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

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.