South Rushden Pumas v Grammarians Youth – 14.11.09
 
After a good practice match the previous week, the Pumas had regained some confidence and were keen to show their footballing ability against a Grammarians team they had already beaten earlier in the season.
 
They started very promisingly and looked like a team transformed, with some great tackling from Dylan and Callum leading the way! The Pumas managed to get Riley on the ball and he produced some great skill and balance, and had two good shots at the Grammarians goal.
 
The Grammarians had a first shot, but it was the Pumas who were running the show. They were showing a strong physical side to their game for the first time and seemed to have a lot more fight in them.
 
More good attacking play from the Pumas saw good shots from Tom, Riley and Dylan. It was surely only time before they got a goal…
 
Right at the end of the half the Pumas won a corner, the ball fell to Tom who smashed the ball home! His first competitive goal, and a great time to score.
 
More of the same was expected in the second half from an expectant crowd, and the Pumas did not disappoint. Tom went on another great run, clearly inspired by his goal, and it was all Pumas.
Then… disaster! Grammarians got a corner with their first real attack, and managed to get the ball in the net to equalise.
 
The pumas responded with some more positive football, with Bradley showing some good ball control and Brett having some good runs down the wing – But the game was more equal now, with Grammarians beginning to believe they could get a result.
 
After a short stoppage due to a collapsing goal, the match resumed and was end to end with both teams trying to get another goal.
 
The Grammarians got another corner and were able to put the Pumas defence under some pressure. The ball came out to Grammarians player who struck a good shot against the post and it rolled along the goal line…
 
The Grammarians players started celebrating and the goal was given, highly controversial as the ball seemed to hit the other post and bounce out of the goal… Where is the goal line technology!!!
 
No matter as the goal was given and the ref had done all he could. The Pumas threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Grammarians, with Riley and Josh working hard to get them back in the game. Unfortunately the Grammarians held firm and the match finished with no further goals or incidents.
 
The Pumas can consider themselves unfortunate after a great footballing display, and it is encouraging to see all the players working hard for each other. A mention too for the parents who continue to turn out each week and give the boys support and encouragement – although its only going to get colder… Where’s the Bovril?!?!?!

Thanks to Ian Hopper for the report