South Rushden Pumas v Great Doddington White – 28.11.09
 
This was the penultimate game of the year, and the Pumas had the small task of playing Doddington White – a team equal to their last opponents, Doddington Green… No Riley this week and Tom was only passed fit minutes before the kick off – the Pumas were under strength, but still up for it!  
 
Doddington started the game strongly and won a quick corner, Dylan started the match with a good strong tackle and this seemed to boost his confidence. The Pumas were struggling to get the ball up field; Tom received the ball and relieved some pressure with a strong run past the half way line.
 
Callum was his usual assured self in defence and the Pumas were playing some good football. Doddington still looked more likely to score and after a good attack they hit the crossbar and followed up to score. The Pumas went to sleep and Doddington quickly scored again with a stunning shot.
 
Doddington continued to attack and the shots kept coming, The Pumas were lucky not to concede again when the ball hit the post and went out for a goal kick. Heads were down and morale was low when the half time whistle blew.
 
The second half started and immediately Doddington scored again…. And again. Only a good save from Callum prevented another before Dylan went Kamikaze and handballed in the penalty area. Luckily Callum's mind games worked, and the Doddington player blazed the penalty wide.
 
The Pumas entered their favourite part of the match – The last 5 minutes, and began to play some football, Tom going on another mazy run and winning a corner. Doddington took advantage of the gaps in defence and scored with a good counter attack, leaving the pumas on their knees.
 
They rallied for the last few seconds, and Tom went close after good work and a killer pass from Brett. Dylan continued to work hard and provided good defensive cover, allowing the Pumas to stream forward and Josh coming close with two shots.
 
The full time whistle blew, and the Pumas can consider themselves unlucky not to have scored at least one. This dismal run continues, but the players are still keen to play and work for each other – credit to the coach for the team spirit he has created. One match to go before the Christmas break – could it be magic…..??