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.........
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
