Raunds Town
23 January 2010
Pitch 3
 
At last with the snow and ice gone the Weetabix games could begin for 2010. With Mark struggling in the week to get a full team due to some key players not being available South Rushden had a starting line up of Brett, Callum (captain), Savvy, Lucas, Harrison and Riley with Bradley and Tom on the bench.

Not having played Raunds Town before the Pumas were not prepared for the lightening start from the Raunds forwards and practically their first touch of the ball was picking it from the back of the net after 45 seconds. A combination of a slow start, the shock of Raunds no.4 trying for goal from any position caused a bit of a mix up in the Pumas defence which found the ball deflected into the back of net for an own goal.

The Pumas regrouped and settled down well with Harrison clearing well allowing Riley to have a good run down the wing and his attempt just wide of the goal. With some strong defending and counter attacking football the Pumas were unlucky to concede another goal after 6 minutes.

Bradley came on and immediately got stuck in at midfield. With some good runs down the wings from Riley, Callum and Harrison saw a couple chances defended well, eventually the Pumas getting a well deserved goal scored by Harrison from a throw in with 10 minutes gone. Tom another new player for the Pumas came on just before half time and settled in instantly in the defence position.

At half time changes were made which found Tom replacing Brett in goal and Lucas and Savvy on the side lines.

The second half got off to a flying start with chances at both ends and the Pumas playing a lot stronger but unfortunately with an excellent strike that Tom had no chance against.

Harrison and Bradley were given a well earned rest with 5 minutes to go. 

The game carried on with end to end play with both defences and goalkeepers being tested equal amounts and  had the Pumas not been caught by 2 very early goals the score may have been a lot different.

Well done the Pumas and a warm welcome to Tom and Harrison.
 
Report by Kerry Dettloff