RILEY Smith believes Lynchpin showed their character to recover from falling three goals behind and beat Kidlington Reserves 4-3 on Saturday.

Kidlington opened up a three-goal lead before the half-time interval at Farnham Park but, buoyed on by their opponents’ arrogance, Lynchpin hit back to win the Hellenic Supplementary Cup tie.

“It was a game of two halves really but, considering how we started, we showed good character to win. Even their manager said we deserved it at the end,” Lynchpin boss Smith told the Observer.

“A few of our players pulled out on the morning of the game and when we got there you could tell we weren’t right. We weren’t up for it and 3-0 down after 30 minutes.

“But, we were spurred on by the fact that they were getting a little bit cocky and in our players’ faces.

“They got a penalty for the third goal and the spot-kick taker said something to our keeper before he scored. Afterwards, he made a comment to our captain that wound the guys up.

“At half-time, I told them to channel their emotions and get a goal back. An early goal would swing the momentum.

“We did score and all of a sudden it was 3-3, but I had no strength in depth in the squad so didn’t want it going into extra time.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Levi Thackery (blue) scored twice as Lynchpin beat Kidlington Reserves 4-3 in the Supplementary Cup on Saturday.

“I sent Billy Davies on for the last 20 minutes and he got the winner with two minutes to go, but unfortunately he was sent off after a late melee.”

On target for Lynchpin were Levi Thackery with a couple, Tyler Holley and Davies. For the visitors, Harry Whitehead, Mark Gail and Callum Rice all found the net.

Lynchpin return to action in Hellenic Division Two East with a trip to Penn & Tylers Green Reserves on Saturday.

"It's going to be an interesting game because there was a little bit of argie-bargie last time," said Smith. “We drew but dominated and could not put the ball away.

“They used unsporting behaviour to score the equaliser. I’ve not seen anything like it in all my years, and it left a bad taste in the mouth.

“A few of the guys in training said we owed them one so hopefully they can channel it in the right way and get the three points.

“We have been there before and beaten their first team so I am pretty sure we can get the three points."