Pitcher perfect: Charlie’s strike hands Steyning Town victory over Horley
Steyning Town were back in business on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Horley Town.
Town were without several key men so made a few adjustments to the team – but still lined up looking strong, showing the increasing competition for places.
The first half was one that certainly saw Steyning in the ascendancy; however they were unable to turn possession to decent opportunities as both keepers remained largely untested.
The game sprang into life minutes before half-time as the busy Leo Ginger cut in from the left and let rip a stunning dipping strike from 25 yards that flew into the top right hand corner off the post.
What a great way to go into half-time… or so we thought. The visitors had other ideas as they hit back almost immediately breaking well at the other end of the pitch culminating in a fine finish into the top of the net by Abdulahi Abdulazeez.
The second period followed much of the pattern of the first, with the Barrowmen having the bulk of possession and playing some good football but lacking a bit of cutting edge.
The defining moment of the match came with 18 minutes to go as Charlie Pitcher broke down the right, taking a floating through ball superbly in his stride with a couple of great touches before sweeping home the winner in style. A great goal to win a less-than-great game.
Town saw out the remainder of the game with minimal fuss as they added three vital points to their league tally. The day was pretty much about grinding at a result when not at your best and overall it was really positive to do that when other games have got away from the team late on this season.
Steyning are 15th and next up – on Saturday – is a big test away to high-flying Hastings United.
Steyning Town: Mansell, Blencowe, Bromage, Rance, Allen, Worrall (C), Kuntu-Blankson, Woollard, Ginger, Brewer, Pitcher. Subs used: Sentamu, Hanslow. Not used: Carter, O’Neill, Acheampong.