Jan 25, 2004

Stingers Stung as Pioneers Hit Five

Richmond Pioneers 5 Stingers 1

The Richmond Pioneers turned in another solid, workmanlike team performance to soundly defeat Stingers 5-1 at McMath and extend their winter league unbeaten streak to 23 games. Historically, the games against the Stingers are hard fought close encounters, but on this day the Pioneers were just too strong for the visitors from Delta.

The Stingers got off to a quick start with a bizarre goal, when a long range shot hit the crossbar but rebounded into the goal off the face of Pioneers goalkeeper Dave Valitis.

The goal only served to wake up the Pioneers, and they gradually took control of the game. The increasing pressure paid off after 15 minutes, when John Tsang latched onto a loose ball following a corner kick, blasting it home from six yards out.

The Pioneers took the upper hand when a JIm Fitzgerald long ball found Denis Harvington. Harvington's precise pass set up Ken Johnston, who fought off a defender and managed to nudge the erratically bouncing ball past the advancing Stingers keeper.

The 2-1 half time scoreline flattered the Stingers, as the first half was played almost entirely in the Stingers end.

The second half saw the Pioneers continue their midfield dominance, with Ken Swanston turning in a fine performance in midfield alongside Harvington and Stan Bogdanovich. On the few occasions the Stingers pushed forward, the Pioneer defence was rock solid.

Right back Fitzgerald was having a stellar game, and he had a hand in the goal that essentially took the sting out of the Stingers. His upfield pass found Johnston, who quickly passed to an overlapping Bogdanovich. Closing in on goal, Bogdanovich drove a powerful shot home from close range.

The Pioneers were now in complete control, and the Pioneers went 4-1 up when Johnston added another goal. Soon afterwards, a John Tsang shot rattled off the bar, and Johnston was on hand to tuck the rebound home and claim his hat trick.

Lorne Baumel almost got his name on the scoresheet after being put through on goal courtesy of a fortuitous deflection off referee Jimmy Sommerville, but the avid golfer's delicate chip out of the sand went agonizingly wide of the pins.

Next week it's another trip to Aldergrove, to play the other Aldergrove team.

Man of the Match: JIm Fitzgerald

The Lenny Wilkins Memorial Fundraiser was a big success at Legends Pub on Saturday night, bringing in a total of $1,614, with proceeds coming from ticket sales and a 50/50 draw. Added to the money raised from previous fundraisers, there is now enough to get a bench and plaque for the much loved ex-Southampton FC captain, overlooking the South Arm soccer field. Stay tuned for the time and date of the unveiling ceremony to honor Lenny.

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

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