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.
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.
