Aldergrove One 4 Richmond Pioneers 2. In the first competitive game for the Pioneers after the Christmas hiatus, the long trip east ended in a 4-2 loss to a powerful Aldergrove One team.

The high-flying Aldergrove team, which had won all but one of its previous games, got off to a quick start, as the Pioneers struggled to contain them. The first goal came early, as Pioneers' goalkeeper Dave Valitis failed to handle an Aldergrove corner kick, and the ball was bundled into the net.

The physical game was being played at a brisk pace, with both teams carving out chances. Stan Bogdanovich and John Tsang both had quality efforts saved by the Aldergrove goalkeeper, and the Pioneers went into the half time break trailing by a single goal.

Within five minutes of the restart, Aldergrove extended their lead, when a long range effort found the corner of the net, with Valitis again found wanting, allowed the shot to pass him believing it was going wide.

With their backs now against the wall, the Pioneers gamely battled on and came close to scoring when a nice effort from Ben Fung struck the upright, However, as they pushed forward, the Pioneers were caught on the break and Aldergrove would add a decisive third goal.

The Pioneers would eventually pull one back when the Aldergrove keeper failed to handle a cross from Jim Fitzgerald, who was quick to claim the goal from Fung, who was on hand to chest the goal-bound shot over the line.

The Pioneers had more chances to reduce the deficit, with Ken Johnston teeing up an errant Bogdanovich effort, and Johnston himself shooting wide after being put through by a Graham Mason pass.

Aldergrove added a fourth goal when a shot fortuitously trickled over the line after hitting the post, and the Pioneers would get a late second goal to make the scoreline more respectable when Johnston set up Mason.

Next game. Back home to the friendly confines of McMath, where the Pioneers remain unbeaten, with the other Aldergrove team, Aldergrove 2, the next visitors.