South Rushden Pumas v Grammarians Youth – 19.09.09

An early start for the Pumas this week, who faced Grammarians looking to build on an impressive first week's showing. The players warmed up, whilst the goals and nets were expertly erected by the coaches, not sure you would see Alex Ferguson in that capacity! (Ed-only if he was timing them)

The squad gathered round for a team talk, Savvy volunteered to play in goal, and Dylan was named captain, as the current player of the week. With all the tactics sorted, the teams took to the pitch ready for kick off.

The Pumas enjoyed a spell of possession straight from the start that resulted in an early touch for the Grammarians goalkeeper. That seemed to spark the opposition into life and they started to play some good football of their own, having a close penalty appeal turned down.

The Pumas looked to be winning the midfield battle thanks to some great work from Tom and Dylan. The game quickly turned after the Pumas gave away a free kick, and the Grammarian player struck a fantastic shot that ended up in the Pumas net.

Some quick substitutions, allowed the Pumas some fresh legs and they kept working hard as a team to get back into the game. They won a corner, Riley took it and managed to score – Magic boots!

The Grammarians were still trying to figure out how Riley scored when Brett broke down the right wing and hit a superb shot past the keeper, just before half time.

Grammarians kicked off the second half but it was Pumas in the ascendancy, with some good attacking play. Riley smacking a looping shot just over the bar, and Grammarians clearing a shot from Josh off the line.

The Pumas inevitably scored again, after a goalmouth scramble with Riley just poking it over the line before the keeper could grab it!

The opposition now started to work harder and put the Pumas under pressure in the last few minutes. Unfortunately for them, Callum was in outstanding form and kept them at bay with some outstanding tackling! On the few occasions they got past the defence, Savvy was looking good in goal, making some great saves and ensuring that the match ended with smiles all round for the Pumas.

Another excellent performance, with the boys looking better every minute they play together – next up, a tough test against the Jaguars… Bring it on!