In the most anticipated game of the year—a local derby in the truest sense, as both teams hang out at the same 'local' every Sunday, the Pioneer Pub—the Pioneers came out on top 2-1 in a hard fought contest.

The last time these teams met in a winter league game was back in February 2006 when United, or Richmond United Olympics as they are correctly named, came out 4-1 victors.

With every grass field in Richmond closed until the 13th, the Pioneers, or more specifically Ken Johnston, had the foresight to book one of the artificial fields at the Hugh Boyd complex.

The Pioneers squad was depleted with three no-shows and three non-starters, with Jim Fitzgerald and Gary Byrne injured and a pale-looking John Murphy looking worse for wear after his Saturday night exploits. But the most notable absentee was the red hot Danny Lazar, who scored all four goals in the Pioneers 4-2 victory over Point Grey Legends in a friendly game played seven days earlier.

The opening 20 minutes was an even affair, as neither team let the other settle into any kind of rhythm. Chances were at a premium, with United's Brian Dominic going close with a long range effort, and at the other end the Pioneers' Jim Langlands was scythed down on the edge of the penalty area just as he prepared to shoot. On the ensuing free kick, the Pioneers Ken Swanston infuriated some United players in his efforts to be a part of their wall, getting 10 minutes in the 'sin bin' for his efforts.

As the half went on, and with the wind at their backs, United were now enjoying most of the possession but still couldn't create any clear cut chances. Nevertheless, they probably felt that they deserved more than a scoreless draw as the half time whistle blew.

Now with the wind behind them, the Pioneers looked much better in the second half, showing great hustle. Still, United were restricted to long range shots, one of them hitting the outside of Dave Valitis' post, another routinely tipped over the bar by the Pioneer keeper.

The breakthrough came mid-way through the half when a long upfield pass from Eric Stepura was misplayed by United defender Dave Fletcher, allowing Evgeni Kushnir through on goal, the 'Russian Rocket' blasting the ball past keeper Derek Gray to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead.

Within five minutes the Pioneers increased their lead when a Mike Mogul pass from the right wing found a surging Graham Mason, the midfielder jinking through the United defence before coolly placing his shot beyond the reach of Gray. Ken Johnston dubbed it the 'goal of the season', and we all know KJ NEVER exaggerates!

The Pioneers were now in full control. Kushnir came close to adding his second, and a sizzling Stepura free kick from 35 yards out was too hot for the United keeper, the ball bouncing off his chest. Later, Langlands would sting the hands of Gray with a sweetly struck shot from 20 yards out.

At the 80 minute mark, however, Richmond United pulled a goal back when Sid Wain converted a quickly taken corner kick with a glancing header, the Pioneers caught napping.

With the game in the balance, the last 10 minutes was all down to hard work as the Pioneers hustled to deny United any more clear chances.

The Pioneers survived, effectively running down the clock in the dying minutes. At one point, an exasperated Kevin Morris—waiting what seemed like ages for time-wasting teammate Graham Mason to pass him the ball—was heard to say, "Can't you run the clock down a little faster!"

Having waited almost 2 years to exact their revenge, the Pioneers victory was down to hard work and a solid effort from the entire team. As one United player put it, the Pioneers seemed to want it more than they did.

And kudos to the never-say-die attitude of Richmond United who, win or lose, are a classy bunch of guys.