Pioneers Put Six Past Poco

Richmond Pioneers 6 Poco Blues 0. In a contest that further highlights the imbalance between the elite teams in the Over-50 division and the rest, the Pioneers coasted to a 6-0 victory over the visiting Poco Blues.

It only took the Pioneers three minutes to get on the scorecard, when a Stan Bogdanovich pass sent John Tsang through, leaving the Poco goalkeeper with no chance on a well-placed shot.

Minutes later, a clever heel flick from Ken Johnston sent Graham Mason through, who scored with a low shot inside the far post.

The goals were coming fast for the rampaging Pioneers, and they added a third when a low cross from Tsang fortuitously found its way to Eugene Kishmere at the far post, and the 'Russian Rocket" made no mistake. Soon afterward, Ken Johnston was sent through by a Mason pass, rounding the Poco goalkeeper before tapping into an empty net.

In a seriously one-sided contest, the Pioneers would make it five before the half time break, when Tsang added his second of the game, scoring from an acute angle.

The second half saw the fitter, younger Pioneers enjoy a huge territorial advantage, and on the occasions when Poco did foray into the Pioneer half, Mike Mogul was having a solid game. Gary Byrne and Dave Valitis were both back to share the Pioneer goalkeeping duties, and a tip over the bar by Valitis was the only save either had to make during the entire game.

It was late in the second half when the Pioneers finally added to their total, when Johnston struck from the edge of the penalty area to register his team-leading 20th of the season.

Next game. With the Pioneers scoring 15 goals and conceding none in the last two games, it is hoped, and expected, that this week's visitors Essondale will provide much needed tougher opposition.

- Based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, the Pioneers play in the Over 50 Division of the BCOTS (BC Old Timers Soccer league). The division has 40 teams from all over the Lower Mainland region.