Puttenham kicked off their league campaign going into the relatively unknown starting this season in a new league.

A couple of changes to the side from last weeks friendly saw Karl Walton start after a good performance from the bench last week and Richard Turnidge come into right back and Joe Flanaghan slotting into centre back.

A strong looking starting line up despite injuries to 2 key players in the form of Craig Gapper (ankle) and skipper Scott Acton (knee) started off really well in the opening 5 minutes. Good pressing in the middle from Steve Lewis, Jack Eddy and Chris Stevens saw the home side winning the ball back high up the pitch and not letting the opposition play.
Unfortunately this didn't continue and after a couple of half chances the away side took the lead. After the initial cross was cleared the following cross, which was a very good ball in saw the ball go in off the attacker despite Ben Eddys jaw doing its best effort to keep it out.
0-1.

Puttenham did eventually grow into the game and after some good work down the right Karl Walton headed it through to Terral Allen who got off the mark for the season with a smart finish.
1-1.

Half time.

A couple of second half changes didn't change too much in terms of balance of play with both teams huffing and puffing.
The away side with the first real chance of the half after Ben Eddy bought down the forward to give away a penalty.
A returning club legend in the form of Mikey Matthews in the sticks brilliantly denied and saved the penalty with a great save low to this left.

Puttenham did create a couple of half chances. A long bouncing ball over the top saw Terral help it on its way goal ward but good reactions saw the keeper turn it wide.

The winner did come late on but for the away side. A throw in lander to the sub who turned it in with a brilliant finish into the far corner.
1-2.

A draw in reflection probably would of been a fair result but Puttenham certainly didn't do enough to win the game and have things to improve on going forward.

Player Ratings
Mikey Matthews 8.6
Richard Turnidge 6
James Teager 6.6
Joe Flanaghan 6.3
Ben Eddy 6
Steve Lewis 6
Chris Stevens 6.6
Jack Eddy 6.3
Karl Walton 5.6
Daniel Gauld 6.6
Terral Allen 6.6
Ben Traverso 5.6
Dan Zubiena 4.6

Man of the Match: Mike Matthews

Match Preview

Match details

Match date

Kickoff