Buntingford’s Under12’s Blues went top of their table on Sunday with a convincing three nil victory over bottom side Fairlands Blues. In cold wet, windy conditions at London Road Cougars started brightly and continued throughout the first half to fire efforts at the visitor’s goal but were mostly off target from Jack Gurney, Charlie Fountain, Jack Lally and Jimmy Brown. A goalless first half gave Fairlands some hope and they started well in the second half and should have gone ahead when Cougars Skipper Jake Vottariello brought down a tricky Fairlands striker in the box. The ensuing penalty however was struck wide of Sam Daly’s goal. With Fairlands starting to tire Cougars stepped up a gear and Brogan Fakhfakh found Gurney with a stunning through ball. The Cougars top scorer made no mistake in a one on one with the visitors’ keeper to warm the supporting home side’s parents. Gurney added two more goals to notch his second hat trick in two consecutive matches for the prolific goal machine.
In the mini soccer section Cougars Under8’s Whites (pictured) played an epic match at Stortford. William Brown scored early on but his effort was cancelled out by the home side. In the second half Harry Norris scored his first ever Cougars goal. The game looked to be heading for a draw until in the last minute T.J. Curtis struck a sweet shot from outside the penalty area that flew into the back of the net, his performance earned him the man of the match award. After the match Cougars Under8’s Whites Boss Tom Curtis told BBC’s 5Live show “I was overwhelmed with the players’ performances today. I am a very proud Cougars Manager.”
Buntingford Cougars Under8’s blues played Stevenage Boro at the Valleys in Stevenage on Saturday. Shortly after the start of the game play was stopped due to adverse weather conditions but when play restarted Cougars guardian Lui Lo Conte became unwell so Fraser Finlay deputised in goal. Soon after the forced change some great Cougars play put Rylee Kitteringham through on goal and he slotted home to put Cougars in the lead, Kitteringham doubled his tally a few minutes later with a stunning left foot strike. Dan Fone notched a goal scored to put Cougars further ahead before Oscar Kay slotted one in for the team and then fired a great free kick into the top corner of the goal. In the second half Kitterigham went in goal and made some good decisions before the home side pulled one back. Towards the end of the match Cougars had numerous chances and then Fraser Findlay scored a deflected goal. After the match Luke Fone told BT Sports “I’m very proud of the players, it was a great team effort today”.
Cougars Under9’s Blues travelled to The Baldock Arena to play Stotfold Gold on Saturday and enjoyed a closely fought encounter. The ever improving Austin cook opened the scoring followed by a strike from Lal Wennington. The in form James Tungett then got himself on the scoresheet. For an outstanding performance between the sticks Goalkeeper Lucca Hedge was awarded Man of The Match. Cougars Under9’s Whites then faced Stotfold Greys in what was again an evenly matched close game. A Cougars goal came courtesy of an own goal and man of the match was Jake Garner.
Elsewehere for Cougars Martin Stevens Under14’s Blues continue to to give Hitchin some worries as they lie second in the top division following their two – one home win over Stevenage Boro but the Under13’s felt hard done by at Stevenage based St Davids, going down by the odd goal in seven.
