November
Last week it was Cougars turn to travel to Stevenage to play Stevenage Boro Juniors Cobras U9s. Cougars Whites started brightly despite a small and very heavy pitch due to morning downpour. There were 10 goals in the game to entertain a windswept crowd and Cougars were delighted to score more with hatricks for both Nathan Anderson and George Godfrey and a solitary strike from Tom Carter. Despite all the goals a masterful performance from Callum Nye earned the goalkeeper the man of the match award for Cougars Whites.
The second game played out by Cougars Blues was equally as exciting but both teams were unable to apply the finishing touch for much of the game and for Cougars that was mainly down to Man of the Match Goalkeeper Stuart Eariss who made save after save for the visitors. However unluckily for Cougars Cobras notched the solitary goal of the game midway through the second half when a corner ricocheted off of a Cougars defender and looped into the net.
Despite the loss Cougars Coach Richard Daly was upbeat saying “all of the children from both clubs worked so hard today, not sure I have ever seen so many muddy children, don’t know about Lionel Messi, today it was just very messy! I am really pleased to see the Cougars players improving week on week in their technique and decision making”
Cougars U9s continue to develop as a squad and are getting better as individuals and a team every week. Two weeks ago Cougars entertained Stevenage Boro Tornadoes at The Bury and played out an extremely exciting game. The spectators saw honours even in the first match with a goal right at the end of each half.
After an even first half that saw chances at both end it was George Bovington who opened the scoring with an emphatic finish after he ran onto a through ball from recent signing Kameron Weston. After the break Cougars Blues continued to pile on the pressure and the tenacity of Sam Daly and Max Young went largely unrewarded as the Cougars Blues just could not find the finishing touch.
Eventually the hosts were punished for lack of end product when Tornadoes scored after a throw in on the left flank. As the match kicked off again referee Reece Voller blew for full time and a fair draw between the two exciting sides. Cougars Man of the match went to the hard working and skilful Max Young for his best ever display in a Cougars shirt.
The second match saw Cougars Whites play the visitors from Stevenage. The whites superior confidence and firepower in front of goal paid dividends as the Whites scored four goals to no reply. Recent signing Shane Coyne scored first for his new club to compliment a brace from George Godfrey and a strike from Nathan Anderson.
October
Cougars U9s played host at The Bury to Stevenage Boro Harriers and played out what was probably the most entertaining match in the three years that both these sides have been playing.
Harriers as always came well prepared with a strong and pacey team. In the first match they faced Cougars Under Nine Blues team. The match really was end to end stuff in the first half with the visitors constantly pressing and the hosts sometimes finding it difficult to get put of their own half. This seasons sensation Archie Vass-Smart played the most intelligent role on the pitch in midfield as he battled to win the ball and always seeked space when not in possession, it was indeed the midfielder who created the first chance of the game as his clever positioning intercepted a Stevenage move and he fed Max Young who found George Bovington but as the striker lined up his shot he was tackled by a Boro defender. In the second half the competitive nature of the contest continued with chances at both ends and then the visitors scored with a long range effort. With five minutes remaining Cougars tireless efforts were at last rewarded when Hayden Walley won the ball on the left and threaded a pass to Bovington who coolly slotted home past the encroaching keeper. The player rewarded for his hard work, tackling and progress was recent signing Max Andrews who was awarded Man of the Match.
In the second match in brilliant autumnal sunshine the Cougars Under 9s Whites then played a Harriers squad. Josh Lucas and Jake Vottariello, recent signings for the Whites continued their progress with enthusiastic displays against a buoyant side from SG1 but it was George Godfrey and Nathan Anderson who caused the harriers the most trouble. The two veterans of the Under Nines squad combined in the second half for Anderson to smash the ball into the back of the net to get on the scoresheet and his goal earned him the man of The Match for Cougars U9s Whites.
After the contest Richard Daly, Cougars Manager and Coach was happy saying “we saw loads of progress today from our teams which I am delighted with and with fair and sporting competition in the form of the Stevenage Boro Harriers it made for a fun morning in great conditions.”
September
Cougars Under 9s hosted Stevenage based Broadhall on Saturday in fine autumnal conditions. The Whites played in the first match and it was pleasing to see recent new signings Jake Vottariello and Jimmy Brown settle well. The Hosts guardian Callum Nye continued his fine early season form with some stunning saves but it was not quite enough to keep the visitors out as two goals in each half saw Cougars Whites suffer a defeat.
In the second match Cougars Blues fared a little better and were always competitive. Archie Vass Smart and Sam Daly were tenacious in their tackling and had a will to win everything on the pitch. Unfortunately late tackle and a close range shot put Broadhall two up against the Blues despite Stuart Eariss playing his best game so far in the Cougars goal. Hayden Walley (pictured) did well all over the pitch and earned himself the Man of the Match award for the Blues.
After the match Cougars Under 9s Coach Richard Daly said “We saw a lot of progress in so many departments today which is really pleasing and the boys really enjoyed the match, we don’t worry too much about score lines at this age so I am pleased that we are imoroving every week.”
