Report
Leyton Pennant achieved their first win of the season last night and thoroughly deserved it. Martin Busson’s men had not won for 25 matches previously and needed this win to go into this weekend’s F.A. Cup tie with some confidence. New signing Dean Green playing left wing back and Lee Gildersleve playing his first home match of the season made things look much brighter for the Lilywhites right from the kick off.
The Lilywhites attacked from the kick off and looked really strong down both flanks but it was Abingdon who stunned the home supporters by taking the lead after seven minutes. After the breakdown of a Leyton attack, Town’s Ben Williams picked up the ball in the middle of the field. He ran at the home defence and was not tackled. As soon as he got to the penalty area he was free to shoot home under the diving Craig Knox.
Unlike previous matches, the home defence stood firm after the setback and began to set up attacks. Moments later Lilywhite Alex Clark shot just wide, but it was their turn for some luck: on 22 minutes when Ian Barnes shot towards goal. The ‘keeper seemed to have things covered but he did not bank on the intervention of his centre half Kevin James: he swung out a leg to clear but defected the ball into his own net.
From then on the Lilywhites controlled the match with Green making powerful telling runs and excellent crosses from the right flank and Gildersleve being used as an effective target man, holding up the ball and allowing players to run off him to receive his return pass. His strength up front could mean the difference in many matches this season. He is able to collect and shield the ball so well so it is so important for him to receive the right kind of ball.
Once the Lilywhites scored the second goal on 56 minutes they took control of the game and had no intention of giving it up. Chick was fouled just inside the opposition half by the left touch line. The free kick was taken by Tilley who flighted a long pass right to the far edge of the six yard box where Gildersleve was waiting unmarked. He made the right decision: a bullet like volley straight into the near corner of the net. A better goal you are not likely to see anywhere.
More chances fell to Chick and Notley but Jenkins saved brilliantly on numerous occasions. The Lilywhites had learned the lesson of previous matches and ended the match by taking the ball into the opponents’ end of the field and holding onto it. A thoroughly deserved win.