PICKERING Town made a winning return to home soil, with manager Tony Hackworth labelling their 3-1 victory against Campion on Saturday as “magnificent.”
Goals from Connor Avison, Omar Sanyang and Ronnie Kelly secured a much-needed win for the Pikes as they played their first NCEL Premier Division match at Mill Lane in over a month.
Ewan Gregson’s 30th-minute strike had momentarily levelled the scores for the Bradford side, who later saw an injury-time penalty saved after Blake Drury’s handball as their disappointing start to the season continued.
“I thought we were magnificent today off the back of three really disappointing results away from home,” Hackworth enthused to the club.
“We’ve had a tough five away from home and it was nice to get back and get a home game in the league.
“But I thought we really deserved it, and I’m really happy.”
Pickering came out of the blocks well, but George Brown could not get the ball out of his feet as he seemed set to break the deadlock with 10 minutes played.
The hosts though were in front seven minutes later, Avison powering a bullet header into the back of the net from former York City youngster George Harrison’s corner.
A free-kick opened the door for Campion to equalise on the half-hour, Gregson beating Sam Taylor at his near post with a superb left-footed strike.
The Pikes though responded in fine fashion, Harrison again turning provider for the returning Sanyang, who fired past Brad Emmerson from five yards to restore his side’s lead.
He has now scored on all three of his Pickering debuts, matching the feat of Harry Jessop and captain Wayne Brooksby.
The second half proved to be rather a quieter affair, but it was Pickering who remained on top.
Sanyang hit the post, but neither substitute Sam Calvert nor Joe Wood could turn home the rebound.
Harley Dawson was next to try his luck and George Brown had a well-struck effort saved, but the Pikes did score a third with 10 minutes left to play, with substitute Kelly providing a composed finish from Brown’s pass.
Campion threatened to pull a goal back late on and were awarded a penalty after Drury’s handball.
Taylor though was down well to his left to save, with the rebound then fired over.
Pickering return to action at Tadcaster Albion this evening (7:45pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here