Late change of fixture, and a poor choice by yours truly. This game was not a classic by a long chalk. Despite the visitors dominating the proceedings, Kimberley could have easily grabbed an unlikely point as the Pinxton players failed to add to a two goal lead against 10 men.
Kimberley had the bare eleven after 5 players let them down, and one or two of them had less than athletic physiques!! Pinxton were also down to the bare bones - Manager Kenny Shinfield was actually named as one of only two subs...
Ben Moore and Wayne Cooke were Pinxton's two front men - not exactly a towering threat - unless that is, one stood on the other ones shoulders!!!
Kimberley should have gone ahead in the first minute, but poor finishing let the home team down. Moore had Pinxton's first real chance on 17, crashing a shot against Simon Dye's crossbar. Dye made a spectacular diving save from Cooke in the 31st minute, and then repositioned well to block the same players follow up effort.
The travellers did take the lead on 35, a Sean Gregory through ball picking out WAYNE COOKE who deftly lifted the ball over Dye as the keeper advanced to the edge of his area. Kimberley did manage to level just before half time, TRISTAN SPENCER slotting home from 18 yards after a failed pass back by Pinxton midfielder Sean Gregory gifted him the ball. H-T 1-1
Pinxton looked determined to ease Gregory's anxiety as the second half progressed, and should have restored their lead on 59, but Cooke only managed to hit the bar after he was picked out just 6 yards from goal. It was only seconds later that they did retake the lead though, JAMES SENIOR crashing home a terrific effort from 20 yards out. Keeper Dye had no chance of saving Senior's shot, but he did foil the midfielder a couple of minutes later, saving a fiercely driven free-kick. Dye reacted well again to keep out Cooke as he raced in to try and force home the loose ball.
In the 66th minute, SAM RAWSON headed an Elliott Jones corner powerfully home at the far post to seemingly make the points safe, but as the Pinxton back line relaxed, COURTNEY BARTLEY raced down the right and fired in an effort that somehow flew past Dave O'Hare in the visitors goal. A frantic few minutes followed, and even though Kimberley lost a player to an injury, taking them down to 10 men, they finished the game on the front foot and Pinxton were mightily relieved to hear the final whistle. F-T 2-3
Admission £3
Programme - none available
H/C 40
