Pennant end poor run with promising draw

Leyton Pennant 1 Chertsey 1 (Ryman League Division One)

After three defeats on the trot, a Chertsey side that had yet to drop a point were probably the last opponents Pennant would have picked. John-Paul Kent was given a start in place of Stuart McLean in the hope of strengthening the midfield.

The ploy did not seem to be working early on and Chertsey were so much on top that a goal was inevitable. It duly came in the 13th minute.Paul Salmon had already hacked one goal-bound effort off the line and then, as goalkeeper Wells hesitated, Chertsey scored from close range.

But, as in their previous three matches, the Lilywhites fought back straightaway and were level within four minutes. Sid Nelson won a free kick on the left and slung it into the box where Kent, justifying his inclusion, powerfully headed home.

Pennant took charge with some excellent play in midfield and defence but there was a distinct lack of penetration up front, which meant that the teams went in at half-time on level terms.

Defences were well on top in the second half and Andy Silk and Paul Salmon were superb for Pennant. It was not until ten minutes from time that a clear-cut chance was created. Read crossed into the Chertsey box and the keeper dropped the ball at the feet of Paul Salmon. His fierce shot was scrambled off the line and two more shots and a header were cleared before the danger passed.

Although it is usually disappointing not to win at home, in light of previous results, a draw against such strong opposition was most encouraging. There was also a marked improvement in defence and the result should put Pennant in good heart for their cup tie at home to Wembley on Saturday.

Last Saturday saw Pennant suffer their third straight defeat, losing 3-2 to Oxford City in a match which, at half-time, they seemed to have well under control.

Pennant paid the penalty in the 28th minute when they conceded a soft goal. They failed to cut out a throw-in and McSporron laid the ball back for Smith to fire in from the edge of the box past the unsighted Clark Wells.

Four minutes later, Pennant were back on terms. A move started on the edge of their area found Read in the centre circle. He ran 25 yards before slotting the ball between two defenders for Che Stadhart to finish.

Pennant then came to life and started putting together pacey, attacking moves. This culminated in them taking the lead in the 36th minute. Tyrone Hercules broke up an attack on the edge of his own area and went on a long run down the wing. He crossed the ball to the other side of the pitch and Nelson laid the ball back to Read to shoot ferociously home.

Pennant would probably have added to their score but for the arrival of half time. As it was, Oxford equalised just two minutes after the restart.

An Oxford player was allowed to run right through the heart of Pennant’s defence and lay the ball off to McSporron, who coolly finished.

Now it was the Lilywhite’s turn to back pedal as the balance of play completely turned around. On the hour, City scored what proved to be the winner. Andy Silk appeared to be held back whilst trying to clear and was forced to concede a corner.

Again it was a simple goal as the near post flick-on from the corner went to midfielder Fontaine, who headed in unchallenged.

Straight away, City could have had number four after a stunning run by McLeary. Then Wells tipped over brilliantly from Lee’s long range effort.

Pennant rallied but, apart from a couple of half chances for Nelson and Stadhart, they never looked like equalising until the last minute, when Paul Salmon fired narrowly over from a corner.

In all three games so far, Pennant have looked impressive going forward but need to tighten up their defence considerably if they are to win any accolades this season.