Ventolin Inhalers began their new campaign with an unfortunate 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Pumas. In what was evenly fought contest, the Pumas prevailed thanks to a well taken goal minutes from the final whistle.
This was particularly harsh on Ventolin who had more than matched the Pumas for the large majority of the game, only to be punished for their failure to convert the three or four good openings that were created. This could have put the game beyond the Pumas before they eventually found a way past the inspirational Andy Barton in the Ventolin goal.
Ventolin were also handicapped by the absence of leading scorer and Ventolin legend Joe Plass who is now sidelined with a cracked rib.The fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery.
The game started with neither side wanting to give the other any early advantage, with both defences on top, limiting the goal threat at both ends.
In what was turning out to be quite a physical game against a big strong pumas side, it was clear that one goal may settle it. As the half progressed the Pumas began to carve out one or two chances only for Dain and Barton to deny them with some superb defending. At the pther end Archdeacon and Ransom were now being provided with some better service and begining to create one or two openings in the pumas defence. As the half drew to a close both teams left the pitch feeling like the game was stil there to be won after a closely contested first half.
The second half continued in much the same vein only this time it was the inhalers who began to impose themselves. First Archdeacon went close with an angled drive, then Ransom saw his goal bound effort tipped over by the impressive Pumas keeper. Ransom then found dain from a corner who lashed a first time half volley goalwards only for the keeper to pull off another fine save. This pressure culminated in Ventolins best chance of the match. Good work from Archdeacon and Loz created an opening for Gavin, who somehow steered his shot wide of the open goal.
The pumas came back fighting, going close with several efforts before they finally scored the games only goal with less than 5 minutes remaining. A qucik throw and one two saw the ventolin defence carved open. The pumas hitman made no mistake cooly slotting the ball past Barton.
This was a cruel blow and with only seconds remaining Ransom had a good opportunity to equalise, only for some quick defending and more good work from keeper, who smoothered ransom as he tried to slalom his way to goal.
As the whistle blew both sides congratulated each other on good game of football with the pumas manager admitting a draw would have been a fair result.
Reflecting on the game afterwards Archdeacon was pleased with the overall performance, commenting " if we play like that each week we will hold our own in this league, with a bit of luck we could have won tonight"
Next week Ventolin take on NDNS in what promises to be another close encounter.
