In the May sunshine, during a titanic battle in the final of the Under 10's Wiltshire Cup 'Red', BTYFC Pumas produced a fantastic display to secure 2-1 victory over Trowbridge Wanderer's and bring home the trophy home for Bradford Town. After quarter and semi final wins against Calne and Larkhall respectively, the win capped off a terrific season for the Pumas which saw them deliver the first ever piece of silverware.
The game was a tense affair played on a very slow and dry pitch at the home of the Wiltshire FA in Devizes, but this did hold the Pumas back, as they dominated the game from the outset. The Pumas were ahead early on after some great interchange from Louis Owen and Ozzie Huke into the box before a lovely slide pass set-up Rufus Ryan to slot home.
The Pumas kept playing their football and created lots of chances, hitting the post and making sure their keep was busy, but alas a second goal did not materialise. In defence Rupert Wallis put in another great performance playing as a sweeper, keeping Trowbridge away from their goal.
In the second half the inevitable fightback came and although the Puma's dominated most of the possession, they soon created a few chances which saw them hit the post and then out of the blue, hit a speculative effort from long range which looped over the goalkeeper. Surely the Puma's could not throw it away from here?
The Pumas reacted brilliantly pushing Trowbridge back in the closing minutes, producing sustained pressure on their goal with numerous corners and goal bound efforts. After his long rage winner in the semi-final, the Pumas coach rolled the dice and sent on Eddie Bell for the last minutes and the risk paid off. One final corner into the box and after a flurry of legs and attempts to clear, Eddie showed great composure to smash home the winner which saw the whole team (and maybe the coaches 'cough!') run around in total jubilation and ecstasy.
After a gruelling year of football with many highs and lows, the Pumas came out on top as the final whistle blew, the players soaking everyone with their water bottles and they revelled in the delight of lifting their first ever trophy.
Congratulations to the whole team, coaches and parents who will remember this day for many years to come!
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