Cougars Under 9’s Blues were on the road once more, this time in Stevenage to take on a strong LAFA Whites outfit. As usual Cougars started at a brisk tempo and carved out an opening in the first minute when Rylee Kitteringham narrowly fired wide and shortly afterwards Myles Woolford also went close. There was some great passing, with one sweeping move started by Ben Lewis but involving Fraser Finlay, Oscar Kay, Woolford and Kitteringham that nearly resulted in what would have been one of the goals of the season. In an even contest Cougars also had to be sharp at the back where Fraser Finlay was central to blocking most LAFA moves but was ably supported by fellow defenders Bear Wennington, Finlay Wood and Adam Sleath. Whilst behind them Lui LoConte was rock solid between the pipes. Just before half time Cougars took the lead when Oscar Kay latched on to a lay off from Sleath to strike a shot with unerring precision past the LAFA keeper.
After the break the game flowed to and fro with chances for both sides but defences were stubborn for both teams with Wennington and Wood continuing to defend resolutely. With little more than five minutes remaining the defensive colossus Fraser Finlay took a well-earned breather. Cougars set off on another attack and were tantalisingly close to being three on one with the goalkeeper but the pass was intercepted and LAFA broke up field to score on the counter. Literally with 20 seconds left on the clock LAFA won a corner, ‘mind number four’ was the cry from Coach Rich, but unfortunately the corner went through to the back post where number four slotted home. This was cruel on Cougars who had given everything to the cause especially to Oscar Kay, who won man of the match for his Herculean efforts, and Rylee Kitteringham who both worked tirelessly through the whole game. Heads up boys for next week, back to Stevenage for Broadhall Youth.
