Pioneers, and Johnston, Back on Track

Richmond Pioneers 3 Britannia 0

The Richmond Pioneers resumed action after another idle weekend (this time courtesy of the annoying 'bye' and not the weather) and the visit of a depleted Britannia team meant it was a comfortable romp for the Pioneers, who recorded an easy 3-0 shutout victory.

In a sporting gesture that was much appreciated by an ailing and aging Britannia team, the Pioneers loaned the visitors some players.

After dominating most of the early possession, the Pioneers took the lead when Evgeni Kushnir latched onto a through ball from Graham Mason, and unselfishly crossed the ball to an unmarked Ken Johnston for an easy tap in.

Dave Valitis was one of the 'loaned' players, and he was having a fine game in the Britannia nets, most notably his diving save to deny Mason. However, he was caught backpeddling in the sand when a teasing, floating cross from Denis Harvington found Johnston lurking at the back post, pouncing onto the cross to give the Pioneers a deserved 2-0 lead.

The second half proved to be even more one-sided as the Pioneer midfield were moving the ball around comfortably despite the energetic efforts of Britannia's midfielder Billy Dixon, who unfortunately had little support.

While Gary Byrne in the Pioneers goal didn't have to make a save of note the whole game— his first game back from injury—at the other end Valitis was valiantly keeping the game close, denying Harvington, Kushnir and others with a series of fine saves.

Midway through the second half, the Pioneers put the game beyond reach when a delicate flick from Mason sent Johnston through on goal, and he went around the advancing keeper to record his hat trick.

Late in the game, the Pioneers were awarded a penalty when Johnston's first time shot from a Mason corner kick struck a defender's hand. However, Denis Harvington 's penalty kick was embarrasingly wide of the mark and the game remained 3-0, a scoreline that flattered Britannia.

But it was a welcome victory for the Pioneers, only the second win in the last nine outings.

This Sunday: Away game at Newton Athletic Park against Surrey Classics. They have now gone three years without losing a game in winter league play..

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