Pelham Solid Performance Deserves Win!

Casuals and Pelham got back to winning ways in the league after last Sunday's cup disappointment and put in a solid performance to beat SC Birchanger 2-0. With Pelham out all the cups but still in with a chance to win the league the away side knew they had to win today. The game started fairly even and a lot of the play was congested in the middle of the park. Pelham were just lacking that last ball in the final third but did still manage to create some chances. Cal Lynskey came close from a corner after the ball was headed away off the line and Lee Cuddeford had one or two early tests on the keeper. Other than that the away side were struggling to create anything and just looked like they were forcing the ball forward that little bit too early. However Birchanger struggled to create any real chances and defensively all over the park Pelham looked solid. With Pelham not being able to finish their half chances in the first half, the two teams went in at 0-0 at the break. Pelham started the second half quickly and managed to nab the first goal of the game pretty early on. A good ball in behind from Gavin Brace saw Lee Cuddeford get on the end of it and he managed to just lift it over and past the onrushing keeper for the ball to roll into the empty net, 1-0 to Pelham. Once again SC Birchanger failed to create any real chances in the second half, bar one. The Birchnager striker just peeled off the back post and got a good header on the ball directing it to the bottom corner, however Dan Monk was equal to it making a good vital save at an important time in the game keeping Pelham in front. Pelham finally managed to double their lead with around 20 minutes left as Adam Notley played a good ball in behind for Lee Cuddeford to chase down. He found himself one on one with the keeper and buried the ball last him, 2-0 to Pelham. Once again Pelham were defensively solid and out of the two teams looked the more likely to score again. Notley came close with a header and there were a couple of other half chances, but Pelham managed to keep Birchanger at bay and hold on to win the game 2-0, and take another step closer to the league title. A good solid all round performance today from everyone and in parts was the best football we have played for a few weeks. Today's man of the match could have gone to a few people with Dan Monk, making a big save at a vital time, the defence looking solid and midfield working tirelessly. However this week it goes to the match winner Lee Cuddeford with 2 cool finishes out of 2, good composure and cracking finishing. One down, six to go!!