The Battle for South Division Bragging Rights:

	P	W	D	L	Points
Surrey Classics	17	13	4	0	43
Richmond Pioneers	17	13	2	2	41

Sunday March 6, 2005

Regals Pay the Penalty

Richmond Pioneers 4 New West Regals 1

Based on the thrilling encounter between these two teams earlier in the season, the first ever visit of the New West Regals to McMath was eagerly anticipated by the Richmond Pioneers. But the expected duel never materialized as the Pioneers were rarely troubled, defeating the Regals 4-1.

However, the game was notable in that the referee awarded a total of five penalty kicks and, in fairness to the referee, they all looked valid. Incredibly, the four penalties awarded to the Pioneers were for fouls committed on the same player, Evgeni Kushnir, as a lack of discipline cost the Regals dearly.

The Pioneers started brightly, pinning the Regals back in their own half for long periods. Kushnir served notice that he was a force to be reckoned with following a couple of powerful runs, and Ken Johnston was denied by a diving fingertip save from the impressive Regals keeper.

At the 15 minute mark however, Johnston scored a superb individual goal. A long ball from full back Bob Heron into space down the left wing saw Johnston surge past a couple of defenders before placing his shot past the wrong-footed keeper.

Five minutes later it was 2-0 Pioneers, when Kushnir was hauled down in the area, converting the penalty himself. With his combative style, Kushnir was a constant thorn in the side of the Regal back four and they simply lost their composure, foolishly conceding two more penalties, one that Kushnir converted for his second of the game, his third attempt being saved.

At the other end, Pioneer keeper Dave Valitis was a virtual spectator, although on the stroke of half time the Regals were awarded a penalty kick—you knew that was coming—which they converted to make it 3-1, and New West had a lifeline to take into the second half.

However, the visitors—missing the cutting edge presence of Kevin Morris—never really looked like reducing the two goal deficit. Gary Byrne (who replaced Valitis at half time) was tested on a deflected shot, but this game would be one of the quieter ones for the goalkeeping duo, not at all like the last time these two teams battled it out.

Midway through the half, the Pioneers were awarded their fourth penalty of the game, again for a reckless foul on Kushnir, and despite missing his previous attempt, Kushnir selfishly took the penalty himself, missing for a second time.

With the game still in the balance at 3-1, it took another solo effort from Ken Johnston to settle the contest once and for all. This time it was a Dennis Harvington pass that sent Johnston through on goal, and the Pioneer's leading marksman made no mistake.

After a number of disappointing performances recently, this was a much, much better showing by the Pioneers.

Man of the Match: Ken Johnston

Next Week: Away to Stingers

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