The Pumas have been controversially beaten by the Hurricanes in a cup match, just last month. However, a second chance presented itself in the league for the Pumas to set the records straight, as the better team with resources and desire in the league. Jacob's 43rd minute well struck penalty kick, secured the Pumas’ a well-deserved league win over the Hanworth Villa Hurricanes. This impressive victory moves us into fifth position on the log, albeit having played more matches over some of the chasing pack.

With Isaac and Ajay pulling out at late notices, due to injury and illness, the Pumas started brightly but could not make our dominance count. The Pumas were undone by familiar bane, an in-swinging corner kick into the six-yard box. This cross was met by the firm header of the Hurricanes’ no.8.

The Pumas responded when a combination of high press and the quick feet of Jacob, put the lively Jaiden through on goal. He made the efforts count by nudging the ball to the goal keeper’s left.

Yet Puma's failed to get the memo, by conceding yet from another in-swinging corner kick in the 26th minute. A case of double jeopardy, as the same combination produced the second goal. Hurricanes’ no 8 had a free reign at goal, with the multitude of Pumas’ players flat footed and ball watching. However, the Pumas didn’t wilt and responded with another equalizer, after winning a free-kick at the edge of the Hurricanes’ box in the 28th minute. Up step Jacob, who won the free-kick after displaying some silky moves.

The free-kick was well struck and precise to the Hurricanes’ goalie’s right. Game on!

Pumas’ first XI

Nathan continued in goal, with the coach making some tactical tweak to the line-up. Tom dropped into the back three, alongside James and Omar. William, Tené, Miles, Heath, Jacob; with Jameel joining Jaiden up-front in a formation that mirrored a 3-1-4-2. Samuel recovered in time and was joined by Shak on the bench.

We were without the listed Isaac and Ajay through injury and illness.

A familiar feeling – early setback

Pumas got the game underway at about 11.31am under a clement weather and a great pitch to match the skills, passion and tenacity that their game deserve. The first throw-in was conceded by the Pumas on the 40 seconds mark - made it two in two minutes – as we tried to settle into the game.

Tom won a clever free-kick off the Hurricanes’ no 7, as it was evident from the off, what their game plan was. However, the fans had a sense of familiar feeling returning, when the Pumas conceded the first corner kick of the game in the 7th minute. As had been identified and highlighted by the coach, the Pumas have suffered most goals from corner kicks, since the start of the season. Pumas were undone yet again in the Feltham sunshine!

Reward for belief

Responded to the setback from going behind, with quick passing and a long pass to pick out the run of Jacob. The Pumas' no 10 could not however pick out his forwards with a deep cross that was comfortable for the Hurricane's goalie. The attempted play out by the Hurricanes was disrupted by our aggressive press, which resulted in another throw close to the corner flag. From the resultant throw-in, Miles launched a long one into the box that was helped by Jacob on its way. The flick was cleared out by the HV’s defence, but as far as to Omar. We were literally camped in the HV's half at this point. An exchange of passes between Omar and Jacob was intercepted by the HV's midfielder, but William was on hand to nip the ball and pass to Miles. Miles' long cross into the HV's box was again half cleared by the Hurricanes’ defence. Once again, William showed the desire to step in and fed the ball to Jacob, who dribbled past a couple HV's players before releasing Jaiden - to square the tie.

Exerting dominance

Mazy run from James, found Jacob who threaded a pass to Jameel. Jameel's squared ball across to pick out the run of Tene was foiled. This period prompted a series of changes from the Hurricanes’ bench in the 16th and 22nd minutes.

Going behind – yet again!

Another corner kick conceded by the Pumas in just over a minute. This prompted the quick thinking of the Hurricane's coach to make an "emergency" sub and re-introduced the left footed no 10 for another in-swinger.

Yet again, we refused to yield the obvious warnings and they exploited our apparent weakness. Another corner kick from the left footed no 10, yielding another goal from the no 8. Same combination! Although, it appeared as if the last touch came off their no 2.

Pumas and Resilience!

After Nathan gathered in the 28th minute, he played it long this time to Jacob. The Pumas' no 10 passed to Omar and Pumas showed that they can also mix it up, by going long towards Jaiden whose attempted cushion to Jameel was intercepted.

But with the Pumas stepping up the pressure and sensing danger before half-time, there were quick passing between Heath and Tené, with Jacob receiving the ball from Tené – he made a purposeful drive towards the box, but was fouled for his troubles. Free-kick in a promising position.

The resultant free-kick was well struck and precise to the goalie’s right. All square!

Making dominance count

There was a momentary stop in the match, due to the Hurricane’s goalie requiring medical attention.

At this point, the Pumas’ bench made their own first set of substitutions. Off - Jacob and Miles, On – Samuel and Shak.

A period of dominance, with some eye-catching sequence of passes by the Pumas, ended up with the award of a dubious throw-in by the Hurricanes’ linesman, much to the awe of the boys in yellow.

The boys showed that they learn fast, and returned the courtesy to the Hurricanes. Heath delivered an in-swinger of our own from the right, which was met by a glancing header from James – last kick of the half. Score: 2 – 3!

HALF-TIME

Substitutions by Pumas – Off - Jameel and Heath, On – Jacob and Miles.

Sustained dominance and crashing the bar

The second half was restarted by the Hurricanes, and it didn’t take long before we picked up from where we left off. A free-kick won by James in the 1st minute of restart, was taken long towards the Hurricanes’ goal – with Jacob and Miles vying for a shot. Miles shot and fiercely too, which was parried for a corner by the Hurricanes’ no 1.

The possession was recycled with some sustained early pressure, ending with Jacob crashing a long-range effort against the cross bar. Rebound however fell to Jaiden who miscued his attempted bicycle kick. Samuel picked up the bit, but angled wide.

Pulling clear…at last

A throw from Omar released Miles in the 42nd minute, who initially had his shirt pulled. Hurricanes’ no 3 intervened and cleared the ball, only as far as to Shak, who in turn found Tené. Our no 3 would take a good shot that was seemingly headed towards the goal, but was blocked by the HV's goalscorer, with a hint of handball.

The blocked shot would fall nicely to Jaiden, who was clearly impeded as he made attempt to control and shoot. Decision - Penalty to Pumas.

Goal in 43rd minute - Penalty kick by Jacob. Shot to the right of the goalie

Snuffing out any hope

A ball over the top of the Pumas' defence line in the 48th minute, did trouble us with the Hurricanes’ no 11 charging towards goal. He was however fouled by James to concede a dangerous free-kick at the edge of the Pumas' box.

Expectedly, the HV's coach called on his deadball specialist, in the left-footed no 10 to try his luck from close range. This time around, he was thwarted by a smart save from Nathan. The rebound was hacked away by Miles for HV's throw.

The Hurricanes was left frustrated and eventually lost their heads. Strings of dirty fouls were committed, that left the referee with no option than to issue two yellow cards in 55thminute and stoppage time.

Key statistics

Surely, what a difference a year can make in the lives of footballers, considering that the Pumas' last visit to the Hurricanes, ended in a heart wrenching 8-1.

Goals: Hurricanes: no8 7’, 26’ (assist left-footed no10); Pumas: Jaiden 9’ (assist Jacob), Jacob 29’, James 35’+2 (assist Heath), Jacob 43’ (penalty)

Shot at goal: HV 7 – P 10
Shot on target: HV 5 – P 7
Yellow cards: HV 2 – P 0
Offsides: HV 2 – P 0

What comes next

The Pumas play host to Singh Sabha in the next match day, while the Hurricanes visit the EPC whites.