Orpington Rovers Pumas vs FD United
2 - 5
23 September 2018 · Tandridge Youth Football League<br>Central
Home league match played on 23 September 2018.
Kicked off at 12:30 PM
2-5
vs FD United
Home league match
Report written by Steve McCartney
We welcomed FD United for our first home game of the season. The dark grey clouds began to clear as we approached the 12:30 kick off. The pitch looking in immaculate condition after the morning downpour.
The kick off was slightly delayed as we waited for the referee to arrive but we were soon underway.
The Pumas lined up with Brandon in goal, Joe and Connor as the two full backs with Ben and Dylan completing the back four. The midfield was made up of Sam, Tom and Luke. Gino, Ace and Logan making up the eleven. Jacob and James starting today as the substitutes. We wish George a speedy recovery after breaking his arm in midweek.
There were early exchanges from teams on the slick surface with the both goalkeepers having early touches of the ball. As the game unfolded it was United who began to look the most likely to take the lead keeping the Rovers back four busy. With 21 minutes played the visitors took a deserved lead. The hosts played some nice football after the restart coming close on a couple of occasions but it was the visitors who doubled their lead on the half hour. Marco bought on James at this point for Tom and shuffled the midfield.
The referee blew for half time with the Pumas trailing by two. Jacob replaced Logan at the interval and the two teams lined up for the second half.
The Pumas looking to get back in the game from the restart started the more brightly. Dylan playing as a striker linking well with Gino and Ace. Jacob and Ben now looking more assured at the back. However, it was United who scored next two. With Pumas trailing by four this kick started a revival. Gino hitting the cross bar, Sam testing the goalkeeper the boys took command of the match. On the 55th minute the pressure the boys were applying paid off with a superb second goal of the season from Ace, shooting from outside the area. Four minutes later the lead was halved. Connor taking a well struck corner fell to James at the far post who finished superbly.
The boys, buoyant and playing some lovely football, looked to claw back the deficit. Luke and Sam combining well in midfield creating more chances.
With the boys tiring and the game coming close to the final whistle it was the visiting team who again found the net.
The whistle to end the game was blown by the referee who officiated well with the match ending 2-5 to United. The second half performance was much improved and leaves a base for the team to build on and if continued will bode well for upcoming games.
Congratulations to Joe for a well deserved Man-of-the-match performance at right back.