The Battle for South Division Bragging Rights:

	P	W	D	L	Points
Surrey Classics	16	12	4	0	40
Richmond Pioneers	16	12	2	2	38

Sunday Feb 28, 2005

Pioneers Unconvincing Despite Victory

Richmond Pioneers 2 Giant Panda 0

On Sunday, the Richmond Pioneers entertained Giant Panda at McMath and came away with a 2-0 win despite yet another underpar performance. Maybe McMath should be renamed Copacabana North, as the sand-based field is showing a lot of wear and tear these days.

The first half started out poorly for the Pioneers as Giant Panda took advantage of a lethargic start by the home team. Fortunately, Pioneer keeper Gary Bryne was wide awake—and he needed to be—as Giant Panda peppered the Pioneer goal with shots at every opportunity. However, Byrne was up to the task, throwing himself around the 6 yard box like he was playing beach volleyball. But without the speedos, thank God.

The soporific Pioneers gradually woke up to the unbearable (ouch!) prospect of losing to one of the South Division's lesser lights (I almost said 'whipping boys' but just stopped myself), and started to create chances at the other end. Pioneer midfielder Stan Bogdanovich impressed everyone with the quality of his play, considering it's only his second game back from a long term injury.

It was not until the 35th minute that the Pioneers took the lead following a nice series of passes, culminating with a nice touch from John Murphy to set up Graham Mason, who tucked the ball home from close range. (Later in the game, Murphy showed again how accurate that left foot of his can be, as a certain Giant Panda was on the endangered list!)

After the interval, the home team enjoyed more of the play, as the Pioneer defence tightened up, and Byrne enjoyed a relaxing second half. It looked like the Pioneers had a second goal when the Panda keeper failed to hold on to a Mason shot from 15 yards out, leaving John Tsang a gift from six feet out. Somehow, Tsang managed to hit both the bar and a post before the ball was cleared, although Ken Johnston was adamant the ball had crossed the line at one point. Unfortunately for Johnny, the new Addidas microchipped balls have yet to get FIFA approval.

Late in the game, Tsang would make amends when he scored from close range following a great cross from the right wing from Henry Wan, to seal a 2-0 victory for the Pioneers.

An indifferent performance from the slumping Pioneers, who next face the New West Regals, who you know will be out to avenge the 2-1 loss earlier in the season.

Man of the Match: Gary Byrne

Next Week: Home to New West Regals

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