Pikes celebrate double defeat of Long Eaton (From Gazette & Herald)

Pikes celebrate double defeat of Long Eaton

Northern Counties East League: Pickering Town 4, Long Eaton United 2

THE Pikes completed a league 'double' on Saturday against Long Eaton with a 4-2 home win after taking a three-goal lead in the opening 25 minutes in front of the Gazette & Herald stand.

Stephen Swales fired the Pikes into the lead after one minute, 45 seconds with a 20-yard left foot shot which received a slight deflection on its way into the back of the net - his first goal in his first game since the visit to Long Eaton on October 1, which saw the Pikes win 1-0.

The Pikes doubled their lead after 12 minutes when a left wing corner, taken by Steve Roberts with his right foot, found debutant Dominic Graham, formerly of Selby Town, at the far post who headed the ball back across goal for Ricky Greening to score with an overhead kick from eight yards for his first goal since October's home game with Glasshoughton Welfare.

The third goal for the Pikes was scored after 25 minutes. Another left wing corner by Roberts saw James Drinkall rush in, outjump the visitors' defence and score with a wonderful header into the roof of the net for his second goal in successive games.

Long Eaton pulled a goal back after 28 minutes when the impressive Aiden Brady beat five men on his 35-yard run. He then laid the ball to Steven Young, who scored with an 18-yard shot.

The Pikes had a good chance after 33 minutes. Lee Pallinder set up Roberts whose 20-yard right foot shot went straight at the visitors' keeper Ian Roberts.

The last five minutes of the first half was all Long Eaton, with Ian Buick having a good chance but a timely tackle by Michael McNaughton saved the day for the Pikes. The Pikes' keeper, Carl Silburn, saved well to prevent Brady scoring.

The second half saw the Pikes cruise a little. They had Steve Roberts cautioned after 64 minutes for a late tackle. Four minutes later, he was fortunate not to be sent off for another challenge. Manager Alex Mathie substituted him to save any further problems.

The Pikes then got going again. In stoppage time, Salt and Greening chased a hopeless ball and as Greening challenged fullback Josh Watts, he put the ball in the back of the net for an own goal.

The game played in front of a crowd of 81 saw Ricky Greening as Man of the Match but special praise must go to the referee, Ross Joyce, of Teesside, who had a great game, allowing it to flow and gaining the respect of players.

The Pikes Reserves lost 3-0 away at Darlington RA Reserves. On Saturday, the Reserves are at home to Yorkshire Cobble, kick off 2pm.

The Pikes first team have a very difficult away game on Saturday with a visit to eighth-placed Sutton Town, who held fourth placed Harrogate Railway on Saturday 2-2.

When Sutton visited Pickering back on September 17, they were full value for their 1-0 win so the Pikes will be out for revenge on Saturday. Sutton also need the points on Saturday to help with their promotion ambitions.

Tavistock, who the Pikes will entertain on Saturday January 21, in the fourth round of the FA Vase, visited Bodmin Town on Saturday and lost 4-1.

The Pikes' League Cup game against Glapwell, which was to be played at the Recreation Ground on Tuesday night, had to be postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The new date is yet to be announced.

Updated: 15:56 Wednesday, January 11, 2006