South Rushden Jaguars vs South Rushden Pumas

Saturday 26^th September. Irchester

Another fine Saturday morning saw the Jaguars line up for their second match of the season and second local derby against the Pumas. Nathan had the honour of wearing the Captain’s arm band for the Jaguars after a fine all round performance against the Panthers.

The Jaguars side showed a number of changes from the one that started the first match with:

Goalie: Tom

Defence: Josh Y. and Josh L.

Midfield: Nathan and Daniel

Striker: Oliver

The team picked up where they left off against the Panthers last week, with them immediately applying pressure to the Puma’s goal. Good team play saw chances created for Nathan, Ollie and Daniel in quick succession. However, fine defence from the Puma’s kept the score line level. In a robust encounter, the coaches had plenty of opportunity to practice their first aid skills with Nathan and Riley needing some attention in the first half. A tactical change following one such incident saw the Pumas come back into the game and they started to test the Jaguar’s solid defence with the Josh’s working well together and Tom making some nice saves. In midfield Nathan and Daniel were also working hard. Whilst at the other end Ollie continued to get into good positions with his strong running, but last ditch tackles and good goal keeping denied him a clear opportunity to break the deadlock.

A great performance in the first half by the Jaguars but without making the break through and everything was still to play for. Two tactical changes saw Carter replacing Ollie up front and Finlay coming on for Josh Y. in defence.

The frenetic pace continued from the start of the second half. A good through ball found Carter on the left wing with two Puma’s defenders for company. Some sublime skill saw him beat the defensive cover and play an excellent square ball to Daniel who had taken up a great position in the box, but he still had the keeper to beat. Neat control and a cool finish from Daniel saw the Jaguars score their first goal of the season and take the lead. Conceding the goal spurred the Pumas on and they took control of the next period of play creating a number of chances with good tackling from Josh L. and Finlay.  Nathan produced an excellent goal line clearance, when it appeared the Pumas were about to score. Fresh legs were needed and Josh Y. replaced Josh L. in defence.

Over enthusiastic goalkeeping saw the Pumas win a free kick just outside the Jaguar’s box. The resulting kick was rocketed against the post by Riley and the ball being scrambled clear by the Jaguar’s defence. The Pumas continued to press with Riley creating another clear opportunity which was excellently blocked by Tom who then also forced Riley to put the second chance wide.

Brave defending by Finlay saw him take the ball full in the face leading to a substitution with Josh L. replacing him in defence. A determined contribution from Josh L. helped Nathan and Daniel to gain some more control in midfield. This lead to the Jaguars creating some more chances with Carter going close, Daniel’s good shot going wide off the post and Josh L bringing a good save from the Puma’s keeper. The final whistle brought a pulsating encounter to a close.

Jaguar’s excellent team work combined to give them a performance to be proud of. Everyone should be very proud of their excellent performances and look forward our first match against another club, Volta FC Hurricanes.

The coaches faced a difficult choice in their selection of man of the match, but finally settled on Josh L. for his determined display in both defence and midfield.

Come On the Jaguars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

K&JL 27/09/09