ROCKY’S RETURN ROCKS MELBOURN
Steve Arnold’s Cougars Under10’s travelled to Melbourn Dynamos and put in a great performance again. The visitors started slowly and allowed the hosts to take the lead as Melbourn benefitted from a Cougars own goal. Following the goal a very even and tough tackling game ensued that saw both keepers making some great saves with Cougars’ young veteran Luca Rigolli having a fine game and keeping his team in the game. After the interval Cougars started better with some good play from Spencer Sendell, Freddie Arnold, Jake Lemay and Finlay Walker. The away side got their reward from a corner as the ball fell to Jake Lemay who turned in front of goal slipped the ball between the keeper’s legs. Now with the momentum Cougars pushed on and got a second before the final whistle. Man of the Match went to Joe “Rocky” McKinley who returned after a broken arm to play an inspiring game. After the game Cougars Vice Chairman Pete Rigolli told BBC’s match of the day “Cougars were brilliant today – reminded me of the mighty Spurs”
For Cougars Under11’s it was battle of the invincibles at the weekend as the undefeated Buntingford Cougars Under11’s Blues were at home to an unbeaten Bishops Stortford side. Within the first minute the hosts opened the scoring with a great shot from Dexter Cumberland. Cougars then played delightful football as they passed the ball accurately and enjoyed some great strikes. Top scorer Stan Wennington bought his scoring boots again as he hit the net five times to compliment double strikes from Freddie Bentley and Ollie Baker as well as a goal from Stan Gurney. Around the pitch Cougars players put in a great performance with Rocco Douglas, Ben Maley, Sam Miles, Jack Hedge and Ethan Vater all working extremely well together to thwart some strong Stortford attacks. Cougars kit sponsor Dean Cumberland selected man of the match and was pleased to award the accolade to Rocco Douglas.
Buntingford Cougars Under9’s, who continue to develop well under the stewardship of Wesley Cook hosted Letchworth Silvers at The Bury where the crowd were treated to an amazing Blue Salmon free kick, Austin CooK and Lal Wennington were also on the scoresheet in a nine goal thriller. Cougars Man of the match was captain Blue Salmon. Cougars Under9’s also hosted the Letchworth Golds team and saw Kaan Taz scoring for the home side. Man of the Match went to Alfie Bester.
Cougars Under12’s Blues travelled to St Albans in the second round of the county cup and looked to start well as after three minutes Jack Gurney hit a low screamer into the far corner. By half time though the hosts were two – one up and added a third after the interval. Cougars always looked good to pressure the hosts before the end and indeed Gurney scored twice in the last ten minutes to equally share six goals by the time the final whistle blew. Twenty minutes of extra time ensued and the game looked to be heading to penalties before St Albans scored with three minutes to go and then added a firth in the last few seconds as Buntingford pushed on. Manager Richard Daly said afterwards “It was a great game. Credit to both sets of players who fought hard right to the last second but also played in the right spirit. Good luck to St Albans in the rest of the competition.”
Elsewhere Cougars Under13’s earned a point at home to St Davids in a three all draw, whilst the Under14’s Blues continue their impressive campaign with a two-one away win at Stevenage Boro Bluesox. Also in the Under14 section Cougars Whites won away at Letchworth four-three whilst at home to Pin Green the Stripes lost three nil.
Cougars Under16’s travelled to Cheshunt but came away with no points as they were defeated three nil by the premier league leaders. In the Under18’s section Buntingford’s Blues team exited the County Cup to Stortford Swifts by a solitary goal and the Whites team scored once at Stotfold but were overrun by the home side in the league.
