AFC Tickton Pumas played Hedon Rangers colts at Longcroft School Beverley on Sunday in their third league game of the season.
The Pumas took the lead soon in to the first half with a confident strike from Alex Wright. The Pumas defence looked solid with Elliot Young in goal, Zac Valentine, Jo Anguish, Harry Swift and Luke Straw all playing at the top of their game.
This allowed the centre mid pairing of Jack Blissett and Ryan Collinson to play some smooth passing football and created many chances in the first half. Wingers Adam Fleming and Jake Ingram were influential in making those long runs down the line and putting crosses in.
Alex completed a first half hat-trick and Ryan Collinson got two well taken goals, one with each foot. Will Watson was unselfish in the work he did with great movement and passing. We went into half time 5 – 1 up after conceding one late into the half.
We made some changes in the second half bringing Luke Hartley, Cameron Harley-Shreeve and James Wildbore on. They gave us fresh legs and the team stayed compact. Hedon also made some changes and they began to push and to their credit got back into this game with some super play. Although we let 3 goals in, we never gave up, we continued to play our game and were rewarded with a fabulous goal from Luke Straw who continued a move from his left back position to score.
The goal of the game came from Alex, an inch perfect pass from Ryan found him and he slotted home with great skill. Alex also got another 2 making a hat-trick in both halves for him. Elliot in goal gained an injury after a very brave save, James put on the gloves and he looked very accomplished in goal with good hands and kicking.
We ended the game with a 9 – 4 win, but more important than the score is the way the boys are learning to play the game. They get the ball down and look to pass and work very hard for each other. You should all be proud of yourselves. The ‘Man of the Match’ was awarded to Zac Valentine in centre defence who never missed one tackle today, for me the best game I have ever seen him play. Well done Zac.
Photos by Paul Linton & Matthew Linton
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