BAC/EE v Ladybridge Pumas CUP QTR FINAL

The Pumas arrived at BAC’s ground knowing that this game would offer us the sternest of tests as the two previous meetings in the league had only gone our way by the odd goal - we were not to be disappointed! The weather was set fair and the pitch was presented in excellent condition.
Eddie and Robert were today’s subs. The match started with early forays into the BAC half of the pitch by the Pumas with a couple of early efforts dealt with effectively by the BAC defence and keeper. A rasping shot by Dion after five minutes went just by their keeper’s right hand post. The opening goal was taken extremely well on ten minutes by the dangerous No 11 for BAC and Conor had no chance as the ball hit the back of the net 1-0
This is the first time in a while that the Pumas had been behind in a game and they responded magnificently as Dion pretty much from the kick off charged forward on a solo run which was ended by him lobbing the BAC keeper for a vital equalizing goal 1-1
The pace of the game was quite frantic at times and the Pumas were making lots of chances but to no avail. BAC looked very dangerous on the break and Sam and Caleb were kept busy at the back trying to keep their two front men quiet. Jack started the move for the Pumas second goal with a strong run down the left and his pinpoint delivery into the box was controlled beautifully by Dion who duly smashed the shot home for his second goal of the game 1-2
Both midfields were struggling to dominate the centre of the pitch and BAC’s direct approach had the Pumas defence back peddling on more than one occasion and smart work by Sam in particular at the back was just about keeping these BAC attacks at bay. Unfortunately for the Pumas, failure to get the ball clear from our area from a BAC throw in, resulted in the equalizing goal from BAC with 5mins left to the end of the first half. 2-2
There were no further goals added before the break so it remained 2-2 and this as a fair reflection on both teams efforts throughout the 1st half.
Eddie and Robert came on for Callum and Elliot at the start of the 2nd half. The game started as the 1st half ended with both teams fully committed and no effort was being spared by either team. Ben had the first attempt of the half on goal with a shot that just went over the bar on 5mins. BAC frequently attacked with real purpose and Sam was immense at the back in this period and he seemed to me to be everywhere. It’s a testament to the BAC team that our first corner came after 45mins of play and this was dealt with well by the BAC defenders. Robert was looking lively down the right wing and he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet after being set free by a great pass by Dion - unfortunately his shot went by the right hand post. BAC had a good effort saved well by Conor after 50mins and the final ten minutes of the game was nip and tuck with action at both ends of the pitch. Unfortunately neither team were able to break the other down and at full time the score remained 2-2.
Could a period of 20 mins extra time separate these two battling teams? No is the simple answer. Chances at both ends with Conor making a particularly good save to keep out BAC and an effort by Dion at the death that could have settled it after a good 30yard run but unfortunately his shot just went wide. So the Cup tie would have to be decided on penalties.

The boys on both teams looked quite calm before the shootout. I can categorically state that both sets of parents and coaching staff on the sidelines were not! The following commentary is quoted directly from my notes.
BAC win the toss and they elect to start the shootout. Their No 15 steps up and is successful 1-0 Caleb is first up for the Pumas and launches a high shot straight down the middle and in 1-1
BAC No 7 places a great shot to Conors right 2-1
Lewis is next in line for the Pumas and his effort is nearly parried by their goalkeeper but the ball ends up in the back of the net. 2-2
No 11 for BAC is next and he makes no mistake with a great effort 3-2
Tyler unfortunately misses the Pumas next penalty 3-2
The next BAC player is successful from the spot 4-2
Dion must score to keep us in the game and he does 4-3
BAC No 12 steps up knowing that he can put his team through to the Semi-Finals but Conor pulls off a superb save to deny him 4-3
Jack is next for the Pumas to keep us alive and he makes no mistake. 4-4. Sudden death.
BAC’s No 9 steps up and slots a great shot in to make it 5-4
Pumas MOM Sam is next and shoots high and straight to make it all square at 5-5
BAC No 3 kicks wide and misses. 5-5
Matt can put the Pumas through if he is successful but no - he hits a shot onto the crossbar 5-5 will this ever end?
BAC No 5 steps up to the mark but Conor makes another stop to deny him 5-5
Elliot has our second chance to put us through to the Semi-Finals. Thankfully Elliot is more than capable and he fires his shot into the net. The Pumas are victorious 5-6 on penalties.

This is the cruellest way to end any football game and the shootout, just like the game, could have gone to either team. It was our turn today and our boys enjoyed the spoils – this time. BAC were magnanimous in defeat and their team, coaching staff and parents were a real credit to their club and many of them wished us good luck in the next round. I know that this is very much appreciated by our team, coaches and parents. BAC’s boys should be very proud of their performance today as they have stopped our team from winning a game in normal time for the first time this season with a tigerish and tenacious effort. We have come close to defeat today and our boys will have learnt a lot after this game. I’ve got a headache now after all the stress of the game itself and then trying to get an accurate report down on paper. I think a nice cold beer is in order!

Gordon

Ladybridge Pumas v Lostock Hall Juniors - 2nd Round Cup

This match which was cancelled last week because of a frozen pitch was a contest between two teams who are experiencing vastly different fortunes this season. Pumas unbeaten at the top of the Premier league and Lostock struggling in the B league. It would be important for Pumas to be patient and keep playing controlled passing football. Pumas had a full strength squad available with the exception of Tom and the starting line up saw Tyler and Callum on the bench. After a scrappy first 3 mins Dion made a strong run down the right wing and slotted the ball accurately past the advancing keeper. 1 - 0.

A minute later Robert made a good run down the right wing and crossed for Elliot whose shot was blocked. Then it was Lewis' turn to forage down the right wing testing the keeper with a strong shot. The resulting corner was floated across by Jack onto Ben's head but the ball just went the wrong side of the cross bar. Play now switched to the left wing where Matt beat a couple of defenders before releasing a shot/cross which was well intercepted by the keeper. Another corner for Pumas was headed against the post by Sam, still desperate to break his duck this season. After 10mins a loose ball came to Jack 20 yards out and he hit his shot beautifully over the keeper into the net. 2 - 0.

Lostock were struggling to get out of their own half and on the rare occasions that they did they were met with Pumas formidable back four of Caleb, Lewis, Sam and Matt who were in total control and the wide men in particular were making strong overlapping runs down the wings. One such run by Caleb on the right allowed him to deliver a pin-point accurate cross to Eddie who made no mistake from close range. 3 - 0.

Eddie was in action again soon after with a lovely break through the middle. He released the ball to Dion whose shot was well saved by the busy Lostock keeper. After 22 mins a weak Lostock goal kick was picked up sharply by Tyler and his quick thinking pass to Elliot was rewarded when he picked his spot and coolly beat the keeper. 4 - 0.

Then came a rare Lostock attack which broke down with an off-side flag. Eddie made a great run through the middle to set up a one on one with the keeper who did brilliantly to save his shot but as usual, Elliot was astutely backing up and tapped in the loose ball. 5 - 0.

A bit of a comedy of errors followed with Jack making a forceful run down the left wing. He mis-hit his shot which fortunately came to Elliot in front of a gaping net. He mis-hit his shot which came again to Jack who this time made no mistake and blasted home from 10 yards. 6 - 0.

On 26 mins Pumas won a corner delivered onto Tylers head by Jack for a well-worked set-piece goal. 7 - 0.

Another good corner on the left saw Sam heading narrowly over and then a minute later Eddie made another of his surging breaks through the middle only to see his shot rebound off the keepers lh post. The ball came out to the ever alert Elliot who amazingly also hit the same post! In the final minute of the first half a loose ball found Eddie on the edge of the penalty area from where he took a couple of touches before cleverly lobbing the advancing keeper. Half time 8 - 0.

Despite being completely outclassed in the first half Lostock never stopped trying and their half time team talk obviously motivated them at the start of the second half. They won their first corner which was comfortably cleared to give Jack a chance to break only to see his shot go narrowly wide. Then Lostock were awarded a free kick 35 yards out which was delivered dangerously into the Pumas penalty area for the first time in the match. Conor couldn't gather the loose ball and it was prodded home for Lostock's first score. 8 - 1.

Pumas made no more mistakes and the goals continued to flow with contributions from Eddie, Tyler (2), Dion, Elliot (2), Jack and Matt during the next 20 mins to take the score to 16 - 1.

Sam was frequently joining the forwards in his attempt to get on the score sheet and he looked to have done this but his fierce shot hit the side netting. However, a few seconds later he had another chance when he pounced on a weak goal kick and fired an unstoppable shot past the helpless keeper to receive the well earned congratulations of his team mates. 17 - 1.

At this stage Pumas were attacking in numbers in wave after wave but in their eagerness were frequently being caught off-side which kept handing the initiative back to their opponents. After 57 mins Pumas were awarded their first penalty of the season and Callum was given the responsibility. He scored beautifully by blasting the ball high into the right corner. 18 - 1.

From a throw in by Dion near the lh corner flag Jack picked up the ball and shot home for his first right footed goal of the season! 19 -1.

The final action saw Elliot break down the right and play a great pass to Jack who completed the scoring from 12 yards. 20 - 1.

Full Time Ladybridge Pumas 20 Lostock Hall Juniors 1

This was a clinically efficient performance from Pumas with eight different players making the score sheet and no less than four individual hat-tricks. However the difference in class was apparent and we mustn't get too carried away. It was a great credit to Lostock that they kept trying right to the end and it was very thoughtful and kind of their coach at the end to say some very complimentary words to the Pumas team. He especially admired the sportsmanlike way that victory was achieved and so did the 50+ spectators. We're getting to the pointed end of this knock-out comp now and inevitably the games will get progressively tougher. Roll on next week's quarter final against BAC/EE.