Pioneers and Port Moody battle to 2-2 tie

Port Moody 2 Richmond Pioneers 2. The Pioneers travelled to Port Moody for the last road game of the winter season to take on one of the stronger Over 50 teams. With Port Moody claiming to have lost just two games this season—and with the Pioneers on a six game unbeaten streak—the game lived up to its pre-game billing as the teams battled to a 2-2 tie.

The outstanding playing surface at Heritage Park—not to mention the almost spring-like weather—was conducive to some good soccer. The Pioneers applied most of the early pressure and took an early lead when a Eugene Kishmere pass put Ken Johnston through, and he made no mistake as he stroked the ball past the Port Moody keeper.

Port Moody started applying some pressure on the Pioneers and, despite a good save from Pioneers keeper Gary Byrne, Port Moody would eventually get an equalizer. With the game tied 1-1, the play was going back and forth in what was an evenly-contested first half, although the physical nature of the contest seemed to rattle Port Moody.

After the restart, the Pioneers started to dominate, and Port Moody were pinned in their own end for much of the second half. They did look threatening on counter attacks, and Byrne had to stay alert to tip over one powerful effort. Against the general run of play, Port Moody would take a surprise 2-1 lead, with a well placed header from close range.

Port Moody adopted a defensive posture as the Pioneers pushed forward with increasing intensity. With just five minutes remaining the Pioneers pressure was rewarded when the referee awarded a penalty for a hand ball, a somewhat dubious call.

Notwithstanding, Johnston converted the penalty with consumate ease to tie the game at 2-2. Despite a frantic final five minutes, the game ended with no further scoring.

All in all, a great game from two very competitive teams.

Next game. Two games to go, both at home. This Sunday we welcome Surrey Vikings.

- 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.