Swales strike sees Pikes near top of table (From Gazette & Herald)

Swales strike sees Pikes near top of table

Northern Counties East League - Long Eaton United 0, Pickering Town 1; Pickering welcomed back Stephen Swales on Saturday after his brief spell with Bridlington Town, and he scored the only goal of the game to give the Pikes their third successive league win, and a move up the league table into sixth place.

Last season was Long Eaton's first in the Premier Division and they did the double over the Pikes, winning 1-0 at Long Eaton in the Pikes' second game of the season, and 2-0 at Pickering.

The game, on a difficult playing surface with plenty of grass and a strong wind, started lively. The home side saw Paul McGinty take a shot after three minutes but Carl Silburn easily dealt with it.

The Pikes' first chance fell to player/manager Alex Mathie after five minutes when his 25-yard right foot free kick went over the crossbar. A minute later, Swales crossed from the left, but Long Eaton keeper Ross Whalin saved under pressure from Liam Salt.

Ten minutes later, Dean MacAuley took a free kick which found an unmarked Rob Eeles whose header went straight into the goal, but it was disallowed for offside.

The home side then had a good spell. Aiden Brady had a shot blocked by Eeles, which rebounded and fell to Scott Downie, who shot wide. Then Carl Hollis set up Downie, who beat Eeles but his effort was saved by Silburn. Brady then took a shot from 25 yards, but Silburn saved again.

The Pikes took the lead after 29 minutes. A bad defensive error by James Carder allowed Salt to get the ball, beat two men and cross low to Swales, who scored from six yards with a well placed shot.

The second half saw Long Eaton introduce substitute Nicky Hawkins, who had only signed midweek after being released by Nottingham Forest. He ran their midfield and was outstanding.

A good move by the home side after 47 minutes saw McGinty cross from the left after fine work by Weston, but Downie flicked the ball over the crossbar.

After 50 minutes, there was good work by Eeles who crossed from the right to Salt, who shot straight at the keeper. Two minutes later, Mathie set up Ricky Greening, but Carder made up for his earlier mistake by blocking his effort.

Long Eaton then had a very good 10-minute spell, orchestrated by Hawkins, with himself going close twice with free kicks. After 70 minutes, MacAuley went close with a good effort. Salt had a weak effort saved after good work by MacAuley and Greening.

After 75 minutes, the Pikes should have doubled their lead when MacAuley set up Salt. He beat two men inside the area but with the goal at his mercy, shot wide from two yards. A minute later, Salt turned provider for Greening, whose effort was saved by Whalin.

Long Eaton had another 10-minute spell, with three very good chances falling to Downie and Tansley, who had a good effort blocked by Eeles and McNaughton.

Five minutes of stoppage time saw the Pikes miss a couple of easy chances, both falling to Baxter. His first effort came after a good move by Eeles. Baxter beat McGinty, rounded Whalin perfectly and shot the ball towards the empty goal, only to see McGinty race back and clear it.

Then Morton set up Baxter, who raced away to beat the home side's defensive offside tactics, only for him to hit the post. Man of the Match for the Pikes was Michael McNaughton.

The Pikes side at Long Easton was as follows: Silburn, Pallender, Brunton, Eeles, McNaughton, Morton, Greening, MacAuley, Salt (Baxter 85), Mathie (Rudd 85) and S Swales. Drinkall not used.

Next Saturday the Pikes are away at Armthorpe Welfare and on Tuesday, October 11, they are away at Eccleshill United, kick off 7.45pm.

The Reserves drew 6-6 at home to North Ormesby. They led 6-2 at half time, with goals scored by Gary Bowes, George Rose, Ryan Cooper, Tom Pringle, Jon Brown and Ben Harrison. Defensive mistakes in the second half allowed the visitors back in the game.

On Saturday, the Reserves are at home to Teesside Athletic, kick off 2pm.

The Pikes are looking for match sponsors, match ball sponsors. Anyone interested should ring chairman Tony Dunning on (01751) 472627 or 473697.

The club is having a sportsmans evening on Thursday, October 27, at the Recreation Club to start at 7pm, with the guest speaker being the much sought-after Duncan McKenzie, the former Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Everton favourite.

Tickets costing £15 to include supper are available from Tony Dunning's butchers shop, Bridge Street, on (01751) 472627, or the Recreation Club on 473317.

Updated: 15:18 Wednesday, October 05, 2005