Pumas 1-1 Harpenden Colts Tigers Team: Fletcher, Callum, Finlay, Fynley, Reece, Bertie, James, Joe Scorer: Fynley (1) Man of the match: James Well we knew Harpenden were a good team and that this game wasnt going to be an easy match but in the first half at least we made it difficult for ourselves. Gary and I were trying to motivate the boys during the warm up but they just didnt seem to be up for it. As the game got underway it was clear that we werent firing on all cylinders and Harpenden were quick to capitalise on our lacklustre display and in the first 10 minutes or so controlled the game and played possession football in our half. We appeared to be playing a little too cautiously and not getting into our rhythm. We were over playing the ball, playing the ball too quickly when we had more time and panic passing, often playing the ball to the opposition. To be fair to Harpenden, they were stopping us from playing by passing well and chasing down every ball putting us under constant pressure and forcing mistakes. Despite being put under pressure the boys somehow managed to keep them from scoring, although this was more down to a number of good last gasp saves by Fletcher. Eventually we started getting ourselves into the game and were gradually beginning to look a little more like the team were used to seeing. A spell of midfield football saw plenty of battles with neither team coming out on top, but after 14 minutes we put our first real attack of the game together when Reece played Fynley through on goal but a well timed tackle for a Harpenden defender prevented him getting of a shot. More scrappy football followed and we were still definitely second best. Another couple of shots at our goal were once again saved by Fletcher who fortunately for us at this stage in the game was probably the only one of the Pumas who was playing well. We were 20 minutes in before getting of our first shot at goal after Reece picked up a loose ball, taking it up the wing before shooting wide. We finally looked to be waking up and moments later Fynley broke towards goal before a challenge from a Harpenden defender ended up with both players on the floor. Shortly after James looped a high cross in which dropped just in front of their goal giving Reece an opportunity to get on it, but after a good effort was saved on the line by their keeper. Gary was keen for the halftime whistle to be blown so that he could get stuck into the boys but fortunately for them just before halftime, against the run of play we won a corner which James took well managing to find the Fynley who slotted it past the Harpenden keeper to put us 1-0 up. As we all know, football is a game of two halves and this game proved the old cliche to be absolutely correct. Following a bit of a talking to by Gary at half time, in a complete reversal of the first half the team came out firing, were playing good passing possession football and controlling the pace of the game. Whilst not being called upon as frequently, Bertie and Callum had really picked their game up in the second half and werent letting any of the few Harpenden attacks through, giving Fletcher a well earned rest bite. In a good period of prolonged play the boys were playing really well, passing well and when necessarily defending well, but overall we were controlling the game and the possession. James, Fin, Fynley, Joe and Reece all got numerous good shots off on target but their keeper, who must have been their man of the match was equal to them all and as well as saving these shots, also saved five or six off the line, some of which were so close Id already celebrated the goal! With just a minute or so left on the clock and with us pilling on the pressure Gary and I were getting ready to celebrate a well fought win. Wed just won another corner following a shot that their keeper had turned around the post. Unfortunately Fins low ball in was met by the first Harpenden defender who quickly played it out allowing them to come at us on the break. Despite having players back, Harpenden got off a shot which was stopped by Fletcher but the ball dropped just out of his range allowing a Harpenden player to smash the ball into the back of our net putting the score at 1-1 without any time left to try and pull one back! Over all a frustrating game, frustrating because we started of slowly, then looked like we should win the game comfortably and then conceding a last minute goal totally against the run play.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 10:49:23 +0000
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