Some fine individual displays from Park Farm players could not make a difference to the score in this one-sided game. After a fairly even 5 minutes, Yaxley began to use a succession of clever 1-2’s and interplay to break through the visitor’s defence, ultimately resulting in a landslide victory.

A nearby road-closure could not prevent Kevin having a squad of 9 players to choose from, albeit with a delayed kick-off. Jack started in goal, with Alessio and Roy in defence. Setch kept his place in the heart of midfield, flanked by Daniel on the right and Louis on the left of a midfield three. Josh followed up his man-of the-match performance against March by playing again as the lone striker. Ethan and Harry started on the bench –OK, they stood next to Kevin on the side-line.

The match kicked off with some good, strong passing from both teams. Pumas’ defence and midfield were concentrating hard and working to get back and defend. Both Daniel and then Louis showed good composure and control to play the ball out from defence along the sides of the pitch. Louis enjoyed an early chance on the right-side of the Yaxley penalty area, just failing to connect with a loose ball.

Yaxley were making good progress on the right-wing and it needed a fine block from Alessio to prevent a dangerous cross getting into the danger area. Setch was showing his strength and bravery, heading a clearance away from Jack’s goal. Yaxley’s forwards found more success through the middle of the Pumas’ defence however and after 5 minutes a quick, well controlled dribble past two players resulted in the first goal.

It goes without saying that the Reds’ heads didn’t drop an inch after this, or indeed any of the goals against them. In fact Setch had the confidence to play an audacious looping pass over the top of two Yaxley players straight from the restart. Shortly after this Setch also fizzed a long-range free-kick just wide, as the game took shape.

Unfortunately for Pumas Yaxley’s players are quick learners and soon realised that running at the heart of the visitor’s defence was a sure-thing. A spate of goals followed, as both fine dribbling skills and quick precise passing opened up the Red’s defence time and time again. Amongst this onslaught there was some fine goalkeeping from Jack, who was positive and strong in claiming many through-balls before the onrushing Yaxley forwards could connect. 5-0 to Yaxley at half-time.

Not sure what players get paid for goal bonuses at under-10 level (probably iPads –I’m out of touch), but the home side were out for more straight from the kick-off to the second half. At least we were spared the indignity of the opposition’s goalie running around the pitch like a centre-forward for the last 20 minutes (last week’s cup game). The score was doubled, plus 4, with Setch making some fantastic saves to keep it to this score.

Man of the match for Pumas goes to Roy, for continuing to pass the ball when he could. He also showed some deft touches and good skills to keep possession of the ball at times. Both Daniel and Louis showed good positive attitude in making runs down the wings when opportunities arose. Louis is becoming an expert at corners and free-kicks, putting good strength and accuracy on his dead-balls. Ethan put in a shift in midfield. Setch was brave and committed in his tackles and, like Roy, passed when possible then made some fine stops in goal in the second-half. Josh made the most of the few scraps he fed off up front. He is good at turning his man and on another day would have broken free of the defence to get in on goal. Jack played a blinder in goal in the first half and worried the Yaxley defence with his strong running in the second. Harry looked very mobile and quick to close down the opposition’s forwards, his strong tackling also helping out the under pressure defence. Alessio too helped keep the score down by reacting quickly to dangerous situations, both through his clearances and his strong headers.

On a final positive note, the Yaxley coach told me that the exposed pitch is horrible to play on during the winter. So at least we won’t have to experience that treat!