Buntingford Cougars

2 hours ago

Cougars U11s Whites v Sawbridgeworth, Sat 18 January, Away

Benton, Scott, Dawson, Roskilly, Bullock, Eastwood, White, Deeks, Brown, Cole, Ivison

It was a lovely clear wind-free morning for playing football (although freezing cold if standing still as a spectator). The pitch was pretty level but with sticky mud, and Whites were playing slightly uphill in the first half.

After a hard fought goalless draw last week, Whites seemed early on to be the better side this week and after no more than 5 minutes Brown was through on goal, slotting home like a true striker. Things were looking comfortable for the Whites.

Deeks on the left wing and Bullock particularly on the right wing were looking good, and both managed shots within the first quarter that sadly were directed at the goalie or wide of the goal. An Eastwood free kick similarly did not trouble the goal. The Whites pressure was creating corners, though like the last couple of matches the corner takers weren’t reaching the six yard box, so corners just weren’t a real threat. White was again busy and strong in midfield. And as the second quarter was nearing its end the best football of the half culminated in Bullock playing a lovely pass through to Brown who was only stopped by a really fine tackle from the Sawbridgeworth #4.

It was all looking good, and the Whites defence of Scott, Dawson and Roskilly were again looking very assured.

No worries, the second half should have all been downhill in every sense.

Ivison made sure the referee was paying attention by thumping the ball at close range into the unmentionables, but play was soon underway again with no hard feelings. The referee though did have to react a couple of times as, regrettably, Whites players let their tempers get the better of them, but (just as he had done in the match at Ware) the referee took control and calmed things down.

Whites then lost their way for a bit and sustained lots of pressure. Benton had to make a brave defence of his goal when one-on-one with the Sawbridgeworth striker. And as almost always happens, it was Benton who came out on top – very courageous.

Maybe inspired by the resolute defence Whites upped their effort in attack. Cole, in his first match this year picked up where he left off last year with good defence, as well as coming forward into the opposition half.

Despite too much clustering, not holding positions as they might and too little passing, Whites’ sheer will started to pressure the opposition goal. One of the better moves saw Roskilly send Brown away down the left. Brown’s first touch was perfect, his second not quite so good, and the Sawbridgeworth goalie smothered the threat.

Ivision seemed to sense a goal was coming and was starting to trouble the Sawbridgeworth defence. And the goal came as Roskilly’s brilliant delivery was flicked on in the box, falling to Ivison, who made no mistake from close range.

At the death, the Whites' spirit was rewarded with a piece of luck. A Sawbridgeworth goal kick went straight to Ivison, who struck it straight back with interest into the net with the last significant play of the game.

POM goes to Brown who led the line, was always threatening in attack and gave 100%. ... See MoreSee Less