U11 Cougars - Esher Youth FC

The return of the match reports! 

FC travelled away to Esher Youth today to a ground that made getting onto Platform 9¾s look easy. 

In the absolutely sweltering heat Esher capitalised on two mistakes to take a 2-0 lead into the half time break. Truth be told the first half showed that the boys were getting used to each other and learning how to play together. There were lots of positives to take and some nice passing moves, they were certainly not lacking application or desire. The final ball just didn't seem to come off. Louis did well sweeping up behind Jermaine and sniffing out the opposition attacks.

The third quarter started and FC grew into the game. The intensity ramped up, we started to get a real foot hold. Esher had a few half chances but nothing that was much to worry about. Jojo and Ari ran the wings tirelessly, being a constant link between defence and attack. Tom C and Jermaine rotated well through the middle with very mature performances.

The fourth quarter was all FC. A blockbuster finish. Theo with a weighted pass sliced through the Esher defence, narrowly missing Tom P running on to it. Harry curled one on to the post from the edge of the area, and came close again from a corner. But from the next corner he smashed in from close range to make it 2-1. 

It was all FC.

Fully in the ascendancy we were banging on the door. Tom P came close again with a breakaway attack, showing his turn of pace and forcing a good save from their keeper. 

Unfortunately they ran out of time in the end. 

I had told the boys before the last quarter to make sure they walked away from this game with their heads held high. Leave it all out there. They certainly did this and I am very proud of them all. 

Tom P was POTM, after taking a huge amount of coaching points on board in a short time. He showed maturity and desire and put in a great performance. Well done Tom!

** Also big thank you to TC for saving my life with a lime Calippo - Dan 🙏🙏