Buntingford Cougars Under8’s (pictured) took part in Cambridge United’s football festival held at their Abbey Stadium and shone with some great performances. Manager Luke Fone was delighted saying “The boys were fantastic, they managed to win all of their matches against some strong opposition and it was smiles all round. I would like to thank Cambridge United for the invite and a great day.”
Cougars Under 8’s Whites (pictured) played travelled to Biggleswade and played some superb football. Alfie Votariello and Tyler Jordan both solid performances in goal whilst a midfield of Luke Ross, William Brown, TJ Curtis and Ben Lewis were outstanding all game. Leading the line Henry Dowsett, Beau Quinn troubled the hosts. Man of the match Adam Sleath was as solid as a rock in defence. Brown opened the scoring after a move with Curtis and himself before the home side equalised. Cougars then battled hard and eventually Brown set up Curtis to put Cougars ahead again. Ben Lewis then hit the crossbar from the edge of the box before Quinn Dowsett both came close. Curtis scored Cougars third with a minute to go to round off a great game.
Cougars Under9’s Whites played away against Stotfold where Luke Dunkerley scored his first ever Cougars Goal. Man of the match was Jake Garner.
The Under 9’s Blues saw Wes Cook’s side put in another great performance that shows how much the team is progressing, this time against Bedwell. A superb game from Mason Pugh earned him the man of match award. The Wennington brothers Bear and Lal where solid again and Aden Nash held the defensive line well. Austin Cook, James Tungatt, Blue Salmon and Liam Neill put in solid displays in midfield and in goal Lucca hedge saved a spot kick after a handball in the area. After the game boss Wes Cook told Sky Sports “It was a stunning performance. Our Assistant Manager Spencer Pugh was mesmerised by my superior managerial ability.”
The “Battle at The Bury” featured Cougars Under 7s Stripes and Whites on Saturday and will be remembered as a great game of football between two teams of great friends. The Stripes enjoyed their best performance of the season with some neat passing moves, determined tackling and endless running. Only some fine keeping from the Whites’ Tyler Cole and in the second half Charlie Wick, kept the Stripes at bay; with Thomas Deane, Finlay Tanner, Jack Nicholas and Johnny Nicholas all going close before Stripes’ Player of the Match Rubi Pryke carved out a chance for Noah Benton to smash home. The Whites’ award went to Sebbie Ivison who bagged a couple of goals in the first half and put in a fantastic all round performance. Rafael White, Sam Dawson, Charlie Wick and Tyler Cole also scored for Whites while Joseph De Monte shone in defence and attack. The Nicholas brothers took turns in goal and pulled off some smart saves; one notable effort when Jack Nicholas denied Ivison his hat trick by turning a ferocious strike onto the post. If there had been an award for ground covered, surely Deane had it in the bag with his great runs down both flanks. Meanwhile Tanner’s tackling at the back was bettered only by his passing to release Benton and Pryke time after time – the two lads forming a threatening partnership up front. Johnny Nicholas achieved a personal ambition, winning tackles with his school chums Ivison, de Monte and Cole. Meanwhile, the interplay and movement between The Whites’ players was at times a joy to watch. But for this correspondent the J2O moment came towards the end of the match when Stripes’ Benton turned on a sixpence to lose his marker before playing a delightful cross field pass to the tireless Deane. All in all there was little between two teams who put on quite a show for the capacity crowd!!
Cougars Under7’s Royals welcomed Ashwell to The Bury on Saturday morning, the sun was out and everyone well up for it. The game got underway with both teams eager to get on the ball. Early progressive play from the Royals saw a good shot on goal from Jake Cole after his team edged their way forward. Kyson Man impressed on the right wing with strong runs.
At the back Noah Benton was confident and comfortable on the ball, showing a stubbornness not to be beaten whilst Finley Tanner in goal made some good saves and brave tackles, even keeping team possession with his passing.
Ryan Gasson was strong and once he had possession he often made attempts to get forward.
The first half ended goalless and was evenly matched. The second half got underway with Gasson hitting a strong shot on goal from 10 yards, well saved by Ashwell’s keeper, he continued to put pressure on the opponent’s defense battling for the ball in advanced positions. Man was defending well throughout the second half, often nicking the ball with well timed tackles. The ebb and flow of the game continued with another Gasson shot and runs from the visitors well defended by the Royals. Recent signing Kieran Bliss made some good passes. The final whistle came with both teams giving their all and the bumper crowd applauding all the players. Player of the match was Ryan Gasson
