GTFC finished their Autumn League campaign with a deserved victory at GNG Pumas on Sunday. Again they had to take the field (or in this case, the excellent 3G surface) with a depleted line up, with Max and Lewis still injured and Dan still feeling the effects of an illness. However, Keerthan was back this week, so at least we were able to kick off with a full starting 11.

The visitors were immediately on the attack, with the pace of Fin, Leighton, Keerthan and Harrison causing the GNG defence problems. However, a number of chances were missed, with all of the attackers taking on shots when team mates were better placed in front of goal. The ability to look up and find the killer pass is something we will need to work on for the Spring league, as our pace has caused problems and provided opportunities throughout the Autumn campaign.

Jack went close to opening the scoring with a first time shot from the edge of the box that was well saved (the goal he's been waiting five years for WILL come sooner or later!) before a long kick from Ted found Keerthan, who played through Fin to sprint clear of the defence and put the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper and into the net, giving GTFC the lead with 17 minutes gone.

GTFC continued to look dangerous going forward and there was some good interplay down both flanks. Sean and Dhru were solid in front of the back four, whilst the defence protected Ted in goal, who didn't have a great deal to do. The lead was then extended just before half time, this time with Leighton sprinting clear of the defence to score his sixth goal in open play this season. GTFC therefore went into the break leading 2-0.

Pumas kicked off the second half and gradually got more into the game, forcing a couple of corners, although chances continued to fall to GTFC which they failed to take. The Pumas attack and in particular their number 10 were looking dangerous and with 17 minutes remaining, a through ball saw Ted concede a penalty when he came off his line and rather than collecting the ball, he collected the GNG attacker instead! Despite Ted going the right way, the Pumas number 10 scored, reward for his endeavours throughout the game.

The game was now end to end and without the ability to make substitutions, you could see that GTFC were flagging slightly. However, both Zach and Harry in the full back positions brought the ball out of defence well to get the visitors back on the attack, whilst Jack, Sean, Freddie and Dhru all made important interceptions. Keerthan and Leighton had opportunities to make the game safe, and Harrison and Fin ran themselves into the ground, dropping deep at times and also joining in the attacks.

On the two occasions that the Pumas did get opportunities, Ted made great saves, firstly rushing off his line to narrow the angle and secondly turning a powerful shot around the near post.

The game ended with GTFC again on the attack and on the balance of play, it was a hard won but deserved victory. All 11 players contributed to the win, but it was particularly encouraging to see Sean's development at CDM; we now seem to have found a position that really suits him. Ted and the defence will also be pleased with another strong performance, particularly in the first half when Pumas barely created a chance.

This was GTFC's last game of the Autumn League. Results have been slightly disappointing, but the situation with injuries has not helped. Sporting Loughborough aside, we are competitive with every other team in this league; a draw and two narrow 2-1 defeats against the sides currently in first, second and third prove this. Hopefully, the remaining fixtures in the division will see Sporting Loughborough win their games in hand and get promoted, and the Christmas break will allow us to get players back from injury so that we can mount a proper challenge for the Spring League.