Cougars U8s Blues hosted Ashwell Academicals Reds for what was a great game played in winter sunshine with an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the entertainment on show. The Blues lined up with a now familiar 1-1-3 formation. Oliver Tallis in goal, Ronnie Hennessy at the back and the front three of Sebbie Ivison, Thomas Deane and Tom Flanagan and enjoyed a really good first half.
The front triangle were all involved for the first goal. Flanagan firing it in to Deane who got the ball to Ivison to finish. Next up was Ivison feeding Deane for a typical poacher’s finish on his birthday weekend. Charlie Wick on as a sub got the third, converting from a fine Flanagan cross. The fourth arrived just before half time as Ivison sped past 3 players with a great run from his own half and although his shot was saved, it fell to Flanagan to hit a net-buster from the edge of the area.
Throughout the first half Tallis in goal was immense. Several sprawling saves and dives at the opposition feet to smother the ball. And when he gave away a penalty, he was instantly back on his line ready for the spot-kick. He stood firm and pulled off a wonder save to tip it over the bar.
The second half brought only one more goal for the Blues. It was from a wonderful left wing break by Hennessy who crossed for Flanagan who took a touch and finished calmly. Hennessy and Tallis were the main providers with great runs from the back through midfield and up front Wick peppered the goal throughout the second half but was kept at bay by a stout defence and good keeping. At the other end, Deane was in goal and pulled off several fine saves and interceptions. Man of the match went to Tallis for his first half keeping masterclass and rangy runs from the back in the second half.
