By Ralph Martins

The Pirates quest for their first win in the HBKU Football League continued Thursday evening after they were handed a 2-0 defeat by Cornell.

The hard-running Cornell midfield and frontline kept the Pirates stretched to the limit all through a game that saw plenty of attacking intent from both sides.

Cornell took an early lead after a defending error that left their striker unmarked in the penalty area and with plenty of space to convert.

Spurred on by the goal, the hard-running Cornellians kept the pressure on the Pirates all over the field. The Pirates missed a chance to equalize when a well-timed through pass released their striker, who was unable to beat the Cornell keeper.

In the second half, Cornell doubled their lead after their striker latched onto a long ball and coolly slotted past the Pirates keeper for their second goal.

The Pirates mounted an effort to equalize, making several inroads down the left flank, but the Cornellians pace and energy made it impossible for the Pirates to dominate for any length of time.

The Pirates were, however, unlucky to be denied a penalty for a handball midway through the second half.

Support for the Pirates has thinned visibly, with only a handful of supporters turning up to their third game of the season following a draw and loss to CMU and Georgetown respectively.