South Rushden Pumas v Higham Colts – 05.12.09
 
So here it is – the final game before Santa arrives, and one last chance for the Pumas to gain some self-belief, and maybe a goal? They were up against an improved Higham Colts team looking to continue their progression.
 
The match started at a furious pace, with tough tackling and commitment from both teams, Savvi leading the charge for the Pumas! The game struggled to flow as the battle intensified – Both teams adopting a ‘safety first’ approach and kicking the ball into touch, instead of trying to play it.
 
There was very little action at either end, Higham having the meaningful shot at goal towards the end of the half, the Pumas responding with a good shot from Riley on his return to the team. All the Rushden players were working hard for each other and seem to have much better positional sense than even a month ago.
 
Half time came without a goal, and the coaches started to give their inspiring team talks – ready for a big second half. The Pumas started with a good attack and looked to be getting on top, unfortunately the defence went to sleep and Higham took the opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net.
 
The goal gave Higham real confidence, and seemed to have the opposite effect on Rushden. The Colts were everywhere and had another couple of shots, one into the side netting and one going just wide. Savvi, now playing in goal, was called into action with a fine save.
 
The Pumas have never lacked spirit and started to battle their way back into the match, Tom and Bradley battling hard to win the ball and start an attack. Higham still looked dangerous and won a couple of corners, from the second one the ball looped up and onto the Pumas crossbar – a lucky escape!
 
With just a couple of minutes left the Pumas threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at Higham. Josh managed to get a shot away that was well saved by the frustratingly competent Higham goalkeeper… Dylan got a ball in the face that ended his game, and Tom came on for the final few seconds.
 
With the last Pumas attack of the game they managed to win a corner. Riley stepped up to swing one in, and did just that! A fantastic cross that curled towards the goal, catching the goalkeeper unaware and rebounding off him into the goal! Finally something to celebrate as seconds later the full time whistle blew.
 
Definitely the least the Pumas deserved, and reward for the parents and supporters who have been so desperate to see the boys get a result! Lots of improvements to be made, but hopefully this result will give the Pumas confidence to kick on in the second half of the season… Bring on the tinsel and mince pies!!

Thanks to Ian Hopper for the report