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.
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
