Yann Boulter was the star for Cougars Under11’s Stripes as they enjoyed an awayday trip to Stevenage based Bedwell on Sunday and came away with an emphatic victory, scoring nine and conceding none. Ian Jenkins side who have progressed positively all season despite some unlucky defeats saw a Yann Boulter hat trick compliment a brace from Ciaran Jenkins and goals apiece from Tom Ryman, Shayne Coyne, Freddy Cocks and an own goal. In his post match interview with the BBC’s Gary Linekar Jenkins said “The boys have played well in the last few weeks and deserved the win today because of all the hard work and dedication they have shown since the summer. I am so proud of every one of them and it’s a real privilege to Coach them all.” The Under11’s Blues meanwhile went down to high flying Stotfold Blacks despite a double strike from Man of the Match George Godfrey to take his season tally to eight and a strike from Jack Gurney.
At The Bury Cougars Under15’s hosted Harlow. Despite the a heavy surface the hosts started well and in just the second minute Matt Share found space to lob the ball over the Harlow Keeper and put Cougars one up. Harlow posed a real threat after Cougars opener with their pacey players but the home side maintained the ascendancy and passed the ball well considering the conditions. Cougars doubled their lead on twenty five minutes when the impressive Luke Garratt won the ball and played in Liam Smith who with plenty still to do drew the keeper and chipped into the net. Approaching half time Garratt himself had a further opportunity when he broke clear and beat two defenders and the keeper but his goal bound attempt was cleared by a defender.
The second half saw Buntingford continue to create chances but more importantly the home side maintained concentration and shape at the back to restrict a persistent Harlow. With twenty to go Cougars started to flag and Garratt was moved to the centre of midfield to add some much needed bite, which he did with relish. This revitalised Buntingford and chances started to come again. A super move saw Smith fire just over and Owen Groves had an effort ruled offside.
In the dying seconds the visitors scored but it was too late to deny Cougars their sixth victory of the season and put them on top of the Mid Herts Premier division. Talking to BBC’s 5Live after the game Chris Adams said “I felt today we deserved our win. We played some lovely football on a tough surface. Collectively we maintained better discipline today once we had our noses in front. Special mention for Luke Garratt today, he was excellent up top but when we needed to dig deep and disrupt our opposition and show some true winning desire Luke came up trumps with real strength and passion.”
Elsewhere Cougars Under12’s continued their fine form with a comfortable six-nil win at Sawbridgeworth. The Under13’s section also enjoyed away wins; In the first division the Blues at Clifton Colts won 4-1 and in the third division Cougars Under13’s Whites won 5-3 at FC Comets. Buntingford’s Under14’s lost out to Bishop Stortford Rovers despite great performances from Jamie Pearce and Callum Andrews and Buntingford’s Under16’s Whites suffered a home defeat to Bishop Stortford Colts who scored five to no reply.
Finally Cougars Under16’s Blues clearly indicated their intentions in the top division as Sean Curran’s title holders won three – two away at Baldock Templars to put them in second place.
