The wet weather played havoc again with Cougars fixtures but a few matches survived and served up a lots of goals.
Cougars U15’s were away at Potton in the League Cup Semi Final and Sean Curran’s team were looking forward to the game after weather and Christmas enforced break of five weeks. Cougars were first to strike but were soon pulled back with a home side equalizer. Buntingford then went ahead again only to be pulled back and then the same happened a third time when Potton drew level with seven minutes remaining to force the semi final to extra time. The extra time period saw Buntingford’s Blues take charge and never really looked in trouble for the remainder of extra time as they scored one either side of the interval to win 5-3. The win means a League Cup Final for Curran’s team on May 4th at The Bury in Buntingford. A thrilled Sean Curran said afterwards “The boys really deserve being in the final for their hard work and dedication this season. We are all really looking forward to it.” Cougars U15’s pictured below.
If its goals you want to see then Buntingford’s U11’s are the team to watch. Paul Skinners lads continued their momentum away to St David’s Youth and despite going 3-1 down early in the game Cougars picked themselves up to come away victors in an eleven goal thriller. Cougars scored seven to St David’s four and five of Cougar’s strikes came courtesy of Jack Piggott. In an all round great collective display full of fantastic team spirit Oliver Garratt stood out for the Cougars and was deservedly nominated Buntingford’s man of the match.
Cougars U12’s Blues at last kicked off their new year away to Ashwell Academicals and delivered a great performance to win 5-1. A strong start and good team play gave the visitors a deserved 3-0 lead at half time but Ashwell came out after the interval and put the pressure on and got a goal back. The conceded goal kick started Richard Thorp’s troops back into gear and they went onto finish the game off with two more strikes. All the goals came from great teamwork and were finished off by Ben Evans, Finley Thorp, Liam Gurney and man of the match Jack Roberts with a brace. Magic moment award went to Bradley Anderson for his goal line clearance. In the post match interview a delighted Richard Thorp said “The team are doing so well together, it was another good day & a great team result”
Cougars U15’s Whites continued their great run with their fourth consecutive win. It was not easy though against a determined Knebworth. The tough conditions at Buntingford’s London Rd pitch made it hard going but despite that the hosts played some compelling football through out. Against Knebworth’s single strike, goals from Sam Ward & Daniel Prior were enough to take the points. Cougars Whites Manager and birthday boy Jason Rowley was happy stating “It was good to cling on in a performance we could have put on film. It made the boys so chirpy to get the win”.