Paul Birch Make Hard Work Of First Game Of The Season!

The new season finally arrived seeing Paul Birch face Peckham Rye for the first game in the newly created 'Sunday' Vets League!

It was a busy pre-season for Paul Birch who had obviously been scouring the lands trying to recruit quality additions to improve the first team; and succeeded with the signings of Ash Watts (GK), Kevin Sparrow (DL) and Terry Bear (D/M/RL) who are sure to have a big impact on the team this season!

The squad must have been working hard during pre-season as PB looked in peak physical condition during the warm up and performed the classic 'PB' passing drill like I've never seen it performed before!!!

Peckham kicked the match off and dominated in the early stages as PB struggled to hold onto the ball in midfield. The pressure from Peckham however didn't amount to much as the PB defence stood strong and managed to see out the half without Peckham registering a shot!

The second half began in a very similar fashion to the first, but due to a bit of luck and some sloppy defending from PB it all changed and Peckham took full advantage going one up via a tap in inside the six yard box.

The game come to life at this point with PB pushing forward to try and get the equaliser! However, this backfired as Danny Alder's weary legs under hit a backpass which saw keeper Watts kick the ball against the Peckham forward who once again had an easy tap in to make it 2-0!

Something had to change and it did! The manager pushed Sault into midfield and PB instantly came to life! PB drove forward in numbers creating plenty of chances, with Steve Birch coming closest during this period by hitting the woodwork following some great build up play. PB kept on driving forward and with 19 minutes remaining the pressure was too much and PB got a breakthrough following a scuffed shot by Steve Birch which ended up in the back of the net, 2-1!

Nerves seemed to set into the Peckham team and PB took full advantage by swiftly getting an equaliser through Lewis Sacksters, who belted a half volley into the back of the net following a great through ball!

From there Paul Birch dominated Peckham and the game was only going to see one winner, and with only seven minutes to go PB took the lead with a great finish from Gary Sparrow who took his chance like a seasoned veteran!

Peckham were completely deflated and Paul Birch scored a fourth goal in the closing moments of the game with Sacksters getting his second by latching onto a defensive clearance and slipping it through the keepers legs in style!

Paul Birch made hard work of this but ended the game as 4-2 winners! COYPB's :)