Three-sy for Penrith as they cruise to victory
Last updated 11:50, Wednesday, 08 October 2008
PENRITH consolidated their position in the top half of the table courtesy of a comprehensive victory over a youthful Seaham side.
Wayne Robertson returned after a three match suspension but not to his usual position in defence, but as a partner up front for Ryan Errington.
The home side started brightly with Errington twice going close in the first five minutes but on both occasions his efforts on goal were scrambled to safety.
Penrith dominated the game territorially creating but spurning several chances.
On 27 minutes, a header by Matty Lea was well-saved by McSween in the visiting goal, but a loose ball fell kindly for Mark Birch, normally the right-back but popping up on the left, who made no mistake in drilling it into the net.
Penrith continued to press forward for a second goal before the interval but were unable to provide the finishing touch. Wayne Robertson was booked on 32 minutes for a late challenge.
The second half followed very much the pattern of the first, with Penrith well on top having to guard against the occasional break by the pacey visiting forwards.
On 57 minutes Dan Robinson replaced Errington and made an immediate impact, within five minutes he was brought down 25 yards from goal he tapped the resultant free kick to Birch who hit a screamer into the roof of the net to give Penrith some breathing space.
The defence was solid throughout the game and on 69 minutes a great block by Phil Thornton prevented Seaham from cutting the arrears.
Joe Blaylock replaced David Lynn on 71 minutes and, on 82 minutes, Willie Paul came on for Matty Lea who had run tirelessly throughout the game.
Five minutes from the end Winspear curved his shot narrowly over the bar.
Willie Paul sealed the victory on 87 minutes when he headed home a superb right-wing cross by Blaylock to make the final score a true reflection of the balance of the game.
Penrith: Taylor, Birch, Jones, Gray, Thornton, Frampton, Douglas, Lynn, Robertson, Errington, Lea. Subs: Blaylock, Holland, Robinson, Reid, Paul.
