A stunner

Team Sheet : Coby, EthanR, EthanT, George, Isaac, James, Jasper, Lewis, Mason, Oliver, Rui, Stanley, Thomas, Travis

Overcast and cooler today than last week, but decent conditions for Oliver, Isaac, Sam, Coby, Rui, EthanR, Travis, Thomas and Lewis to take to the field first.

The game started off reasonably evenly balanced, albeit mostly in the Pumas’ half. When the ball did break (a trait of the Pumas from when we’ve played them before), Sam, Isaac and Coby were confident and solid in defence, holding the line well.

The Iguanas built pressure through the half, and started to have a few attempts at goal. EthanR and Thomas combined to force a good save, and Rui was unlucky for a longer range shot to just go over the bar. Lewis also forced a save in quick succession.

Complacency was to be avoided as the Pumas were getting better at breaking. The Iguanas’ defence couldn’t counter every break, but Oliver was on hand with a great save at close quarters on one break, and alert and sharp on intercepting a couple of others in the half.

George, EthanT and Mason came on for Rui, Sam and Isaac.

Shortly after the substitutions, Travis opened up an opportunity down the left wing. Cutting in to his right, he unleashed a fabulous shot that beat the Pumas’ keeper and banged into the top right of the goal. The pressure was starting to pay off.

The Iguanas pushed again from the restart. Showing a lot more urgency to the ball than we’ve seen in the last few weeks, the Pumas were given no rest. Lewis held the ball up really well in the middle of the pitch, and found EthanT with a neat pass. EthanT showed his usual strength, battling through the Pumas’ defence. Getting himself into a one on one position, he timed his move to perfection. As the keeper came out, EthanT slipped the ball to his left to increase the score.

Stanley replaced Thomas, along with James and Jasper making way for Lewis and Coby. And the pressure continued, but not without the Pumas also showing that the Iguanas could not rest on ther laurels, a quick break being intercepted nicely by Oliver.

Not to be outdone, EthanR, EthanT and Jasper combined to move the ball quickly in the other direction. Passing the ball out to Travis more to the left, he unleashed another belter that the Pumas’ keeper could not stop.

To be fair to the Pumas, they did keep trying to break out of their half, but each time it was covered well. EthanR and George demonstrated some great pairing up to snuff out one threatening attack.

Then more excitement. Getting the ball down to the Pumas’ touchline. A corner was forced. Travis stepped up and curled the ball across the goal, for it to go in off the post! What a way to seal a hat trick!!

The Iguanas really had the bit between their teeth, Stanley proving particularly strong in the last 5 minutes or so of the game. He showed great awareness and control to prevent the ball progressing into his own half, and linked up well with James and then EthanT, who were both unlucky not to convert.

A fantastic half, and a well-deserved scoreline.

Half time

Oliver, Coby, Isaac, Sam, Rui, Thomas, Stanley, Jasper and Lewis sought to build on the first half performance first.

More evenly balanced play matched the first half start, but this time the Pumas were to strike. A Pumas cross left Oliver slightly unsighted. The ball ended up hitting his leg and deflecting in off the post for a slightly odd goal.

The Iguanas picked up the pace from the restart. Thomas had a long shot saved. A couple of corners didn’t amount to anything, but then a third corner after a few minutes of pressure was well delivered by Lewis from the left corner. Lofted at a perfect height, Thomas met the ball with a clean, well directed header to restore the lead to how it was.

Rui was proving very strong in midfield, breaking up attacks and taking players on neatly. Jasper and Lewis both came close from chances Rui created.

Isaac tracked back really well for a Pumas’ break, working well with Oliver to avoid having to turn back on himself. This was mature, well-communicated play to prevent any danger.

Just before this half’s main substitutions, a solid cross from Thomas was volleyed just over the bar by Lewis.

EthanR, James and Travis replaced Thomas, Stanley, and Lewis.

Rui won a free kick in the middle of the pitch, and sent a lovely ball over to EthanR wide on the right, the ball ultimately just going out of touch. But it demonstrated more good communication and alertness from the Iguanas.

Jasper, Isaac and Sam then made way for EthanT, George and Mason.

The Pumas forced a lovely double save from Oliver, who then released Travis up the left wing. The keepers’ goal kicks and distribution were on the money today. Travis ran up the majority of the left-side and whipped over a nice little cross. James met this perfectly, getting the ball under control with one touch and then firing the ball at the goal, where the keeper could do nothing with it.

Shortly after his goal, James had to come off the pitch with a sore knee. And a little later Jasper replaced Rui who had also picked up a knock.

The Pumas weren’t entirely over and out in this half, continually probing the Iguanas’ line. Oliver was alert again, intercepting the ball, and in the latter stages of the half performing another double save. But nor were the Iguanas quietened, with Jasper causing the Pumas a lot of difficulty with good pace and skill through the field.

EthanT also wanted more action, dribbling the ball well in his usual way, never going down and always battling. He and Lewis forced a couple more saves from the keeper and generally ensured the ball remained in the Pumas’ half for the remainder of the game.

The full-time whistle went with the score remaining very decisive.

The Pumas seem to bring out the very best in the Iguanas. In all the previous games, every player has stepped up, communication has been solid and the passing moves and general play deserving of at least the scoreline the team earn. Today’s performance was the same, demonstrating clearly that the team can beat anyone in the league when they all connect fully. A brilliant game to watch and the boys should all be proud of the result. Hopefully this will carry through into the last few games of the season, and the Iguanas can end a superb season on a high.

Iguana of the Match : Travis – a hat trick, an assist and some brilliant play on the left side of the park (tackling, holding the ball etc). Super performance.