Sunday 18th September another milestone date in the lives of the u12 Pumas as they embarked on their first ever competitive season of football, today's opposition were Aveley of the Brentwood Premier division.

The Pumas started brightly with Ryan leading the way, putting strong tackles in and carrying the ball out of defence with composure against a physically superior Aveley team. Dexter completed the central defensive partnership and was commanding, gritty and read the game beautifully as he neutralised the attack. A spell of nerves for the Pumas saw them concede 2 in quick succession but they stayed cool and waited for their time to shine and that moment came as Harrison picked up the ball on the halfway line, weaved between 2 defenders drawing the foul, he stepped up to take the free kick and from miles out found the top corner with a wonder strike 2-1 HT.

Straight from the restart Tristan chased down the loose ball and scrambled the ball past their keeper for 2-2, fantastic tenacity from the striker who's work rate was off the scale today, deservedly winning himself man of the match and it was an example that the rest of the team followed.

Reece toughed it out with some really strong and quick players, making interception after interception to keep honours even. Ollie was immense in central midfield, winning the ball, tight control, excellent passing and his turn on the attack led to a corner, the delivery was on point and so was Bertie to slot home number 3!

William was always busy in attack and his quick feet were too much for the Aveley defence, his accurate through ball on a plate for Tristan to smash home number 4. Tom played with passion today and dug in at the back to sweep up the counter attack, his control and passing of the highest quality. Max worked his socks off, putting in a massive shift in midfield and was duly rewarded with his first goal for the Pumas taking our tally to 5, well done Max!. Aveley were not done though and it took 3 top quality blocks from stopper Percy to preserve our 3 goal advantage, before finally a glimmer of light for the home side 5-3. Captain Oliver having gelled the midfield together into a hardworking organised unit, sent a delightful through ball to Tristan who skipped through the defence only to be fouled for a penalty, up step super Bertie to smash home number 6 and the Pumas went marching in as deserved victors.

The team spirit, work ethic and letting our football do the talking shone through today, it was humbling to hear the boys after the game, their priority was to win as a team and they were so encouraging of each other. Awesome start - go Pumas !