Buntingford Cougars Under13 Whites continued to impress as they lifted themselves to third in their division with their tenth league victory of the season following a comfortable four-nil home win over Royston Town Youth Rangers. In a fast and sometimes scrappy first half Cougars took an early lead following a frantic goal mouth scramble that was finished with an emphatic strike by Sam Gering, the ball finding its way through a sea of legs. Within ten minutes Tommy Jackson had doubled the lead from the penalty spot after George Lovegrove had been brought down and the a third goal came for Cougars before half time courtesy of an own goal to round off a solid first half. In a sometimes lacklustre second half midfield stalwarts Toby Greaves, Gabi Ba Tin and Marty Pritchard controlled the centre of the park denying Royston the opportunity to build their attacking game and moments of flair were provided by Lovegrove and Will Roads, whose penetrating runs and individual skill harassed the Royston defence. Strikers Owen Slade, Tommy Jackson, Sam Smith and Gerring all tested the Royston goalkeeper, Jackson coming close on two occasions. Cougars eventually increased their lead mid way through the second half via a Nathan Edwards through ball, which found Gerring who skilfully lifted the ball over the keeper to make it four-nil. With some great performances at the back by Matthew Baker, Ben Hawthorn and Sam Jackson Royston were denied any real chances meaning that Cougars keeper Ewan White was rarely tested. The closest Royston came was in the second half with a free kick that despite a great strike was stopped well by White who achieved yet another clean sheet with his consistent and reliable safe pair of hands.
Cougars Under10’s were away at Arseley and their latest signing Stan Gurney got Cougars Blues off to a great start scoring in the first five minutes. Cougars dominated the game with good passing between Fred Betley and Dexter Cumberland leading to Gurney’s second goal on fifteen minutes. Arlesey then made a break following a Cougars corner but were prevented from scoring thanks to the defensive efforts of Jack Hedge and George Brownless. Keeper Brownless was then forced to make a couple of great saves from Arlesey corners. The hosts dominated at the beginning of the second half allowing Jamiu Ajasa and Hedge to showcase their defending skills whilst at the other end Cumberland could not score despite his effort and several attempts on goal.
Buntingford’s Under10’s Whites started their game against Arseley strongly with Ben Perryman having a great shot saved by the Arlesey Keeper and Will Greathead seeing his great effort saved. Cougars were strong in the second half with some great wide runs by Perryman and goal attempts by Thomas Norris.
Cougars Under11’s had all three teams in action with the Blues enjoying a convincing victory against St Davids. Left footers Jack Lally and Lily Hall both found the net with their right boots, Lally bagging a brace. Skipper Jake Votariello was awarded man of the match after bossing the game from the back. Buntingford’s Under11’s Whites scored first against Ashwell Strikes courtesy of a spot kick from Casey Heenan but couldn’t hold on despite a great performance by man of the match Tom Carter as Ashwell ran out winners by three goals to one. Meanwhile Cougars Under11’s Stripes traveled to face Letchworth Reds and looked as though they were heading for a draw after man of the match Yann Boulter scored to cancel out the hosts goal but Letchworth scored in the last five minutes as Cougars struggled to see out the game.
In the Under7’s section Cougars had a fun morning at Wheathampstead in a tournament where Tyler Jordan delivered a well deserved man of the match performance and Henry Turner hit the net twice. Two Cougars teams reached the finals of the mini tournament and were a credit to Buntingford.
Elsewhere at the weekend Buntingford’s Under12’s had a high scoring home win against Letchworth whilst the Under14’s lost out away to Bedwell and the Under15’s Blues were unable to overcome Knebworth at home.
