Report written by Steve McCartney
The Pumas gathered at Charles Darwin school for our first league game of the season. The ten o'clock kick off pitting us against our bogey side from previous encounters Holmesdale FC.
Captain Sam leading a full complement of Pumas immaculately turned out in their new blue kits.
Marco, adjusting the formation to suit the opposition and allowing for the 3G pitch, played five in defence, four in midfield and Ace as the lone striker.
The starting line-up was as follows; Brandon in goal, Connor at left back, Ben, Jacob and Dylan as the centre three, Joe to complete the defence at right back. The midfield was made up of Luke, Sam, Gino and James and Ace as our attack. George, Tom and Logan completing the fourteen.
The referee, eager to get underway, started the match exactly on the hour. The Pumas, starting brightly with Gino and James on either wing making good runs, however, it was the home side who went ahead after two minutes after a charged down clearance allowed them a clear shot on goal.
The Pumas, keen to get back on level terms, dominated soon after the restart and deservedly equalised on the six minute mark. Connor with a trick of his own, curling the ball in at the far post directly from a corner.
With Jacob superbly managing the defensive line, the team settled and pushed forward looking to take the lead. With some very good passing moves the boys had two or three chances to take the lead. After 12 minutes the ball fell to Ace who had a shot saved by the goalkeeper, the ball falling kindly to Gino who slotted to ball calmly into the net
This was the cue for the home side to apply some attacking pressure and the game resembled a ping pong game with the ball going from end to end. George replaced the injured Joe and went straight into midfield with Sam filling in at right back.
In the 22nd minute the home side equalised and on the 26th minute took the lead for the second time. From thereafter the half belonged to the Pumas. Intelligent play from Luke created chance after chance up until half time. The referee bringing the half to and end with the boys trailing by the odd goal.
A very encouraging half from the boys.
The second half started brightly for the Pumas. Tom and Logan joined the game making way for Ace and Sam. Brandon making some fine saves and the rest of the team always looking to play the ball forward, the whole team continued to get back in the game. Unfortunately in the 56th minute the home side went further ahead. 5-2 down. Heads did not drop and the football played was a pleasure to watch. With virtually the last kick of the match the home side went and scored a sixth.
The boys came off the pitch, hugely disappointed. However the scoreline flattered the home team and the Pumas did not deserve to lose by such a score. Whilst there is much to work on in training the rest of the season looks very encouraging.
Many thanks to all parents, family members and supporters for your brilliant support.
Well done to Sam for a well deserved Man-of-the-match performance.
