South Rushden Jaguars vs Higham Ferrers Colts
Saturday 5th December 2009
 
The Jaguars moved into match day eleven fresh from another hard game against Higham Ferrers Colts, Nathan was given the honour of leading the team after his fine midfield performance against the Ferrers Colts.
 
The coaches opted for the following starting line up:
 
GK: Tom
Def: Josh L.; Nathan
Mid: Oliver; Josh Y
Fwd: Carter
 
The Jaguars got the final game of 2009 under way, but it was Raunds who were to draw first blood. Within a minute of start they had taken a lead. The Jaguars regrouped from this early set back and started to create their own chances and then on 3 minutes good passing between Josh Y and Ollie set up Carter whose good finish brought the game level.
 
The game ebbed and flowed with both teams creating chances and defensively Josh L and Nathan put in good blocks against promising Raunds attacks. Rushden took the lead from a Josh Y throw in to Carter. Carter produced a trademark run and cool finish.
 
Raunds continued to press with good work from Josh L and Tom in goal preserving the Jaguars lead.
 
After 10 minutes, the coaches made some tactical changes bring on Finlay and Dan for Josh L and Ollie.
 
Raunds drew level after a dubious free kick was awarded just outside the Jaguars penalty area. However, the quality of the finish cannot be questioned, Tom was left with no chance as the ball arrowed in to one of the top corners of the goal. Tom produced several more good saves in the closing seconds of the half as Raunds went in search of the lead.
 
The second half brought no further changes for the Jaguars, but the exciting encounter continued with the ball being quickly moved from end to end. Carter, Dan and Nathan all had half chances which came to nothing.
 
After 5 minutes of the second half, the coaches made their final tactical changes. Ollie and Josh L replaced Carter and Josh Y. The exchanges continued but it was again Raunds who took the lead, as they intercepted a goal kick and neatly finished. The frenetic pace continued and it was Jaguars who scored next. Ollie intercepted a Raunds pass on the half way line. He was not closed down he moved and so he unleashed an unstoppable shot which rocketed into the top of net giving the keeper no chance.
 
Raunds responded immediately with an individual goal from their No: 2 . The Jaguars upped the tempo again and created a number of good chances with Nathan and Dan going close to bringing the scores level, but Raunds hung on in a very exciting match.
 
An excellent way too round off 2009, with a great team performance and pulsating match.
 
Happy New Year!!!!
 
K&JL