26^th November 2011

Following their fantastic ‘Barcelona-esque’ performance of the previous week the Blues took the field in a confident mood. The weather had turned and a bitter wind was blowing the length of the pitch, difficult conditions for both teams.

Alexander, the Blues Captain for the match, won the toss and decided to kick against the wind in the first half. Alexander’s strategy was to contain the Pumas in the first half and then utilise the wind in the second half to capitalise on the speed of the Blues’ attack.

The Blues started at a ferocious pace with early domination in the midfield. After six minutes William jinked down the left wing leaving the Pumas defence in his wake, he crossed to Reiss whose well struck shot forced a desperate save from the Pumas’ goalkeeper.

The Blues continued to control the game and after sixteen minutes were very unlucky not to score after a scrimmage in the Pumas’ penalty area.

Chances continued to come the Blues’ way helped by some sharp midfield play from Jono on his return from a long absence due to injury.

With the clock running down to half time the Pumas scored against the run of play. The Blues reacted immediately and launched a counter attack straight from the kick off, winning a corner. Ben strode up to take the corner and drove the ball powerfully into the opposition penalty area. Joe was the quickest to react and his shot found the back of the net to put the Blues back on level terms. The half ended before the restart and the Blues went into the break knowing their finishing had to improve in the second period.

With the wind at their backs the Blues continued to push forward, even Arthur in goal tried to join the attack at one point with a dazzling run down the left wing!

The Blues were not having it all their own way and on more than one occasion Dion had to make a timely interception to break down a Pumas attack.

The Blues continued to press and were having the majority of the possession. Finally the ball was threaded through to Lewis who calmly scored after an audacious feint made the keeper dive to save the non-existent shot. 

The remainder of the match was spent in a fierce midfield battle with neither side giving an inch. The conditions were not conducive to the Blues normal passing game but they showed their versatility by matching the Pumas in every department.

The final whistle blew and both sides exchanged handshakes after a very competitive game. The match was played in a terrific atmosphere with all the players, coaches, referee and spectators contributing to an excellent morning’s football in difficult conditions.    

For his staunch defending and an ‘assist’ for the first goal, Ben was made Man of the Match.