PINXTON DOMINATE

PINXTON 3 HOLBROOK ST MICHAELS 0

CMA PREMIER SOUTH AT THE VAN ELLE ARENA

30 SEPTEMBER 2023 --- 3PM

PINXTON V HOLBROOK ST MICHAELS ON A WET AFTERNOON

Pinxton eased to a comfortable victory over struggling Holbrook St Michaels in this local derby played out in constant rain on a challenging afternoon for watching never mind playing in.  

Although the visitors put up a resolute defensive effort Pinxton would run out deserved winners and after the third goal just past the hour mark it became a training ground stroll.

EARLY PINXTON ATTACK SEES THE BALL GO INCHES WIDE

A small selection of games were all giving me a concern with the wet stuff forecast and after a damp week but with the decision taken to pop along to Wharf Road in this seasons re visits to local grounds plan.  Although I think it was only last season I was here its always worth a trip especially enjoyable with the close proximity to the pitch for spectators although with limited standing cover an umbrella would be the order of the day.

HARDY FELLED FOR THE PENALTY

After a bit of local difficulties with the planned Comet service the hope for a little walk round the village was curtailed having to take the next bus one hour later and with arrival in Alfreton a quick taxi to Pinxton allowed for a bit of comfort food from the nearby Coop.

Walking up past the massive welfare building and onto the ground just in time to obtain the team sheets photo op thanks to referee Churcher was probably the first bit of good timing today had brought about.

JONES OPENS THE SCORING FROM THE PENALTY SPOT

The ground has not changed since my last visit and with a snack bar and raised covered standing area added to by a smart stand near the changing rooms there was enough for todays crowd of around 70 to keep relatively dry.  The large brolly was working for me and a few others who wanted to stand pitch side.

ROSS HARDY SETS UP ANOTHER PINXTON MOVE

The opening 45 minutes were more or less constant Pinxton pressure with the odd breakaway from the visitors but the boys in blue seemed unable to find that final ball to finish off their attacks and had to be reliant on a penalty that came mid way through the half for the half time lead.  Livewire Ross Hardy attacked the box and the sliding tackle of James Knighton took him down just inside the penalty box for which he received a caution before Ben Jones sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. 

THE EXPERIENCED NATHAN BENGER

It took just five minutes into the second half  to double their lead and Pinxton were thankful to a lovely finish from Hardy who deserved it for his contribution to this game, put through the middle he raced on to slot past the out coming Harvey Adams with comfort.

It was 3-0 on 62 minutes when Jones set up Brad Newby pulling the ball back to the front man who switched it onto his left foot before firing home.

PINXTON GO CLOSE

Strangely it was game over with Pinxton visibly taking their foot off the gas which was a shame as it would have been nice to see them gain a few more confidence boosting goals.  I say strangely because Michaels substitute Kian Roome struck the post and then saw a header bounce back off the bar in the space of a few minutes.

HALF TIME GAMES DISCUSSIONS

The rain was still falling sharply at the final whistle but the craving for a non league game had been satisfied, bus back to Alfreton and I even treated myself to a taxi back to base on this wet and dismal evening.  Pinxton is always worth a trip but it seems such a long time since that red hot day a few weeks ago at Radford so I may book some dry stuff for the next visit to Wharf Road.

HARDY MAKE IT 2-0