U11 Cougars - Wandgas Youth
It felt like a few big pieces of the puzzle fell into place today as FC managed to pick up their long-awaited and VERY well deserved first win of the season, against a team that had beaten them 5-1 the week before.
Some minor tactical changes and position movements were crucial today, but don't get me wrong that's not Victor and I taking the credit. It was pure determination and workrate that paid off today as FC cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over Wandgas Youth.
Without Isaac today we had to rotate our goalkeeper, but big shoutouts to Jojo, J, Louis and Tom P who took a quarter each. Superb teamwork lads, well done.
Theo continued to show great maturity in the CDM role in the first quarter, pushing up into the gaps and looking to release his wingers into the channels. This meant J could look to get on the ball and work his magic through the middle. We were really impressed with the boys through the centre showing great willingness to work hard and express themselves.
Harry opened the scoring with a fantastic solo goal, opening up on his left foot after a through ball from Ari to beat the defender before slotting home. Before long we were 2-0 up, Tom P in his new wide midfield role floating a diagonal ball across for Ari at the far corner of the penalty area who took his effort very well.
It could have been more if their goalkeeper hadn't had the game of his life - turns out he's heavily linked with Crystal Palace and the Wandgas manager is expecting him to sign any time soon! However it was J in nets at the other end that kept the defecit making a fantastic save from point blank.. maybe Crystal Palace will want to have a look at him as well!!
Wandgas clawed a goal back in the third. After a string of chances and an amazing save from Louis, they forced one home to make it 2-1.
The boys didn't drop their heads. So many times this season conceding a goal had led to a drop in intensity, but it was almost exactly what the boys needed to kick it up a gear.
Jojo worked tirelessly in the middle linking the play and creating overloads, a postion he hadn't played much in before but looked very comfortable. And before the quarter was over the lead was regained after a clever lay off from Harry meant TC could swerve a low drive past the keeper and make it 3-1. A great team goal.
The final quarter looked like we would extend the lead after some fantastic corners from Theo almost ended in goals. Tom P managed to almost get an assist from a drop kick, launching the ball the length of the pitch! Big shout out to Louis executing a perfect Sombrero flick and sending the defender to the shops.
Harry was today's PotM after a dominating striker performance, very good goal and excellent awareness to provide an assist.
Incredibly proud of the lads today. From the impeccably respected minutes silence to checking on the oppo when they were hurt to expressing themselves as fantastic footballers.. an all round team effort. Well done Cougars ⚪️🔵🔵⚽️
