Buntingford Cougars youngest squad – the Under7’s Stripes and Royals more than held their own in last Saturdays festival, the youngsters led by Phil Allen won four, drew one and lost and entertained everyone as they played football from the back and through the whole pitch. In his post match interview veteran coach Phil Allen said “I was pleased with the whole squad, it was a great days football.”
Cougars Under11’s Blues enjoyed a second eight goal thriller in as many weeks as they travelled to Sawbridgeworth. As in last week’s game Buntingford scored early when Jack Gurney forced a first minute goal following a goal mouth scramble, the striker doubled the lead on 10 minutes after a cross from Tom Carter. Sawbo then stepped up a gear and came back to lead 3-2 at the break and then scored early after the interval to make it 4-2. With ten minutes remaining man of the match Nathan Anderson score before an enthralling finish when Jack Lally equalised to give Cougars a share of the spoils. After the match Darryl Dean said “We were happy overall with the performance but need to work out how we can hold onto a lead better.”
Buntingford’s Under16s Blues came safely through the first round of the county cup with a solid two-nil away win against Cuffley. Cougars dominated possession and should have made lighter work of their opponents. The visitors scored one in each half, the first scrambled in from a corner by Archie Huskinson and the second a great run and finish from Sam Curran, following a pin point pass from Jack McMeechan.
Buntingford’s Under15’s travelled to a strong Harlow side where Cougars started well with Luke Garratt having the best of the chances with a well saved shot. Harlow soon found their feet but Sid Arnold and Min Lankester were solid at the back. With the away side playing good passing football Cougars won a free kick 40 yards out from which Liam Smith delivered a beautiful deep free kick that Matt Share half volleyed home to put Buntingford one up before half time.
The second half started poorly for Adam’s team and Harlow deservedly equalised five minutes into the second half before continuing to put Cougars under pressure forcing the visitor’s keeper Jay Caine into action including a brave stop at the feet of the host’s striker. The guardians efforts galvanized Cougars who found another gear and with time running out Matt Adams and Owen Groves combined to feed Archie Rhodes who chipped the keeper for the game’s winner.
Cougars Under15’s Boss Chris Adams being interviewed by Gary Linekar after the match said “A really tough test today but I was pleased with the way the whole team upped our effort to combat their threat. Special mentions to our number one Jay Caine and Archie Rhodes with the winner. Sadly our Matt Inman broke his collar bone today a on behalf of all the boys and parents we wish him a speedy recovery.”
