The games are coming thick and fast as we try and get these young clubs up to speed for the start of the season this Saturday. Time is a factor so we are pushing the lads hard so they can have the success we know they are capable of.

We had a short trip to our friends at Hampton and this time we had a sub as we welcome a couple of the guys back from their summer breaks.

First half saw quite a even contest, with both sides searching for that first goal. For the neutral fan it was an end to end spectacular. Once again I saw improvement, but it was us yet again that gave our opponents the opportunity to play, we keep standing off, watching the football rather than attacking it, our passing was poor only because it was almost non-existence. We really lack hunger, we would lose focus which led to players leaving men unmarked and when marked we would stand the wrong side of our man, ( Goal side guys, always goal side. ).We would panic when we had time on the ball, we would try and dribble when we had been closed down. Still it was an even first half with a big helping hand from our keeper Jack Roberts for keeping the score down to just one nil as we went in half time.

Time for the truth, and the guys got the truth in our half time team talk. I was very pleased how you sat and listened, it’s all for you guys, everything we instruct you to do and try is to help you and the team be all you can be on and off the pitch. I was a touch worried that we had gone to far as we all believe at Pumas that most importantly football should be fun and enjoyable. You told us you aren’t happy losing and you want to win, a chance to win. We can give you the tools, ideas and methods, but we can’t play for you as much as we would like too. All the effort, passion, determination, heart and fire has to come from you!

With all that said the transformation was simply outstanding, we still didn’t pass the ball enough, we still wandered into each others space, we still lost our shape at times and we still got caught up field about three times placing pressure on our defence. This all can be coached and will!
The difference from the first half to the second half, we put in the effort, we played with passion, we fought for every loose ball and won nearly everyone, we attacked in waves, we were cueing up to score and the lads fought for each other. One great through ball from Callum McAuley set up Omar Ellis for our equallizer, a great piece of football. The lads did slip up later and concede one more goal, we trailed Hampton 2 -1.How we didn’t end up in double figures was unbelievable, even the Hampton manager said “your guys missed no end of chances” just hoping the lads are saving them for the league games lol.

This was a massive improvement and this level of effort must continue if the lads wish to be great players we know they can be. It’s time to focus, knuckle down and work for each other.
All the lads were great as usual, you can’t help but feel that way about them, a real bunch of characters a credit to their families and this club.

This season is going to be so much FUN!

Well done lads!

Go Go Pumas!