A really tight & even contest from the opening whistle. The girls battled throughout, lead by Eva & Letty & deservedly took the lead through Mia. An unbelievable last ditch tackle from Eva & then some firm defending from the Pumas saw them hold out for the result

Goal by: Mia ⚽️

• Game 2 vs Hemel Aces Leopards

A game that wasn’t the prettiest but another competitive battle till the end. A lapse in concentration saw Hemel score first but the response from the Pumas was brilliant. A solid tackle from Harper, saw the ball fall to Letty & after a great run she released Mia who equalised. Then after a couple of wasted chances, the Pumas won it with a fantastic team goal. After a couple of passes in the middle, the ball got played out wide to Ella who played a first time ball through to Mia who made no mistake with the finish.

Goals by: Mia ⚽️⚽️

• Game 3 vs St Albans City Youth

Another tight contest that was ultimately lost in a 2 minute spell due to the Pumas switching off throughout the team which allowed St Albans to score 2 quick fire goals. Whilst the Pumas tried to battle on, they just couldn’t make a breakthrough.

• Game 4 vs Bishops Stortford FC

A really disappointing game that the Pumas deserved to lose sadly. A lack of concentration & complete lack of shape saw Stortford take full advantage of the gaps, opportunities & space given to them. The heat was also taking its toll at this point.

• Game 5 vs Hemel Town Reds

An even game that saw few chances in the opening 5 mins until Letty pressed from front & defender into a mistake before cooly slotting home her first of the day. Peggy worked tirelessly & Harper came close with a longe range effort. The Pumas battled on looking to get a second before a very dubious penalty decision saw Hemel get back into the contest & almost nick the win right at the end but for 2 excellent saves from Mia.

Goals by Letty ⚽️

Game 6 (Shield Final) vs Hemel Town Reds (AET)

Like the group stage game, this was a hard fought contest with both sides battling for every single ball. With both teams standing firm defensively or wasting the half chances they did get, neither keeper had much to do. The game went to extra-time & whilst the Pumas battled, another lapse in concentration & shape saw Hemel score. The Pumas battled & pressed till the very end & whilst they put Hemel under a lot of pressure, they just couldn’t find an equaliser.

Overall, a tournament of what could’ve have been. Whilst the girls battled & work hard (especially with no subs), some big improvements need to be made both individually & collectively if this group of girls are going to push on, however another experience of a final will stand them in good stead especially on such a hot day

Finally thanks & well done to Hemel Hempstead Football Club for a fantastic tournament. All the best to them for the season ahead! ??

Player of the Tournament
? Letty - Her energy, tackling & work rate was excellent throughout.

Special mention to Mia for helping us out today ??