U11 Cougars - Abbey Rangers

It's not often that a loss doesn't feel like a loss at all, but when your team puts in a performance like we saw today it's difficult to be disappointed.

Jermaine smashed Cougars into an early lead with an Alan Shearer-esque thunderbolt after a clever cut back from Louis. A definite contender for goal of the season - no one saves those!

Abbey managed to pull one back against the run of play and a few heads dropped, but were spurred on when we rattled the far post from an acute angle.

The oppo got a foothold in the game and capitalised on some hesitation to get into a 3-1 lead going into the break.

The boys regrouped and clawed one back with a slice of luck - the keeper spilling his dinner and Harry tucking it away after Tom P had launched in a great cross.

Against the run of play (again) Abbey extended their lead after a lucky shot landed agonisingly out of Louis' reach and just over the line. Their keeper pulled off a save of his life moment to deny what could have been a contender for TEAM goal of the season, tipping on to the bar.

An absolute stonewall penalty was waved away, but the boys continued to bang on the door. Harry made up for this by sweeping a bouncing ball past the flailing keeper to cut the defecit.

All in all a fantastic spectacle. Great to see the boys putting in such a great performance, entertaining football and playing with confidence as a team. Big shout out to Nate who made his FC debut today and did a fantastic job, especially as he was nervous before the game. Well done Nate 👏👏

POTM was Louis who looked like he had had a PACK of Weetabix for breakfast - a machine today!