Pioneers Hang On to Beat Delta in Seven Goal Thriller

The Richmond Pioneers habit of easing off too early in the game almost came back to bite them on Sunday, but they hung on for a thrilling 4-3 victory over a decent Delta team on a sunny fall day in Tswassen.

The Pioneers came out guns a-blazing in this first ever Over 50 winter league encounter between these two teams. Around the 5 minute mark, a long pass from Graham Mason found a rushing Eugene Kishmere, who powered his way past the defender in typical fashion and cooly slotted the ball home. Shortly after, Ken Johnston gave the Pioneers a 2-0 lead with a typically clinical finish. The Pioneers increased their lead after Kishmere battled hard to beat two defenders, before releasing the ball to a rushing Johnston to sidefoot past the keeper.

At this point, 3-0 up midway through the first half, the game looked like being a runaway for the Pioneers. In the midfield, Ken Swanston was working tirelessly, having perhaps his best ever game in a Pioneer uniform.

After tinkering with the line up, and visibly easing up, the Pioneers let Delta find their feet and the home team started to get more possession. Aided by a very dubious penalty decision by the referee, calling a handball on Mike Mogul, Delta pulled a goal back, and at the half time break it was 3-1 and Delta had a lifeline.

Delta started the second half with more urgency, and the Pioneers defence was under significant pressure. At the other end of the field, the Pioneers were caught offside on so many occasions it was becoming embarrassing. The Pioneers should have increased their lead when a quickly taken free kick found Peter Voetmann alone in front of goal, but the rookie, on his debut, shot straight at the keeper.

At the 60 minute mark, Delta pulled a goal back to make it 3-2, and the momentum was definitely with the home team. As Delta pushed bodies forward, the Pioneers were relying on the fast break, and it finally paid off when Johnston, on the right wing, found Mason, who glided by one defender before unleashing a powerful shot from 25 yards out to make it 4-2.

But Delta refused to quit and with 10 minutes to go they scored again to make it 4-3, setting up a nervous but action-filled finale. Both teams were getting chances - on one occasion goalie Dave Valitis pulled off a fine save, tipping a goalbound Delta effort over the bar.

The final whistle came as a great relief to the Pioneers, who hopefully will learn a couple of things from this game. One, not to take the foot off the pedal too early, and two, to reaquaint themselves with the offside rule!

Men of the match: Graham Mason and Ken Swanston.

Next Week: Big local derby, home to the unbeaten Richmond Olympics. Saturday night curfew in effect.

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