Under 8s Cougars Match Report – 3rd Sept 2023

First ever league match for the cougars on a baking hot day at Ganger Farm. The holiday season meant a squad of 5 to take on the opposition. The lads rose to the challenge though, looking like a team that has played together for much longer.

They settled quickly into the game but the oppo weren’t giving up and it was a close fought game throughout. Overall, some excellent play, good passing moves and some good finishing. 10/10 for effort with all the players tracking back to keep it tight and getting forward looking for goals…despite the hot weather.

Ryan

Started off in goal keeping a clean sheet. Then deployed as a striker, looking dangerous and tirelessly chasing down balls. Played for most of the game on his preferred left, an ever-present danger going forward and good tracking back. Had a hand in both late goals, occupying the defenders, allowing Barney to finish the chances. Great work-rate and team play throughout.

Rafi

A terrier on the pitch, always getting up and back to support the team. Solid in defence initially, ensuring no way through for the opposition attack. Then played on the wings, allowing him to utilise his engine up and back. Never shied away from a tackle and some great link up play through-out.

Louie

Started off on his favoured right, making key contributions for the first 2 goals. It was his pass which released barney for the first goal before barney turned provider for Louie to drill in hard and low for the second. After a solid stint in goal, a period in defence saw him solid defensively and also picking out passes through the lines to release the attacking players. Finished off in attack which saw him probing down the right, drawing a foul from the Oppo defender. Louie picked himself straight up and fired in the free-kick, taking a large deflection off an unfortunate defender before crossing the line. A great all-round effort including 2 goals and 1 assist.

Brody

Great all-round performance saw Brody playing in every outfield position. Some clever play and an excellent range of passing to find team-mates in favourable positions. Constantly on the ball and displayed some brilliant bits of skill to move the ball away from opposition players. Great work-rate to play a full game out on the pitch in hot conditions.

Barney

Started off in attack, showed great composure when released by Louie to round the keeper and tap in for the opening goal. Turned provider for the second by playing the ball to Louie to fire home. Some key tackles during his defensive stint and finished off the game in a more advanced position with a further two goals. On both occasions, Ryan was at the heart of the play with Barney being in the right position to fire into the top of the goal twice in quick succession. A birthday hat-trick!!

Well done Cougars, looking forward to the next game and welcoming back the other squad members.