Cadley v Ladybridge Pumas

Unusually the match reporter was not pitch side for this evening match. His location was about 3 miles out at sea off the Portland coastline onboard a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship with a mobile phone clamped firmly to his ear listening to patchy commentary from his good lady. To say that this was an important game for the Pumas would be a massive understatement. After suffering their first loss of the season in the Cup Final on Sunday, Pumas hadn’t had too long to lick their wounds before this pivotal away game against 3rd placed Cadley. Avoid defeat and the League title would be secured for the Pumas in their debut year in the CLJFL. The weather was set fair and the match started at a good pace with both teams enjoying equal possession in the first ten minutes. There were no clear chances for either team but I got the feeling that the momentum was slowly turning towards the Pumas and after 15 mins a chance fell to our top scorer Dion who duly obliged to open the scoring for us and prompted quite a large shout from somebody on a ship! The first goal was always going to be important and this seemed to settle the Pumas nerves and they played some good controlled possession football for the rest of the half and led deservedly at half time 0-1.
Cadley started the 2nd half well and forced the Pumas back from the kick off and were trying to press for the equalizer. The Pumas defence were coping well with this early pressure and managed to keep the Cadley forwards out. After 50 mins of play a great opportunity presented itself to Robert who couldn’t quite finish the chance to get the Pumas 2nd goal. Within 2 mins of this miss Robert was presented with another similar chance but this time with a much better result for him and the Pumas, as his shot found the back of the net. 0-2.
The second goal was very significant and the third for the Pumas followed a short time later after a goalmouth scrambled clearance only found Jack on the edge of the box and he showed superb composure to chip the ball over the Cadley keeper to make it 0-3 to the Pumas. Cadley never gave up and with about ten mins left they were able to peg a goal back from a corner that was headed past Conor to make it 1-3. The goal action had finished for the evening and the match finished 1-3 to the Pumas.
This was a massive result for our boys and they deservedly clinched the Premier League title with a game to spare. Cadley were worthy opponents and their team, coaches and supporters sportingly applauded our lads at the end of the game recognising their achievement in winning the League. Cadley - that fantastic gesture was really appreciated by all present for the Pumas and showed your clubs class and I only wish I could have been there to witness it.

Our last league game fittingly will be against the Cup winners Bamber Bridge at home. I have a feeling it could be a good one.........

Gordon

Ladybridge Pumas v Bamber Bridge Blues CUP FINAL

This was Pumas biggest game of the season so far and it was fitting that the two outstanding teams in the Premier league should meet in this keenly anticipated final. The venue was Tarleton's immaculate full size pitch which would suit both of these teams who like to play open, passing football. The conditions were perfect with the sky slightly overcast and a light breeze after a little overnight rain.

It was clear from the outset that Bridge were highly motivated for this encounter and were anxious to gain revenge for the league defeat against Pumas earlier in the season. Pumas defence was stretched several times and Sam, Caleb and Ben had to work particularly hard to keep the Bridge forwards at bay. Tom was being stretched by the very quick right winger but coolly dealt with each situation. Pumas wingers were being comfortably handled by the Bridge full backs and Dion wasn't getting the kind of service on which he usually thrives. Dion's pair of goals the last time these teams met had clearly not gone un-noticed and he was marked by two defenders wherever he went. After 13 mins Bridge broke down the right flank and with two forwards bearing down on goal Sam made a great tackle to avert the danger at the expense of a corner. The ball was well delivered into the Pumas 6 yard box and as it was deflected towards Conor he was unable to gather it and a Bridge forward was on hand to hit the ball home. 0 - 1.
We have seen Pumas go behind previously this season and it usually has the effect of spurring them to greater effort and this was no exception. They pressed hard for the equaliser without creating any clear chances and the competent looking Bridge keeper wasn't put under any pressure. Indeed for all their hard work, Pumas looked vulnerable to counter-attacks and there were two such instances which were only thwarted by desperate tackles from first Sam and then Caleb. Then Jack worked hard on the left to force a corner which he took with his usual skill. However, because the pitch was wider and the breeze was coming from Pumas right the ball wasn't quite getting to the heart of the danger area as usual and Bridge cleared for another corner and then another two in quick succession before the Bridge defenders scrambled the ball clear without a Pumas forward being able to make contact in four attempts! Eddie made several attempts to break through down the centre but he was well monitored by the defence each time. As the half time whistle approached Ben delivered a beautiful pass to Jack who skilfully made space for himself and his shot forced the keeper to make an excellent save. Half time 0 - 1.
Pumas came out for the second half looking much more dangerous and spent much more time in their opponents' half but still couldn't create any clear attempts on goal. Ben was catching the eye with his work rate as he tried to motivate his team by example but the Bridge defenders were very well organised. After 36 mins a good combination of passes down the left wing culminated in Dion delivering a very high cross into the Bridge penalty area and with Pumas forwards in attendance the keeper fumbled his attempt to gather the ball but made sure on his second try. Bridge cleared the ball quickly upfield and caught the Pumas defence stretched giving their forward a one on one opportunity but Conor spotted the danger and dashed off his line to smother the shot. Lewis, Matt and Callum were all brought into the action on several occasions without being able to stamp their usual authority on proceedings. On 42 mins Bridge crossed from the left to give an opportunity for a shot from 10 yards which Conor saved well diving to his right to push the ball against the post from where it bounced out before being scrambled away for a corner. After 45 mins good work by Pumas gave Jack a chance to shoot but his effort was well saved. Pumas were dominating possession now and pressing for the equaliser when suddenly, out of nowhere the ball came to Robert unmarked just inside the penalty area but his quick shot missed the target and Bridge could breath again. Shortly afterwards a good combination of passes down the right wing led to an accurate cross from Robert which found Elliot on the edge of the 6 yd box but his attempted volley was mis-hit and ended tamely in the keeper's grateful arms. With Pumas desperate for a goal and the full-time whistle quickly approaching there was a scramble in the Pumas penalty area and the ball came loose to a Bridge forward whose shot was too hot for Conor to hold and again a Bridge forward was on hand to tap home for the clinching goal. 0 - 2.
Full Time Ladybridge Pumas 0 Bamber Bridge Blues 2
This game was a great advertisement for all that's best in Junior football. Two highly skilful teams with a healthy respect for each other's abilities and a determination to play competitively but fairly. On this occasion Bamber Bridge brought their 'A' game to the park and, with nothing to lose, threw everything they had at Pumas and deserve our warmest congratulations for inflicting the first defeat of the season on Pumas. Well done both teams.
With only two games remaining in the League programme, Pumas must now pick themselves up and ensure that they clinch the League Championship in convincing style.

Ladybridge Pumas v Longridge Town

This was Pumas 20th competitive match of the season and having won the last 19 they were in no mood to sacrifice that record tonight. With Tyler still out and Elliot ill, Sam's unfortunate accident on Sunday became more significant. Tough character that he is though meant that he still wanted to play even in some pain! Even though Longridge are at the bottom of the league their recent form has been good including losing by the odd goal in five to Bamber Bridge. They clearly shouldn't be underestimated.
Sam started as sub and the early exchanges were scrappy again as the hard pitch and lively ball made close control difficult. Callum was busy at the heart of defence and made some timely tackles and clearances. One ball came out to Ben, ever lively at the centre of the action and he fed a lovely through ball to Dion who used his great turn of speed to lose his marker and shoot home from 10yds after 3 mins. 1 - 0.
Pumas continued to press and the Longridge defence coped well with the pressure. A long clearance from their own half after 5mins found the Longridge centre forward being shadowed by two Pumas backs but a tremendous sprint left them for dead and his accurate shot soared over Conor's head for a marvellous goal. 1 - 1.
Pumas dominated possession and had many attacks bringing the excellent Longridge keeper into action many times. Caleb in particular had a powerful shot fingertip saved for one of many corners which Longridge defended well from Jack's accurate deliveries. Lewis and Matt were looking increasingly confident as they frequently linked up with the forwards but the final delivery just wouldn't come right. At one point two Pumas forwards broke through only for the ref to blow for a free kick for Pumas when he should surely have allowed advantage. Just before half time Dion and Robert combined well on the right to set up a chance for Lewis who saw his rocket of a shot crash against the bar and rebound safely into the keeper's arms. H.T. 1 - 1.
The second half started with Pumas playing up the slight slope with the bright setting sun behind them. Early work by Robert on the right wing saw him deliver a good cross which just missed being converted by Dion. Jack was busy on the left wing and Dion was delivering his trademark long throw-ins into the penalty area but the increasingly active Longridge keeper was dealing with everything that was thrown at him. Eddie caught the eye with a great solo run from the half way line evading the attentions of two defenders to release a decent shot which went just wide. Sam was itching to join the action and after 45mins he got his chance when Robert gave way to him. Before he had even touched the ball Tom won a tackle and the loose ball came to Eddie who controlled it well and shot home from 10 yds. 2 - 1.
2mins later Caleb gained possession on the right and shot powerfully from 20yds which the keeper could only parry to the feet of Lewis hungrily backing up for a simple tap-in. 3 - 1.
Pumas were dominant now and Jack produced a terrific shot which the keeper brilliantly saved. Excellent football. 20mins Robert came back on for Jack and two mins later a loose ball came to Eddie who cleverly shot over the keeper into the corner of the net for a very skilful goal. 4 - 1. In attempting the save the brave Longridge keeper hit his head against the post sustaining a painful, though thankfully not serious accident. This reduced Longridge to 10 men and their substitute keeper did a great job in keeping Pumas at bay for the remainder of the game despite many good attempts by the rampant Pumas forwards.
Full Time Ladybridge Pumas 4 Longridge Town 1
This result means that Pumas are 6 pts clear at the top of the league with just two games remaining. One more point required to secure top place as goal difference isn't taken into account. Well done boys. You deserve this success for the skilful, fair way you play the game and for your fitness, commitment and team spirit. Congratulations also to your coaches Wayne and Karl who have guided you all the way. However, we mustn't get carried away too soon. There are still three very important games to be played before that very rare accolade of going through a season unbeaten can be claimed.

Ladybridge Pumas v Gillibrand Warriors CUP SEMI FINAL

After their nail-biting quarter-final victory over BAC this match against a team from the 'A' division would be a stroll in the park for Pumas - wouldn't it? Right? Wrong!!

Pumas were missing Tyler who is out for three weeks and the starting line up saw Eddie and Elliot on the subs bench. It was a bright dry Spring morning with a very hard surface to the pitch which would prove to be a significant factor as both sides struggled to get the ball under control. The first half was a scrappy affair with the ball bouncing all over the place and suiting the Warriors' long ball tactics. Much of the play took place in mid-field with no good chances falling to either team. H.T. 0 - 0.
Elliot and Eddie came on for Robert and Tom and Pumas immediately looked sharper than they had in the first half. A lovely move down the left involving several Pumas players making good passes and keeping the ball on the ground led to a shot from Ben which went wide. Then down the right wing a 50/50 ball was tenaciously won by Elliot but his shot also just missed the target.
A good long clearance from Conor set up another attack which resulted in a corner for Pumas on the left which was well defended by Warriors. Then, in end to end exchanges, Warriors won a corner on their left which was beautifully delivered into the heart of Pumas 6 yd box but it was safely scrambled clear. Warriors were awarded a free kick 25 yds out on the right and their dead ball specialist hit it beautifully after the ref had moved Pumas wall back. Conor flung himself high and wide to his right to make a fingertip save and turn the ball past the post for a corner.
After 45mins Dion made a strong run down the left and his shot/cross went across the face of the goal from where Elliot, backing up and unmarked , was inches short of making contact with the goal wide open. Warriors broke immediately and a long clearance upfield found their centre forward with space and time to control the ball which he did very skilfully and placed an accurate shot wide of Conor's dive to his left. 0-1.
This shock seemed to galvanise Pumas into the kind of team performance that we know is in them. First there was a quick break down the left culminating in a mis-hit shot wide of the mark by Eddie then after 50mins a bit of head tennis in the Warriors penalty area gave Jack a shooting chance which frustratingly also went wide. Just as we were beginning to fear that Pumas would never score, a good move down the left gave Dion a rare bit of space and he powerfully beat the keeper from a narrowish angle. 1-1
A lovely run down the right wing by Elliot saw him play an accurate through ball to Dion who was closed down quickly by two defenders. Then after 56mins another combination of passes down the left gave Jack an opportunity which he didn't waste. His thunderball left foot shot nearly broke the net as well as breaking the hearts of the valiant Warriors. 2-1
As the clock ticked down Pumas kept most of the possession and were never seriously threatened again.

Full Time Ladybridge Pumas 2 Gillibrand Warriors 1

Some of the lads in the Pumas team had played a lot of football recently and one or two key players looked a bit tired. The hard pitch made controlling the ball difficult and negated what should have been our greater footballing skills. Having said that the Warriors came and fought tooth and nail for what would and could have been a remarkable victory. Pumas showed great character and resolve to recover from the shock of going behind and in the end this was a very creditable victory. Roll on the Cup Final!!

Ladybridge Pumas v Tarleton Corinthians

It was time for Pumas to get back to league action with this potentially difficult game against in- form Tarleton who had recently beaten BAC.

Pumas were missing wingers Eddie and Robert on holiday and goal poacher Elliot reported sick so the squad was reduced to a bare eleven with no subs available.
The game started with Tarleton having the advantage of the slight slope and a light breeze on a bright and dry spring day in perfect conditions. The first 2mins saw the teams testing each other before Pumas won a corner beautifully delivered from the right onto Tyler's head by Jack for an early goal. 1 - 0.
A further Pumas corner a minute later was well defended by Tarleton who then had a sustained period of attacking which brought Callum into action and Sam made a well-timed tackle to ease the pressure. Two consecutive Tarleton corners produced dangerous looking situations but Caleb and Tom dealt with the threat. Tarleton were still attacking in numbers and Lewis made a good interception to release a great through ball to Tyler who forced another corner from which several Pumas shots on goal were well blocked by the Tarleton defenders at full stretch.
A good run down the left wing on 15mins by Jack ended with a cross which no-one could connect with and then a good combination of passes on the right wing resulted in a cross to Jack who drove the ball home with a powerful and accurate shot. 2 - 0.
Immediately from the re-start Pumas regained possession and Tyler fired an unstoppable effort from long range on 16mins. 3 - 0.
Following some scrappy play on the right touchline Tyler won the ball and delivered an inch perfect through pass to Dion whose shot went over the bar with just the keeper to beat. After 21mins following good work down the left the ball came to Matt unmarked on the edge of the 6yd box. His snap shot crashed against the post and went out of play. The rest of the half saw Pumas edging possession with Tarleton's dangerous looking breaks being efficiently nullified by Pumas well organised back four. Ben and Lewis were also working hard in mid-field.
Half time 3 - 0.
Pumas attacked right from the re-start and forced a corner on the left. The headed clearance came to Lewis on the edge of the penalty area but his shot whistled over the bar. From the resulting goal-kick the ball came to Callum who controlled it well before delivering an accurate pass to Tyler who duly completed a very impressive hat-trick. 4 - 0.
A minute later Tyler carved out an even better chance but his goal effort found the wrong side of the post. On 40mins Tyler was again in action, this time delivering a lovely pass from the half way line for Dion on the right to run onto in typical fashion but his long range shot went just wide of the mark. A minute later Jack made a good run down the left and placed an accurate shot to the keeper's left. He could only get his fingertips to the ball which was eagerly pounced on by Matt who was backing up well for the easiest of tap-ins. 5 - 0.
Ben showed great determination 6mins later in winning several consecutive 50/50 challenges before feeding a lovely pass to Jack who shot over the keeper from 15yds. 6 - 0.
Tarleton weren't giving up and Tom was called on to make some timely challenges and Conor had to be alert to come off his line quickly. Pumas were just as keen to keep a clean sheet as they were to score at the other end. A further Pumas attack gave them a corner and Jack produced an inswinger from the right which found Sam's head but it went wide of the post. After 52mins a bout of head tennis in midfield resulted in Jack gathering the ball on the right wing to where he had switched but again the shot went just wide. A couple of minutes later Pumas won two consecutive corners and from the second, from the right, Lewis powered home a short range header. 7 - 0.
As the clock ticked down Ben, Sam and Lewis combined well in midfield to set up another chance for Tyler but his flicked shot went just wide.
Full time Ladybridge Pumas 7 Tarleton Corinthians 0

This was yet another example of hard work for each other and patience producing a fine result. The winning line is coming into view but nothing can be taken for granted till the last kick has been made. Very well done boys.

Bill Parkinson