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

BAC/EE v Ladybridge Pumas CUP QTR FINAL

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.

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

Ladybridge Pumas v Lostock Hall Juniors - 2nd Round Cup

This match which was cancelled last week because of a frozen pitch was a contest between two teams who are experiencing vastly different fortunes this season. Pumas unbeaten at the top of the Premier league and Lostock struggling in the B league. It would be important for Pumas to be patient and keep playing controlled passing football. Pumas had a full strength squad available with the exception of Tom and the starting line up saw Tyler and Callum on the bench. After a scrappy first 3 mins Dion made a strong run down the right wing and slotted the ball accurately past the advancing keeper. 1 - 0.

A minute later Robert made a good run down the right wing and crossed for Elliot whose shot was blocked. Then it was Lewis' turn to forage down the right wing testing the keeper with a strong shot. The resulting corner was floated across by Jack onto Ben's head but the ball just went the wrong side of the cross bar. Play now switched to the left wing where Matt beat a couple of defenders before releasing a shot/cross which was well intercepted by the keeper. Another corner for Pumas was headed against the post by Sam, still desperate to break his duck this season. After 10mins a loose ball came to Jack 20 yards out and he hit his shot beautifully over the keeper into the net. 2 - 0.

Lostock were struggling to get out of their own half and on the rare occasions that they did they were met with Pumas formidable back four of Caleb, Lewis, Sam and Matt who were in total control and the wide men in particular were making strong overlapping runs down the wings. One such run by Caleb on the right allowed him to deliver a pin-point accurate cross to Eddie who made no mistake from close range. 3 - 0.

Eddie was in action again soon after with a lovely break through the middle. He released the ball to Dion whose shot was well saved by the busy Lostock keeper. After 22 mins a weak Lostock goal kick was picked up sharply by Tyler and his quick thinking pass to Elliot was rewarded when he picked his spot and coolly beat the keeper. 4 - 0.

Then came a rare Lostock attack which broke down with an off-side flag. Eddie made a great run through the middle to set up a one on one with the keeper who did brilliantly to save his shot but as usual, Elliot was astutely backing up and tapped in the loose ball. 5 - 0.

A bit of a comedy of errors followed with Jack making a forceful run down the left wing. He mis-hit his shot which fortunately came to Elliot in front of a gaping net. He mis-hit his shot which came again to Jack who this time made no mistake and blasted home from 10 yards. 6 - 0.

On 26 mins Pumas won a corner delivered onto Tylers head by Jack for a well-worked set-piece goal. 7 - 0.

Another good corner on the left saw Sam heading narrowly over and then a minute later Eddie made another of his surging breaks through the middle only to see his shot rebound off the keepers lh post. The ball came out to the ever alert Elliot who amazingly also hit the same post! In the final minute of the first half a loose ball found Eddie on the edge of the penalty area from where he took a couple of touches before cleverly lobbing the advancing keeper. Half time 8 - 0.

Despite being completely outclassed in the first half Lostock never stopped trying and their half time team talk obviously motivated them at the start of the second half. They won their first corner which was comfortably cleared to give Jack a chance to break only to see his shot go narrowly wide. Then Lostock were awarded a free kick 35 yards out which was delivered dangerously into the Pumas penalty area for the first time in the match. Conor couldn't gather the loose ball and it was prodded home for Lostock's first score. 8 - 1.

Pumas made no more mistakes and the goals continued to flow with contributions from Eddie, Tyler (2), Dion, Elliot (2), Jack and Matt during the next 20 mins to take the score to 16 - 1.

Sam was frequently joining the forwards in his attempt to get on the score sheet and he looked to have done this but his fierce shot hit the side netting. However, a few seconds later he had another chance when he pounced on a weak goal kick and fired an unstoppable shot past the helpless keeper to receive the well earned congratulations of his team mates. 17 - 1.

At this stage Pumas were attacking in numbers in wave after wave but in their eagerness were frequently being caught off-side which kept handing the initiative back to their opponents. After 57 mins Pumas were awarded their first penalty of the season and Callum was given the responsibility. He scored beautifully by blasting the ball high into the right corner. 18 - 1.

From a throw in by Dion near the lh corner flag Jack picked up the ball and shot home for his first right footed goal of the season! 19 -1.

The final action saw Elliot break down the right and play a great pass to Jack who completed the scoring from 12 yards. 20 - 1.

Full Time Ladybridge Pumas 20 Lostock Hall Juniors 1

This was a clinically efficient performance from Pumas with eight different players making the score sheet and no less than four individual hat-tricks. However the difference in class was apparent and we mustn't get too carried away. It was a great credit to Lostock that they kept trying right to the end and it was very thoughtful and kind of their coach at the end to say some very complimentary words to the Pumas team. He especially admired the sportsmanlike way that victory was achieved and so did the 50+ spectators. We're getting to the pointed end of this knock-out comp now and inevitably the games will get progressively tougher. Roll on next week's quarter final against BAC/EE.

Ladybridge Pumas v Hoole United

Mid table Hoole gave us a hard game back in October and Pumas could not afford to relax against this strong, physical side who have a good goal scoring record.

Pumas again had a full squad and the starting line up was:- Conor, Caleb, Callum, Sam, Matt, Eddie, Lewis, Ben, Elliot, Dion and Jack with Robert, Tyler and Tom on the bench.
Hoole started very brightly and a quick attack down the left resulted in Conor having to make a good catch from the cross. Hoole were soon attacking down the other flank and a powerful shot went across the face of the goal. Pumas soon got into their stride and Dion made a good run down the right before crossing to Elliot whose shot went over the bar. Then after 6 mins it was Dion's turn to shoot over after an exchange of passes with Eddie. Pumas were gradually beginning to dominate possession with Callum and Lewis making timely tackles and distributing well. Caleb and Matt on the defensive flanks were alert to the threats of the Hoole wingers and were keen to make attacking runs themselves. Following a scramble on the left the ball was crossed in front of the Hoole goal and Eddie just failed to make contact. Pumas then had two successive corners on the right which Jack delivered with his usual accuracy only to see his second cross hit the bar and bounce out of play for a goal kick. On 16mins following some scrappy midfield play, the ball came to Elliot who cleverly kept possession before feeding the ball to his left where Jack was backing up and cutting in from the left wing. His powerful, accurate shot gave the keeper no chance. 1 - 0.

Almost straight from the kick off Jack returned the favour and crossed to Elliot who couldn't quite get to the ball. Pumas then won another corner on the right and Jack floated it in for Eddie to beat the close attentions of two defenders and head home brilliantly. 2 - 0.

Ben was looking in complete control of the central midfield linking defence and attack skilfully and distributing the ball accurately to his forwards. One such pass gave Dion the opportunity to break down the right but his shot went past the keeper's rh post. Amazingly, Sam still hasn't made the scoresheet this season and again he looked determined to break his duck when he collected the ball 30 yds out and after taking a couple of touches unleashed a powerful shot which was safely gathered by the Hoole keeper. Then, just before half time the action switched to the other end where a well directed Hoole free kick was similarly saved by Conor. Half time 2 - 0.
Robert, Tyler and Tom were brought on for Matt, Eddie and Elliot without Pumas losing their dominance of possession. Within 5 mins Tyler was in action with a smart shot which hit the post and came out. Then, a minute later his pass found Dion in the penalty area with his back to goal. He cleverly laid the ball back to Ben who was backing up and he hit his shot powerfully and accurately into the net. 3 - 0. (This was definitely Ben who I credited with a goal last week which should have been Dion's! Sorry Dion)
Pumas were awarded a free kick about 35 yds out which could have been taken by 3 or 4 Pumas players with the ability to hit good dead balls. In the end it was Lewis who took the kick finding Sam's head glancing it just wide of the mark. After 17 mins a loose ball was pounced on by Jack in the Hoole penalty area and his goal bound shot was blocked on the line with the keeper well beaten. Then a corner from the left gave a heading chance to Dion which went just over the bar. 2 mins later Tyler broke through and unleashed a great shot which the keeper pushed onto the post with a magnificent diving save. After another 3 mins Tyler ran down the right and from a narrow angle again hit the woodwork! A hat-trick of woodwork for Tyler. Elliot had been brought back on and picked up an injury which meant he couldn't continue. With all subs used and about 10 mins remaining, Pumas were down to 10 men. Then came arguably the best goal of the match. Ben brought the ball out of the middle and fed Tyler on the right. Jack sprinted in from the left and met Tyler's accurate cross first time with his left foot for an unstoppable goal.

4 - 0.
With their extra man, Hoole were trying to press and Tom was called into action on the left side of defence to make some timely clearances. Robert was struggling to get clean possession down the right wing but showed some deft touches and linked well with the other forwards. With only a couple of minutes left, Pumas nearly lost their precious clean sheet status when a Hoole attack down the right wing produced an accurate cross which was headed over with the net at his mercy. Then in the last minute a good build up in midfield saw Tyler receive the ball just outside the Hoole penalty area. His perfectly weighted through ball was collected by Eddie whose shot beat the keeper's dive to his left. The ball hit the post then bounced across the goal and hit the opposite post before crawling over the line. 5 - 0.

Full Time Ladybridge Pumas 5 Hoole United 0

This was a spirited performance by the Pumas to beat a competent Hoole team and keep up their 100% record in the Central Lancs league. To achieve a second consecutive clean sheet was also very satisfying and is a great credit to the defensive line-up. Well done boys!

Tarleton Corinthians v Ladybridge Pumas

Pumas made the long trip to Tarleton on a dreary, cold, snowy Winter afternoon and were able to field a full strength squad with the exception of Tyler whose dad couldn't find the ground. (Tom Toms are good Ralph!). The pitch was in surprisingly good shape considering the poor weather lately. Pumas totally dominated possession and created wave after wave of attacks. Jack opened the scoring within 5 mins with a strong left footed shot. (his right foot's only for standing on). 0 - 1. Tarleton made a rare break down the right and Sam slipped in attempting a tackle but Callum was quick to cover and put the ball out of play. After 20 mins Ben brought the ball out of defence and used his dribbling skills to take it all the way only to be foiled by the keeper. 2 mins later Ben was again in the action following good work by Dion and Jack. His powerful shot could only be parried by the keeper and with true poacher's instinct Elliot was on hand for a simple tap-in goal. 0 - 2.
Then Matt made a good run down the left and played a lovely through ball for Dion to run onto and shoot. His shot was well saved and this time there was no-one on hand to play the loose ball.Pumas made a fast passing move when Robert fed Dion on the right wing and his accurate cross found Tom on the edge of the 6 yds box. He skilfully brought it under control and smashed it past the keeper. 0 - 3.
Immediately from the ko Ben, who was dominating the centre of the pitch, passed to Jack on the left. Jack coolly played a perfectly weighted through ball to Dion who beat the off-side trap and in a one on one with the keeper made no mistake. 0 - 4. Half Time.Shortly after the restart Dion scored again with an accurate shot. 0 - 5.
Pumas were making sustained and continuous attacks and first Lewis then Sam tried to get on the score sheet to no avail. Eddie was working hard down the left flank and Caleb was overlapping on the right. Then out of nowhere Tarleton broke through the middle and in a one on one Conor stood firm and the forward shot wide. The next Pumas attack saw Eddie make a shot/cross which ricocheted off a defender into the busy keeper's arms. Another Pumas attack had Ben on the edge of the Tarleton penalty area and he unselfishly passed back to Callum who chipped the ball perfectly over the defenders for Eddie to beat his marker and skilfully score a well-worked goal. 0 - 6.
Pumas were playing beautiful passing football and were oozing with confidence and working hard for each other. First Eddie and then Jack had good chances saved then Dion hit a powerful long range shot just inside the keeper's r.h. post. 0 - 7.
Another break from Tarleton after 52 mins saw a long range shot comfortably gathered by Conor for his first and only touch of the game! Poor Conor, he must have been frozen. Another Pumas corner was taken by Jack on the right and the loose ball came out to Caleb about 20 yds out on the right. He delivered a well struck shot which would probably have been saved by the keeper but Elliot played a crafty dummy by stepping over the ball which finished in the back of the net just before the full time whistle. 0 - 8. Full time Tarleton Corinthians 0 Ladybridge Pumas 8 After such a one sided match as this it's difficult to say whether it was Pumas excellence or their opponents failings which were more significant. Certainly Pumas had a lot of determination with good team spirit and showed no weaknesses today. Tarleton showed good individual skills and kept trying to the end but were overpowered by one of Pumas best performances of the season.

Euxton Villa v Ladybridge Pumas 1st round Cup

Pumas first match in the qualifying group of the Central Lancs League was against Euxton Villa and resulted in a convincing victory for the Pumas. However, since that game Villa have been unbeaten and are top of their league so it would be a big mistake to underestimate this team on their steeply sloping bumpy pitch.

Pumas had a full strength squad and the starting line up was Conor, Caleb, Callum, Sam, Lewis, Ben, Matt, Robert, Dion, Tyler, and Jack with Elliot, Tom and Eddie standing by as subs.

Pumas started the game kicking downhill and it would be important to take advantage of this. The first few minutes were scrappy as both sides struggled to string together more than a couple of passes on this heavy, bumpy surface. It soon became apparent that Pumas were the stronger side as they dominated possession. Tyler broke through the centre and saw his shot well saved. A corner from the right was placed by Jack into the heart of the goalmouth and as it was half cleared Caleb was there to hit a signature shot which again tested the keeper. More corners for Pumas followed in quick succession and from the 6th one Jack played the ball short to Matt (playing his first game since his op.) who returned it to Jack whose accurate cross was powerfully headed home by Lewis after 8 mins. 0 - 1
Villa were struggling to get any meaningful possession in Pumas half and the occasional breakaways were dealt with comfortably by Sam, Callum and Caleb who looked rock solid. After 17 mins a rare Villa attack was broken up by Callum assisted by Caleb who hit a long ball downfield where Dion used his speed to beat a defender to the ball before coolly taking it round the advancing keeper and tapping into an empty net. 0 - 2
From the kick off Pumas gained possession and immediately went on the attack again with several players combining in a great move culminating in Tyler turning beautifully just inside the area and firing home an unstoppable shot. 0 - 3
Jack was rampant down the left wing with support from Matt, creating some great openings but the Villa defence were beginning to look better organised and were covering well. Robert was also showing his dribbling skills on the other wing. Ben and Lewis were looking strong and linked well between defence and attack without being given time to settle on the ball. After 21 mins Villa attacked down the right flank and the winger managed to get his cross in to the waiting forward who hit it first time past Conor as he came out. This was Conor's first touch of the ball as he picked it out of the net! 1 - 3
The remainder of the half saw some end to end stuff with several more chances falling to Pumas, the most notable being a powerful shot by Sam just wide and a good effort from Robert which was bravely blocked just before the whistle.
Half time 1 - 3

All three subs were brought on and Robert, Matt and Tyler were given a rest.
It was to be expected that Villa would come out with all guns firing in the 2nd half with the advantage of the slope but that didn't happen and Pumas continued to enjoy the majority of the ball. It helped their passing game that the ball wasn't running away from them and they rarely looked in trouble. Several promising attacks were made and Dion took a quick short corner to Jack whose great cross was met by Lewis who blasted over the bar from 6 yards. Tom made a good run down the left and fed the ball to Ben who slipped the ball deftly past the keeper's left hand only to see it hit the post and bounce into the keeper's welcome arms. After 45mins Villa made a dangerous looking break down the left from which a cross cum shot was fingertip saved by Conor who had quickly come off his line. The loose ball was safely put out of play by Sam and the resultant corner was weakly played behind making Jack's corners look even better. A quick break by Pumas gave Jack what seemed to be a golden chance but he was surprisingly ruled off-side. Then Villa broke and a dangerous looking situation was dealt with by Conor rushing 30 yards out to kick the ball into touch. Sam looks hungry to bag his first goal of the season and he made a fantastic solo dribbling run, beating several defenders before shooting agonisingly just wide. Villa's goal kick was weak as they tired and Dion collected the ball before cleverly passing to Eddie whose shot from 8 yards beat the keeper's right hand on 50 mins. 1 - 4
Pumas still had most of the ball and a good move down the right involving several players saw the ball come to Elliot whose snap shot hit the post and bounced to safety. As the clock ticked down a goalmouth scramble resulted in a chance for Eddie who tested the keeper again.
Final Score Euxton Villa 1 Ladybridge Pumas 4

This was a solid workmanlike performance from the Pumas who did what was necessary to achieve this result against a team who have had a long unbeaten run and on a pitch which made good football difficult.