It was perfect weather for football as Cougars Under 8’s Stripes kicked off at Letchworth against Letchworth Greys. Buntingford were up against it from the off with two early goals from the Greys but then Cougars got themselves together. William Brown, with some good pressing and Kyson Man playing well in defence were playing well and it was Man who made a great pass culminating in a good effort on goal from Keiron Bliss, which was saved.
In goal Ryan Gasson handled the ball well as Cougars displayed some impressive defensive team work, with the industrious pressing from Rubi Pryke and super work from Gasson breaking up play. Brown was all about ‘route one’ as he drove towards goal whenever possible, taking the pressure off his team. In one passage of play Man showed composure, beating a player on the wing before finding a pass to Pryke who made a good pass to Brown who’s shot was saved.
Archie Beattie showed a great desire to win the ball with some strong tackling and helped Bliss get thunderous shot away that was well saved again. Ben Gower showed persistence on the right wing really getting stuck in and at one moment producing a cheeky backless.
After the interval Beattie was in goal and made a number of impressive saves with all parts of his body, including an impressive stop with the palm of his right hand. Soon after Bliss again won the ball with a well-timed tackle and a pass down the line. Cougars Stripes hard work then paid off half way through the second half with some great team play, starting with a pass from Pryke, Brown was involved to help Pryke hit a well struck effort home from outside the box for a stunning strike.
Cougars Official Mark Gasson told TalkSports Alan Brazil “We saw some real improvement from Cougars today, working as a team and starting to get their passing game going. Their tackling is getting stronger along with determined defending. Up front they’re working as team well, helping each other to progress.”
