capital made the Pioneers work hard in the first half, although most of the play was in the visitors half.

Ed Eviston looked like he had scored the Pioneers first goal as he attempted to chip the stranded keeper, who tumbled while retreating in an attempt to reach Eviston’s bouncing shot, the ball somehow hit the sole of his foot while he was mid-tumble and staying out for an extraordinarily lucky save. Highlight reel stuff for sure.

The Pioneers were not to be denied for long though, as Evgeni Kushnir put one past the keeper to open the score. Despite numerous other chances, the Pioneers had to settle for a 1-0 lead at the half.

Early in the second half, a John Murphy pass sent Jusuf Skrijelj down the left wing, who cut inside beating defenders with ease before tucking the ball in at the near post.

In similar fashion, a Graham Mason pass sent Ed Eviston barrelling down the right wing, cutting the ball back onto his left foot and blasting the ball past the helpless keeper. Another nice goal.

The Pioneers were in full flow now, as First Capital looked a beaten side. A Mason cross from the right wing fell to Skrijelj, who nicely teed the ball up for John Murphy to score a rare goal, the ball squirming through of the goalies hands and over the line.

Skrijelj was also heavily involved in the fifth and final goal, as he bobbed and weaved inside the six-yard box, tormenting the Capital defenders before laying the ball off for Danny Lazar to score from close range.

First Capital had a great chance to score when guest ‘soccer slut’ Kevin Morris was through on goal, but Pioneer keeper Dave Valitis made a great save to preserve the shutout, the team’s second straight.

Surprisingly, the last time the Pioneers had two shutouts in a row was way back in February 16, 2003.