U11 Cougars - Bracknell Town U9s
Cougars FC took all the praise after a fantastic, entertaining and VERY tactical 1-1 draw away at Bracknell Town.
With several players missing from the squad through injury and illness, Gabriel from the Youth stepped in to give us 8 for the trip, and did extremely well.
Ex-Cougar Dayal slotted home early in the game to give Bracknell the lead after a breakaway. From here Cougars snapped back into action, recognising Bracknell's EXTREMELY deep line and tweaked the tactics accordingly. In the first and second quarter in particular, Bobsy, Tom, Harvey and Rory had plenty of time to create attacks from the back, even creating a couple of brilliant scoring opportunities.
The next real chance fell to Bracknell, but our #1 (fresh from saving a penalty whilst with Reading FC) got down low to save another and keep Cougars in the game.
Our corner routines were causing havoc at the back for the opposition. Tom hit a perfect daisycutter which was clattered inches over the bar full tilt by Bobsy. Harvey hit a ferocious shot left footed just wide from distance, resulting in applause from the opposition manager. Their keeper was forced into smart stops from Jay and Rory - the goal just wouldn't come.
Regrouping at half time we spoke about being patient and keeping our press low, leaving the last quarter and getting our shape right. The boys second half was incredible.
Beautiful passing moves across the back, building from defence pulled Bracknell out of shape to create early chances in the third quarter. Harry O at playmaker made some smart runs to create pockets in the middle for Rory to drop in and pick the ball up. And it was Rory's persistence and timing that got us back into the game.
He darted in to pick the pocket of the last defender facing his own goal, cooly finishing past the stranded keeper to make it 1-1.
From then on it was backs to the wall for Bracknell. Immediately from kick off Harvey pounced on a loose pass to create a shooting opportunity.
The fourth quarter came with a barrage of clever phases of play and good chances, the ball just wouldn't fall the right way. The build up play was excellent, just couldn't quite finish off the moves.
Great play from Tom and Gabriel down the left, forcing overloads was great to see. But despite the constant pressure, the boys couldn't get the breakthrough the undoubtedly deserved.
A superb performance from Cougars today. Confident on the ball, patient and positive. Could not have asked more.
The Steve Bown Player of the Match award today went to Tom, who's diligent defending and expert corner taking was the cherry on the cake today. Thoroughly enjoyable game.
