The first league game of the season pitted last year’s league champions against the runners up. This match was never going to be one for the faint hearted. Both teams, coaching staff and respective supporters were very much on edge as we all knew that there was not going to be too much in it, and so it proved. The game started at a 100mph with Jack for the Pumas going on a great run down the left after a minute but his cross into the box just flashed over the keeper’s right hand post. The first ten minutes saw both teams enjoy periods of possession and territory but neither team really took the game by the scruff of the neck and a less than perfect playing surface didn’t help matters in this regard. The first goal came from a set piece which would set the tone for the rest of the game and it was the Pumas that opened the scoring. The first corner of the game was taken by Jack and his usual excellent delivery found Taylors head and the back of the net. Pumas 1-0.
Tyler up front was causing the BB defence all sorts of problems and his hold up play and strength was pleasing to watch and reminded me of the Bolton Captain Kevin Davies. Pumas then had another opportunity when a lively Taylor made an excellent run down the flank but his dangerous cross was cleared well by the BB defence. BB were slowly making progress into Pumas territory as the half went on and they always looked dangerous on the counter attack. However two free kicks in a five minute spell from BB changed the course of the first half. On both occasions from about thirty yards the BB player was able to cause our keeper, Conor, no end of problems. He was not able enough to keep hold of the ball on the first free kick and the BB attacker pounced on the loose ball to hammer home from short distance. 1-1.
The second free kick was just too accurate and a tadge too high for Conor and he had to pick the ball out of the net again. 1-2.
Matt our defender was forced out of the game after his hand was accidently stepped on. Matt had to attend A&E straight after the game with a heavily bruised hand. Fortunately I can report that there is no break and he can attend his first day at senior school this morning! The last five minutes of the first half saw the Pumas valiantly try and force the equalizer with good work by both Taylor and Jack coming to nothing.
Half Time 1-2
The coaching staff of both teams certainly revved their respective players up during the interval and the pace was probably quicker than in the first half. BB started the half well and forced some good defensive work out of Lewis and Sam but this early pressure was seen off with no real threat to the Pumas goal. Jack had been causing the BB defence all sorts of problems throughout the game and on two separate occasions dangerous crosses into the BB box came to nothing, would the Pumas regret these wasted opportunities? BB were still very threatening on the counter and they had a couple of good efforts in the next 10 minute period with one cross testing Conor’s handling to the full. The next goal was scored by the Pumas and again it came from a set piece play. Caleb’s free kick from 35 yards came out to James whose shot was deflected past the BB keeper for the Pumas 2nd. 2-2.
Pumas continued to press forward after the goal and Jack, Tyler and Cole all had efforts in the area and another free kick from Caleb caused panic at the heart of the BB defence but they were resolute and repelled all this pressure effectively. The pivotal moment in the match came with about 5 mins of normal time remaining and it would end in heartbreak for the home team. A familiar set piece from a free kick from the powerful BB player resulted in loose handling again from Conor and into the back of his net. 2-3.
Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time left for the Pumas to mount a significant fight back although a late effort for the Pumas was disallowed correctly for offside. The game finished 3-2 to BB and they have snatched the first 3 points of the season from one of their fiercest rivals, so they will have gone home very happy. I cannot say with hand on heart that their overall play deserved it but they found a way to win and as we all know possession and chances do not win games, but hey that’s football!
I’m sure the Pumas will be hoping to bounce straight back on Sunday and all the players, especially our new lads, will have learnt a great deal from taking on and ultimately losing to an effective and dangerous team like BB.
I think it is also very important to mention that I thought that the young referee was a real credit to his profession and both sets of supporters (me included) and coaches need to respect his decisions as he can only give what he sees!
The Pumas and the Blues are both excellent teams that are backed by dedicated coaches and a passionate support that I know will probably never see eye to eye on anything that happens on the pitch, but I genuinely hope that there is a grudging respect for each other after the game (I know BB monitor these reports as I do theirs ha ha) as both teams have some real talent within them and I’m sure that at the end of the season we’ll both be in the mix for the league title.
Of course we will look forward to the return match against the Blues as these are the type of games that we all love to be a part of rather than the less competitive 8,9 or 10 nil scorelines we both get involved in from time to time.
Gordon
