Pumas pulled their best performance of the season out of the bag against big local rivals Blackstones in what was quite a special day!
A day that very nearly didn’t happen, due to referee issues, was thankfully not ruined, and both sets of players could play the game.
Pumas had 3 subs for the first time this season, which was a very nice problem to have for once as a coach; especially when the team selection I started with came out of the blocks on fire.

Within the first 9 minutes, Pumas could have had this game wrapped up. Great early pressure on the defence from Josh, Deshawn, Alfie and Tyran was causing Blackstones all sorts of problems.
Pumas were chasing down every back pass, camping Blackstones in their own half; they couldn’t get out. Tyran chased down the keeper in the 3rd minute in their box, only to see the ball smash off Tyran’s back and run agonisingly past the wrong side of the post.
2 minutes later it was Deshawn to chase down the ball in Blackstones defence, causing the ball to be given away and the ball landing at Josh’s feet. He then put the ball narrowly past the left hand post.

Pumas were pushing forward in force, with Edgar and JJ running the show in the middle of the pitch, ‘putting out fires’ of any potential danger and impressively feeding the wingers Alfie and Tyran.
Edgar drove the ball forward at any opportunity, having a long range shot himself, which was saved well. A minute later Alfie, who worked his socks off down the right wing, refused to give in - dribbling his way to 3 corners in 2 minutes.

The 10th minute popped up and so did Tyran, to score his first of what went on to be some day for himself. Deshawn again chased down a defender, putting pressure on him and winning the ball outside the box. This allowed Josh to square the ball and on the half volley, Tyran superbly dispatched his shot, curling it into the top right corner. An awesome strike that was richly deserved from the first 10 minutes.
2 minutes later, Tyran should have made it 2-0 as an awesome ball cutting Blackstones defence in half from JJ had Tyran sprinting on to the ball for a one-on-one situation in which the keeper saved.

Blackstones cleared their lines and made their way up to the half way line before JJ was there again to win the ball and pass to Edgar. A neat one-two with Alfie set Edgar off down the right, who showed his pace by beating 2 defenders charging into the box and choosing to shoot early and powerfully. However, the Blackstones keeper pulled off a fantastic high save, pushing the ball over the bar.
On the 15 minute mark, we were finally treated to the second goal of the day from JJ. An attack from Alfie down the right, with him playing some nice football with Deshawn who managed to turn away from danger, spotting JJ on the edge of the box who shot first time right-footed into the bottom left hand corner. A quality finish from a quality player.

Blackstones went on to gaining a little success down our wings sometimes, but it was always dealt with by our well-drilled defence. Captain TJ probably had a sore throat after this game as you could hear his voice throughout, organising and commanding of his defence.
Rahim and Maxim in the centre back spots gave a very solid physical base, but also height and with another very talented skilful player ,right back Evrian.
We had been working a lot in training on the defensive shape and line, and you could certainly see the effects in this game, which was fantastic.

Blackstones were resorting to long shots when they could, but these were not causing Warren any trouble in goal.
Before we knew it, it was nearly half time but there was just enough time for Tyran to have another one-on-one opportunity.
Ari, Jack and Flynn had entered the field and it was Ari who helped play a part in the third goal. This time, it was a lot of his own making, as the move started from TJ and Ari in our own half before Tyran flew down the left wing with the ball. He clearly had the pace of the defence all day, as he cut inside and this time finished decisively as the keeper shaped up in front of him.
It was my best half time chat ever I think. I simply said get out there and don’t change anything; everyone had been superb. There’s more goals in this game so let’s go again!

2nd half started with a bang again, as 5 minutes in we were gifted with probably the best individual pass of the day.
The Pumas pushed into Blackstones half through Edgar, who fed Alfie, attacking hard. Cutting inside into the middle of the pitch, he played a nice one-two with Ari and found himself on the edge of the box with two defenders in front of him.
Then came the magic. Shaping his body to maybe pass back out to the right to Jack, Alfie suddenly chopped the ball with the inside of his foot between both defenders, bouncing once before a bullish Tyran pounce and volleyed - right footed this time - into the top corner to claim his first hat trick for the Pumas. Another awesome finish to a simply genius bit of thinking from Alfie.
At this point I decided to play around with a few positions and let some players have an opportunity at playing in more attacking positions, with Jack and Alfie both having a stint up front, and Deshawn and Josh playing on the wings.
The next 5 minutes, Blackstones started to come into the game a bit more, with more possession then some clear goal-scoring chances; they were starting to get behind the defence and apply pressure on Warren at back passes and corners.
Warren, however, dealt with these brilliantly. Brushing off last weekend, his confidence was buzzing and he had no concerns at the ball at his feet.

At the 50th minute, their striker went charging into the box and collided with Warren sliding out. Unfortunately my sight was blocked so I couldn’t say what actually happened. However, Blackstones dispatched the penalty well, giving Warren no chance of stopping it. A minute later and Blackstones nearly had another, as their winger got past our defence on the left and had a decent shot hit the far post.
A bit of reshuffling was needed again to sturdy the ship, and 3 minutes later Pumas were back to business as Rahim this time pushed forward from the midfield. He put a good ball through for Tyran to get away for the defence on the left and finish well once more to collect his 4th of the game.
2 minutes later saw another surging run from Edgar, collecting the ball in our own half and taking on 3-4 players as he cut his way through Blackstones. Making his way in to the box he was forced wide and shot into the side netting.
65th minute saw ex-Blackstones player Josh latch onto a good ball through from Jack to fish well as the keeper came out to make it 6-1. A much deserved goal for a very hardworking performance like the 13 others in a Pumas shirt.
The game still had time to see another chance that should have gone in. Deshawn went on a inspired run from just inside Blackstones’ half; taking on 2 midfielders and one defender, he cut back on to his right foot for what I thought would be greeted with the net bulging, but he decided - very unselfishly - to cross to the back post for Maxim, steaming full throttle only to see his first time effort somehow saved by their keeper again.

Fulltime whistle brought an end to a really awesome and exceptionally proud day, particularly for me as their coach, and I’m sure the parents who watching.
It was a real pleasure to see some of the football we played but also to see what we’ve been working on in training actually working on the pitch - defensively and offensively.
Every single one of the 14 players were absolutely brilliant. Every one put a shift in and played fantastically.

Remember, Blackstones finished above us in the league last season and beat us twice, so i think it really says something about this performance and the team in general.

Man of the Match: Should be everyone really! But it has to go to 4 goal man Tyran! Congrats on his first Puma's Hatrick and 4 goals in game.