Casuals and Pelham FC 6 vs 2 Birchwood Rangers FC

Casuals and Pelham made it two wins from two in pre season as they ran out 6-2 winners at home against Birchwood Rangers! A larger match day squad was welcome with conditions considerably warmer this time round. Pelham started fairly sloppy in comparison to last weekend although neither side really didn't create too much initially, Birchwood took an early lead just before the ten minute mark, 1-0 to the away side. However despite Pelhams slowish start they struck back relatively quickly through a Tim Shaw goal to make it 1-1. After that goal Pelham started to play some nice football in phases. However Birchwoods threat was yet to be cut out by the home side and they re-took the lead just after the 20 minute mark, 2-1 to Birchwood. However, Pelham once again struck back instantly not letting Birchwood settle on their lead, Charlie Daniels this time taking his chance to make it 2-2. A mid half water break was then instructed due to the heat and Pelham addressed issues from their first 20 minutes to try and nip them in the bud as quickly as possible. Immediately after the water break Pelham took the lead for the first time, Tim Shaw playing through Louie Miller who slotted past the on-rushing keeper, 3-2 to Pelham. Pelham extended their lead before the half with Tim Shaw bagging his second after a round the corner flick from Dan Arran, 4-2 to Pelham at the half. The heat started to take its toll on both teams and the game began to open up. However once again it was Pelham who struck again next, a cross on the left from Steve Callan found Sam Saunt in the box who volleyed home to make it 5-2 to Pelham. Saunt eventually found a second goal towards the back end of the second half making it 6-2 to Pelham. Birchwood did create a couple of chances in the second half, but saves from Dan Monk and a goal line clearance from Dan Boyce kept the away side out. 6-2 was how it finished. A decent win considering it was a first game back for many, a lot of new faces, and conditions playing a factor as well.