U12 Cougars - Aldershot Town FC
Very strong performance from Youth U9's today. Without any one individual stealing the headlines, it was an excellent team performance all round and they really played as a unit today - well organised, good discipline and to be honest, felt like we could have gone up another couple of gears if needed. Aldershot were good with lots of skillful individuals in the team, but it always felt like we were too strong and powerful all over the pitch.
After a tight opening 10mins it was a lovely reverse pass from Rory into Dylan who controlled and hit a sweet shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. First of a few excellent strikes into that goal. 1-0.
Dylan was at it again 6 mins later after good work down the flank and Oscar battling to push the ball through to Dylan who fired home from inside the box. 2-0
Whilst we looked in control at this stage, Aldershot were dangerous in spells and did well getting bodies forward to support attacks. However it was another sweet strike from outside the box that got them back in the game. Oscar just losing his man for a second to give him enough time to receive touch and shoot. Dylan in goal had no chance. Postage stamp in top left corner. 2-1
After going close on a couple of occasions, including a lovely curling effort that come back off the crossbar moments earlier, Oscar got his rewards after some fine work by Seb Nodsle in the midfield, winning the ball and showing some lovely skill to fashion space to play the ball forward into Oscar's path. A lovely first time finish with the right low into the bottom corner from edge of the box. 3-1.
4 mins later Aldershot struck again with another long range effort that couldn't have been hit any better. Over Dylan's head into the net just under the crossbar. Again, there was no real danger but shows the importance of stopping shots and pressuring the ball as they can and do fly in sometimes! 3-2
Hope of a comeback was dealt a blow for Aldershot when 3 mins later Oscar volleyed home a corner from the right side from Logan. Logan worked tirelessly down the right wing all game and put in many good crosses and corners. The flight on this one was perfect and Oscar was well placed at the back post to volley home from close range. 4-2.
Aldershot huffed and puffed a bit after that but couldn't really create too many clear cut chances. The defence was solid led brilliantly by Louie, Johann and Rory as they interchanged LCB & RCB for most of the game. Johann in particular looking very comfortable and assured in the 2nd half. Al three coped well and took responsibility for each other which was great to see.
Another win and now for a 2 week break for half term!
Well played boys and Go Cougars!
