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.
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.
