U11 Cougars - Bracknell Town U9s
Cougars were looking to build from last weeks win and hopefully secure a move back into the top pot. Well aware of how good Bracknell can be, the prematch team talk was based around doing their individual jobs and confidence on the ball.
Jay fired Cougars into the lead from close range after sustained pressure. A clever assist from Rory and a smart finish gave us a deserved lead. Great play from Jay finding space and following in from his playmaker position.
Bobsy had a good opportunity from the edge of the box, confidently striking the ball with his weaker foot but pulling it just wide.
The second quarter saw the boys really click into gear. A sweeping move round to the left, back into defence with some clever one touch passes from Bobsy and Tom before launching an attack down the right found Rory, who forced a great save from the keeper. Unfortunately for Bracknell the ball fell to Theo on the corner of the area, who composed himself and spun a whipping drive curling into the top corner. A fantastic strike finishing off a superb team goal, putting Cougars 2-0 up.
Jude made a fantastic save from a free kick and looked rock solid at the back, commanding his area and being an option with the ball at his feet.
Bracknell did manage to nick one back against the run of play. Jude made a fantastic close range save, parrying the ball away but despite a great last ditch effort from Tom, ex-Cougar Dayal managed to nudge it in off the post in scrappy fashion and make it 2-1 going into the break.
Cougars regrouped at half time and came out with a bang. More patient defending from the front and great game management saw the boys slowly wear down the opposition. Smart play at the back saw the ball being popped back to Jude who instantly drove a through-ball out left to Rory. A great first touch before a driving run and cracking finish gave the keeper no chance, bulldozing the boys into a 3-1 lead.
Birthday boy Max had the CM chasing shadows, cutting in from the left and causing mayhem. Bracknell had a few good passages of play, without really threatening. The defence stood firm and were disciplined, great displays all around. Louis did very well in a new role, slowing the strikers up so the wide midfielders could tuck in.
The Bracknell keeper made a couple od great saves before Harvey smashed in the fourth from distance. Rory pulled back a smart pass from wide left which was met with a rocket into the roof of the net, an absolute piledriver.
Cougars made it five as Harry O finished off from close range with an assist from Harvey. Moments earlier he had a great header from a corner clawed off the line by the keeper, after another one of our set piece routines.
A thoroughly dominating performance from the boys against a very good Bracknell team. Very impressed with their patience, but most importantly building from last week. We worked on defending as an individual at training on Friday, and it is always satisfying to see the boys bringing this into the game.
Both in defence and attack they were confident, wanted to protect the ball and keep possession. We were clinical with finishing, working good opportunities instead of trying to force it, which was great to see.
Supporters Player of the Match today was Harvey. Well done Harv!
