LIONS EQUAL TO ALL THAT PUMAS THROW AT THEM.
Sporting 77 Pumas u9s   1
Focus Ferrers Lions u9s  1

Normally a delayed start for an obscene 9.30 ko in Bocking would have been a bonus, but having travelled  the 27 miles there, the Lions and there fans would have preferred to have got the match underway on time. Unfortunately the pitch had clearly seen more dog walking activity than football in recent days and the grisly evidence needed to be cleared.The sharply sloping surface was familiar territory for the Pumas and from the start they swept the ball into the area and went 1-0 up. This was a league cup fixture and the boys had started a player down as Jamie failed an early morning fitness test. The battle was joined and the boys quickly responded with Ben P and Ben B grabbing the majority of midfield ball. Nathan and James were in at the back and some strong challenges were made against the physically stronger Pumas. A neat exchange between Callum  and Ben B put in Tom who just curled a shot wide of the post. Ben P was covering tremendous ground as usual and threaded a neat ball through for Callum who failed to wrap his foot round the ball.The Pumas were still dangerous and Alex was having his best game of the season as time and again every ball into the area found his very safe hands.The equalizer was deserved and it was a smart ball out of defence from Nathan that found the predatory Tom who span past the last defender and cracked a right foot shot into the top corner.Thereafter the remainder of the half was even. After the muddy oranges it was the Lions kicking uphill but this proved an advantage as Jack and Lucas offered the boys width and excellent close control.Jack had an immense game throwing himself into challenge after challenge.His link up play with Ben B was offering chances from the left  and they both put Tom in again only to see the Pumas keeper make an excellent save. This was a cracking cup tie and the  boys were playing like warriors absolutely committed to the cause. Lucas broke free on the right with a mazy dribble as he seemed to float over the mud. He slipped a pass to Callum who just failed to convert. James had been a valiant captain throughout but he went off with a nasty injury 5 mins before the end. Ben P came on to share defensive duties with Nathan, and  again showed the versatility that all of the boys are developing. A late winner was on the cards, but Callums free kick was parried away and the rebound sailed over. The final whistle brought rousing cheers from both fans as the Lions point sealed top spot in the difficult league cup group A and they now await a 2 legged   semi final in the new year. A tremendous performance from the Lions as they met every challenge both football and non football and got the result they richly deserved.Well done boys.

TEAM:ALEX,JAMES,NATHAN,JACK,BEN P,BEN B,CALLUM,LUCAS ,TOM
GOALS:TOM(17)