Pioneers Prevail, as Stinger Comeback Falls Short

Stingers 2 Richmond Pioneers 3

On the heels of last week's impressive defeat of Surrey Classics, the Richmond Pioneers travelled to North Delta to take on Stingers and came away with a 3-2 victory, the team's third straight win.

The last time the Stingers and Pioneers met—just before Christmas—it was a memorable match that ended 6-6. This time, the Pioneers were determined not to blow a 3 goal lead like last time.

The conditions at Stingers' alternative pitch were not conducive to flowing football, as most of the field was very muddy. The Pioneers struck first, when a Dennis Luk cross found from the left wing found Ken Johnston loitering at the far post, his touch enough to beat the Stingers keeper.

The Pioneers went two up when a deep corner kick from Jusuf Skrijelj found Graham Mason unmarked, scoring at the second attempt thanks to a lucky deflection off Stingers defender Tar Del Degan.

Evgeni Kushnir should have increased the lead when he was through on goal with just the keeper to beat, but his shot went wide.

In the second half, the Stingers came into the game more, but were frustrated on a couple of occasions by some great goalkeeping by Dave Valitis.

Graham Mason missed a great chance to further increase the lead after being picked out by a wonderful pass from Kushnir, but his initial shot was blocked by the keeper before fanning on the rebound with the wide open net beckoning.

However, midway through the second half, Ken Swanston's looping header gave the Pioneers a 3-0 lead, and at that point the game seemed to be in the bag for the Pioneers.

The Stingers had other ideas though, and, no doubt remembering the last meeting, they started to dictate play. With the Pioneers visibly tiring under the muddy conditions, the referee (Richard Gisbie, say no more) also decided it was time for him to take centre stage. Following an innocuous challenge by Stan Bogdanovich, the referee surprised just about everyone by pointing to the penalty spot. Eric Errington's kick was poorly struck, but luckily the ball hit Valitis' legs, then bounced off the post and into the Pioneers' net.

And the referee wasn't done there. He ignored a blatant foul on Mike Mogul, and the Stingers went through to score their second, and it was suddenly a 3-2 game.

With thoughts of 'deja vu all over again' maybe playing on the minds of the Pioneers, the Stingers pushed hard for the equalizer. But Dave Valitis was in commanding form in the Pioneer net, and on this occasion the Stingers comeback fell short.

This Sunday: Away against Delta United in Ladner, on the artificial turf at Holly Park (62nd Street at Ladner Trunk Road).

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