This was expected to be a tough encounter against a side that had only lost once in their last 8 games and were one of the only 2 teams to deny us maximum points having drew 1-1 at the start of the season.
F C Puma started on the attack and had a couple of early chances. F C Puma are a big physical team who throughout the game played incessant route one football with their goalkeeper taking all of the free kicks and just lumping the ball into the St Michael’s area. Having said that, these long balls were excellently handled by a combination of Sam Meade, Connor Reardon and the goalkeeper Harry Graham, whose handling was superb throughout the game.
Despite F C Puma’s early chances St Michaels got back into the game and created a few opportunities for themselves without scoring. The first half continued with both teams trying to get the important first goal but it ended 0-0 at the break.
The 2nd half started better for St Michaels and in the 53rd minute a great ball from Ronnie Mewes found Adam Fahy in space and the current top scorer made no mistake to make the score 0-1 to St Michaels. 6 minutes later Ronnie Mewes was unlucky with a good header and a minute later good team play saw Adam Fahy’s shot go just over the bar. With next week’s Cup Final in mind Mo Abarak replaced Ronnie Mewes.
In the 65th minute the referee gave a mysterious penalty in F C Pumas favour but Harry Graham made sure justice prevailed with a great save. In the 71st minute it was St Michaels turn to receive a penalty when Adam Fahy was brought down but Aaron Hughes also saw his shot saved and St Michaels still retained there one goal lead. Eventually in the 78th minute a good run by Ben Baptiste led to Mo Abarak tapping in to make it 0-2. Straight after the goal James Mckerrell replaced Ben Baptiste who had just been booked. F C Puma still continued their route one tactic and with 10 minutes to go Harry Graham made a great save. The result was finally sealed with 5 minutes to go when Adam Fahy crossed for Danny Baptiste to blast in from close range and make the final score 0-3.
Special mentions this week go to Sam Meade at the back who must have a major headache from the amount of high balls he had to deal with, Ben Baptiste for another strong display in midfield and Adam Fahy with another goal, assist and penalty award. Man of the match however goes to Harry Graham with a faultless display in goal. His handling and command of his area was superb and culminated in a great penalty save.
Next week the Cup Final. If we battle like we did today we can do it.
Come on St Michaels
