Cougars Pounce Panthers

Buntingford Cougars Under9’s Whites had stand in Manager Darren Wennington to thank as they hosted Bedwell Rangers Panthers at The Bury. Cougars players put in alot of effort in what was a very close match and the home side opened the scoring with a great goal by Magnus Coates who went onto score the second too. Some great play by Kaan Taz, Jake Garner, Oliver Heather and Dylan Hayes created more chances but none were converted. Lucca Hedge put in a great display both in goal and on pitch with some great balls forward. A brilliant defensive display by Charlie Gerring, Luke Dunkerley Jake Mac kept the score level at two apiece. Man of the match was awarded to Kaan Taz for his great effort and determination.

 

Meanwhile Cougars Under 9’s Blues saw returning coach Wes Cook resume the helm as his side hosted Hitchin North. Cougars started impressively led by captain Blue Salmon, indeed the team were on form with two goals from man of the match Austin Cook, three from Lal Wennington, one from Blue Salmon, one each from Liam Neill and James Tungurt.  Fantastic defensive tackles and ball control from Mason Pugh, Aiden Nash and Bear Wennington as well as Oliver Mckinley making some vital saves when required kept the away side’s goal tally on the low side.

 

Cougars Under 7’s Stripes travelled across the Bedfordshire to play Shefford Saints on Saturday and worked their socks off on a bright blustery day against an accomplished Saints

side. Cougars showed determination, teamwork, running and no small amount of skill. Johnny Nicholas, Rubi Marley Pryke and Noah Benton took turns in goal and all contributed with some good movement, brave keeping and good saves. Distribution from the back was snappy, usually through Finlay Tanner who put in a performance that earned him player of the match with some great tackling and fantastic passing. Cougars’ first goal came from a Tanner throw in that found Jack Nicholas down the right flank. Nicholas cut inside and ran into the Saints’ area before sliding the ball into the back of the net through the smallest of gaps between keeper and post. Jack Nicholas was almost on the scoresheet again just moments later when brother Johnny won the ball in the centre of the park before releasing Jack through the middle, he carried the ball into the area but this time his shot was kept out by a great save from the Saints’ keeper. As it looked like the chance was gone, Tanner charged into the area and slotted home. By now Tanner and Johnny Nicholas were bossing midfield with good running and effort in attack from Benton and Marley Pryke. Another goal game when this time Jack Nicholas fed brother Johnny with another sweet pass. Johnny Nicholas rode a few Saints’ tackles and kept his nerve as the keeper charged out, calmly slotting the ball away with his left foot. Benton and Marley Pryke were unlucky not to get the goals that their effort deserved, but the Saints’ goalie and defence remained resolute.

 

Buntingford Cougars U7s Royals travelled to The Valley Academy to play Stevenage Borough Storm. The match began with the home side on top with several efforts on goal, however none of these found the net thanks to many fine saves from Cougars first half keeper Tasha McNamara. Also doing great work early in the game was Henry McAllister who put in some great tackling. Cougars gradually fought their way into the game and were rewarded when Kyson Man ran on to the ball and slotted home nicely to put Buntingford in the lead. Cougars then conceded before Ryan Gasson, playing his first ever Cougars game scored with a low effort into the right corner. The first half ended with a strong run from Man, a great shot from Keiran Bliss and more good defending from McAllister. The second half got underway with Cougars re-starting a little slow but soon got organised and rallied again. McNamara now on pitch continued her great work from the first half by getting very involved in play, tackling well and getting on the ball, putting the Boro under pressure. Cougars had a good spell on top battling well and keeping possession in the opponents half. As the game drew to an end Cougars Ben Gower and McNamara combined well in defence to deny Boro another chance. Player of the match was awarded to Kieran Bliss.

 

Cougars Under12’s Blues hosted FC Comets at London Road at the weekend and enjoyed an emphatic four – one victory. Jack Gurney opened the scoring as the first half closed out as he slid the ball past an oncoming keeper. In the second half Hitchin based FC Comets equalised with an outstanding strike from just inside the box. Cougars then went ahead with a double strike from Lily Hall, both of which would have been Match of the Day contenders as she hit a 25-yard strike into the top corner and then a long range lob over the keeper. The fourth came courtesy of a Sam Daly strike from the edge of the box. Cougars could have scored more with player of the match Cosmo Melvyn and Jake Vottariello coming close.

 

Buntingford’s Under12’s Whites hosted Harpenden Colts and played out an entertaining match which went to the Colts with the odd goal in five. For Cougars Tom Carter and Josh Lucas netted.

 

Cougars Under8’s Whites played out a great game at Hitchin. William Brown notched a very creative hat-trick which was followed by Beau Quinn netting two goals, one of which was from the halfway line. Adam Sleath got his name one the score sheet, and to finish off the match Miles Arnold scored a screamer from the side line. Manager Tom Curtis told the BBCs Match of the Day “The boys have all stepped up their game this week with excellent passing and through balls to get past the team, all said every lad had a strong game but man of the match was William Brown with a superb midfield performance not allowing anything to pass him.”

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