PAYNE RELIEF FOR COUGARS UNDER13’s
Buntingford’s Under13 side came out on top in a nine goal thriller at Hithcin. It was an outstanding team performance despite the cold and windy conditions. Patrick Cahill kicked off the scoring after a well worked team move which was followed by two fantastic goals by Jack Piggott, the second being a solo effort. It was not all plain sailing though as the hosts equalised to make it three all. Within minutes though Cougars went ahead again when Ryan Skinner slammed in a fine effort. After a seven goal first half it was a tighter affair after the interval although both teams had opportunities to score. Alfie Clark made a number of stops before Piggott cemented his hat trick halfway through the second half. Hitchin scored their 4th with 15 minutes to go, which set up a great finish but Cougars held on to claim the win, Freddie Payne was the well-deserved Man of the Match despite losing half his boot in the second half and being able to play on when William Littleford swapped boots with him. Cougars Under13’s Boss Paul Skinner tried to help out but he found that not only was he the smallest in height there, he also had the smallest feet. However, the diminutive Manager was pleased with a great team performance.
Cougars Under7’s Blues travelled for an away day not to forget to Baldock with Gaffer Phil Allen and Scott Nash continuing to encourage a passing game. Many of the WAGS were complaining of the cold but it did not trouble the players as they dominated play from start to finish. Within seconds of kick off a fine goal from front man Lewis Abdul-Karim started proceedings well. New boy Sam Dawson and regular starter Jacob Baldwin made a great pairing in mid field with some sublime passes and good control. It was a rare appearance between the sticks for Oscar Allen and he put in a great performance, even dribbling the ball all the way from his own goal line around 4 opposition players and nearly scoring. Oliver Tallis and Sonnie Gumble were like Vertonghen and Alderweriald in disguise. They both demonstrated some great defensive tackles followed by perfect passes out. One fell to Abdul-Karim who found the back of the net again. In ultra bright green boots Aaron Nash made some great saves in goal in the second half and picked out some great passes. Cougars scored a few more goals as did Baldock for an entertaining match. Speaking to ESPN news in his post-match conference, Gaffer Phil Allen commented “It was a great team performance. The players are all doing well and the team spirit is great. Sam Dawson was especially very impressive in his first match for the Cougars, and Lewis Abdul-Karim was awarded man of the match for a selection of goals with both his left and right foot!”
Buntingford’s Under7’s Royals were determined to work hard and play well as they travelled to play Stevenage Boro Chieftains on a cold and wet morning. The hosts would have scored an early goal were it not for a Kyson Man last ditch tackle preventing the opposition striker from shooting. Cougars’ midfielders were well organised in what was an evenly matched game. Jack Nicholas and Johnny Nicholas worked well together and the pairing nearly made some goals for Buntingford. Finley Tanner held the defensive ranks together with his hard work and Sebbie Ivison made a number of excellent saves in goal. Johnny Nicholas made an impressive run through the middle to score the opening goal before Henry McAllister’s quick run almost added a second and then Johnny Nicholas forced a fine save from Stevenage’s Guardian. Goal scoring opportunities continued as Man made a run down the right producing a shat that just went wide. Eventually Cougars scored again when Johnny Nicholas made an impressive run through the middle finishing with a pass to Tanner who’s accurate shot found the back of the net. Jack Nicholas was now in goal and he played exceptionally well, making numerous saves for the Under7s Royals. The Cougars continued to work hard to find the equalizer, the work rate was impressive but the oppositions defense and goal keeper proved too solid
Buntingford’s Under12’s Whites came away from Ashwell with all three points despite an incredible nine minutes added time at the end of the match. Tom Carter bagged a hat-trick in the three – two victory.
Cougars Under8’s Whites went to DLFC hunters and put in a good performance. Alfie Vattariello, Luke Ross and TJ Curtis all played well but Man of the Match went to Beau Quinn who scored two brilliant goals and put in an all round excellent performance.
