Match report written by Steve McCartney
Our second home game of the season coincided with Storm Callum making his presence felt by hanging about around Orpington. We arrived for a 2pm, kick off against Bromley Solis with a heavy drizzle in the air making an excellent playing surface.
The Pumas were without long term absentee George, who we hope to see back very soon and Logan who picked up an injury in Saturday training.
Marco made the following team selection with a couple of tactical changes. Brandon in goal, Joe, Ben, Ace and Connor as the defence, Tom, Luke and Dylan as the midfield leaving Sam, Gino and James as the attack with Jacob starting as our only sub.
We kicked off as the drizzle turned to rain. The early exchanges between the two teams made for an intriguing match as both sets of players looked to attack at every opportunity. Luke making some lovely runs towards goal and James going past the Bromley left back with some good runs on the right wing and Tom making decisive tackles in the midfield. The Pumas defence was resolute with all four protecting the goal admirably.
The Pumas seemed to be the team that would take the lead but after 21 minutes Bromley broke down the right wing and scored at near post. Pumas heads did not go down with Pumas having some good play from the left wing. However, six minutes after the first goal Solis doubled their lead. This bought Rovers to life as they showed determination to get back in the game. Tom was replaced with Jacob who then traded places with Ben. Pumas now showing some aggression the deficit was halved on 32 minutes as the ball pinged about in the Bromley goal area, James was there with a fine finish for his first league goal of the season. This took us to half time with the Pumas rejuvenated and eager to get the second half underway.
Ben was back in the defence and Dylan swapped positions with Connor as the referee restarted the game. Rovers now looking to get back on level terms were now playing some attractive football and on more than one occasion had excellent opportunities that perhaps should have been taken.
Half way through the half Jacob hobbled off with a knock to his knee, all the while the Pumas searched for the equaliser.
Ace in particular having a fine game in the centre of defence and Brandon making a couple of nice saves stopped Bromley going further in front, the Pumas were still in the game. Joe and Connor looking assured as full backs, Luke and James always looking to go advance the leveller was surely not far away.
As the match was entering it final stages, unfortunately it was Solis who gained the upper hand and after hitting the woodwork on two occasions found the net once again. Pumas heads appeared to go down after this low blow and in the dying moments the Bromley lead increased further still.
Despite the 1-4 scoreline the boys can be very proud of themselves. As each week comes around the improvement is obvious and our first league win is not far away.
Many thanks to all family members and supporters who cheered the boys on in the horrible conditions.
Congratulations to Ace for thoroughly deserved Man of the Match award.
No game this coming Sunday due to half term. Training on Saturday at the usual time but no training on Monday.
Come on you Pumas!
