Corby Pegasus Reserves 2    Kislingbury Reserves 1

Danny Stratford

Stephen McCabe

  After the great performance and result from last week, this felt like the difficult second album syndrome. The team had to be re-shuffled with holidays and call-ups to the 1^st team meaning that there were 5 changes from the opening day squad. However this was eased by the return of Rob Allen, Danny Stratford, Shaun Sinclair, Sean McCabe and Paul Gallagher (Gally). After great debate the decisions were made and the line-up was decided. In went Rob, Danny, Sean and Gally into the starting 11. This was a first start for Gally in over 18 months – and actually his first start for Pegasus.

Pegasus started brightly and where on top from the whole of the opening 45. The only thing missing was the opening goal, but they did come close with Gally hitting the bar and a scramble in the six yard box somehow not ending in the back of the Kislingburys net. They also had another ideal opportunity with a free-kick on the 18 yard line, in the centre of the goal, but Glen and Stephen managed to do their best Benny Hill impression and it went to waste.

The opening 10/15 minutes of the second half was scrappy and Kislingbury began to gain a little confidence and came more into the game. However Pegasus soon gained their composure and started to press their opponents back. However against the run of play Kislingburys took the lead with their only shot on target, up to that point. Some may say it was a Glen Harris own goal, but we will give him the benefit of the doubt on this occasion.

So with 20 minutes remaining sleeves had to be rolled up and composure had to be maintained (at this point some may say that the joint management team had a few words on the pitch – but it was all part of the bigger plan). Pegasus started pressing even harder for a goal and that soon came with a little bit of fortune. Kislingburys goalkeeper conceded an indirect fee-kick on the edge of his area and this time Glen went no where near it but somehow Stephen managed to sneak into the frame and his scuffed shot was deflected to Danny who managed to score off the bar from two inches. It was now game-on and a massive push for the win was required.

 The winner duly came with 5 minutes remaining. A free-kick was delivered deep to the back post where Stephen timed his run to perfection and nodded into the empty net. Pegasus then easily played out the remaining 5 minutes with no scares. As the game was tight and nervy Pegasus made no changes. Thanks go to the subs for their attitude and support and also an apology for not being able to get them on the pitch.

Team: Chris H, Andy M, Sean McC, Glen H, Stephen McC, Rob A, Danny S, Johnny Mac, Daniel S, Trim & Gally.   Subs: Shaun S, Jack H, Darren C.

 Man of Match:  Chris H – for sacrificing his own game to go between the sticks when needed. Then to put on a show as if he had never been away, with a commanding and assured performance given all in front of him the confidence to play.

Sean McCabe 11/09/11