We started that day with Oliver in goal, Flynn and EThan secure at the back, Ethan W, Craig and Tai across the middle and JAck leading the front line.

Unfortunately Pumas didn't get out of the blocks as we hoped and Gunthorpe pressed forward with our old friend Alfie H giving them a good threat.

After around 10 mins the guys got more of a foothold in the game and to be fair Oli had very little to do in the Pumas goal. But we struggled to convert the chances that we were creating. Some powerful runs in the middle from Craig, Ethan and Tai saw us take control of the middle and build on a solid looking back line led by Ethan C supported by Flynn.

Jack did seem a little isolated up front but hassled well and drove the team forward with some good runs, also tried some skills and flicks which didn't really come off in this game but always good to see players trying new things from time to time.

Alfie & Oli B came into the game half way through the first half an made a positive impression. Both wings looked solid with Craigs powerful runs driving the team further forward as we felt things looked really solid at the back with the two Ethans working well together.

One of these forward runs with the ball saw Craig bomb up the right, Jack made a nuisance of himself in the box and the ball broke for Oliver who provided a nice finish just before half time. Objective achieved, the boys didn't concede and they managed to score a goal. But knowing these lads as I do they had more to give and they knew it too.

The second half we stayed unchanged and I asked the boys to keep things tight for 5-10 minutes and then look to hit on the break. True to form the boys did exactly that and it didn't take long after the start of the second half for them to hit Gunthorpe on the break. A strong run again from Craig some good work in the middle from Jacke and Oli B put a lovely finish into the roof of the net from 3 yards out - a good team goal.

We maybe thought the game was almost done at that point but we pushed on and opportunities came but we struggled a little with the finishing and the Gunthorpe keeper put a few cracking saves. These would come back to haunt us after Gunthorpe continued to press later on in the half. It would take a great strike, a dodgy decision or an individual error to get them back into the game. Unfortunately the ball broke in our box after a shot and Oli struggled to hold it. He got two hands on the ball but a tackle them took the ball out of Oli's hands and into the goal. Not really for me to say which one the 3 noted above but that made the score 2-1 with around 7 minutes or so left. Oli's wrist is recovering well.

The game continued and the Pumas let the frustrations grow and we lost a little bit of discipline in our shape and defending but to be fair it still looked secure. A high ball went up in the middle, bounced up and hit Craig's hand which was low by his side, the decision again went the way of Gunthorpe. The resulting free-kick was launched straight into the box where a flick-on in the crowed box took it away from the outstretched hand of Oli.

It was disappointing for the boys to give away a 2 goal lead and they came off a little deflated but this is a measure of their development over the last few months. A good learning experience in that we need to take our chances when they come up, just in case things out of our control have an impact on the game. Onwards and upwards for the next game boys, more fun next week - GO PUMAS !!!

P.S. Huge thanks to the fabulous Pumas Parents that support the boys and me with all the help to setup and take down equipment - we couldn't do any of this without your fabulous support - I really appreciate it!!