Hard labour for Kynoch as Pershore turn tables

PERSHORE travelled to Perry Barr to face the team that beat them earlier in the season but recent form suggested the momentum was with the Vale side.

An excellent playing surface helped slick passing, Anthony Handley and Toby Whiting exchanging six or seven passes in the first attack and were unlucky not to score.

A strong midfield of Neil Gabriel, Russell Scudamore and Jamie Hughes dominated the possession from the start, allowing Whiting to snatch the opening goal on ten minutes after an untidy scramble.

Andy Wright started the chase for the second from a long clearance. The midfield slipped their markers before combining to set up Handley with an easy finish at the far post.

A rare Kynoch attack briefly had Pershore worried as goalkeeper Stuart White collided untidily with the running centre forward. Luckily for the visitors the resulting penalty flick failed to hit the target.

With this let-off still fresh in Pershore minds, captain Gareth Rushton then converted his third short corner in recent games to stretch the advantage. Handley's dogged determination then again proved fruitful when he chased down a half chance in the Kynoch area to reach around the keeper and score Pershore's forth.

A bizarre moment proved a talking point after the game; Whiting drove down the left hand side and reverse-sticked a cross for Handley to finish. Incredibly it missed everybody and ended up in the back of the net.

Unsure of whether the strike was inside the area or not, Whiting disallowed his own score, insisting that the umpire overturn the awarded goal. Post-match observation showed that the goal was legitimate and should have stood and Whiting paid for his misplaced sportsmanship with his wallet at the bar afterwards!

The second half was equally eventful if less freely scoring. Graeme Rushin's dominance at sweeper was anchored by some first-class tackles by Pete Powell at centre back. Debutant Rob Smith looked strong at right back but despite their efforts Kynoch eventually broke away to score their consolation goal.

Controversy briefly flared as the game drew to a close, Rushin accidentally deflecting a goalbound shot away with his head before Whiting restored the four-goal advantage with a well struck short corner. With fourth spot in the league looking a certainty, Pershore are enjoying winning in style as the season winds down.