U9 Cougars edge-out Wilmslow Sports Pumas - following penalty shoot-out

13 March 2010

This was Cougars first cup game and it really was a peach of a game. Cougars starting line up was Martin Olivia, Joe (capt), Ben, Neeki, Harry, and Will. Cougars started well and were the better side in the first third, with Will and Neeki coming close to scoring. Cougars were very unlucky not to score from Ben’s corner which their keeper struggled to collect. Pumas were dangerous on the break and had a couple of half chances which Martin dealt with well.

15 minutes: Wilmslow Sports Pumas 0 - Wilmslow Town Cougars 0

The second third saw the introduction of Luke, Charlie and Freddie in the midfield and they wasted no time pushing for a goal, with Harry up front it looked only a matter of time before one came, but they just could not squeeze the ball home. Pumas started to get more into the game as the third went on but it was the Cougars who came closest with a lovely free kick from outside the box by Joe which sailed over everybody’s heads only to hit the crossbar and bounce down into the box, the pumas cleared it for a corner which their keeper gathered.

30 mins: Wilmslow Sports Pumas 0 - Wilmslow Town Cougars 0

Cougars made three more changes for the last third bringing Ben, Neeki and Will back on, but it was Pumas who had the best of the opening exchanges which Martin dealt with comfortably when the Pumas got past the Cougars defence of Ben and Luke. It was now as Sir Alex Ferguson would say “Squeaky Bum Time” and both sides were playing not to lose rather than to win, Will nearly won it at the end but the Pumas keeper collected it up cleanly and Martin made a fantastic one handed save with seconds to go.

45 mins: Wilmslow Sports Pumas 0 - Wilmslow Town Cougars 0

Extra Time

Cougars won the toss and elected to play towards the school, they made only one change bringing Joe on the left side of midfield, Cougars were playing within themselves but still managed to carve out some good chances in the first period and just about shaved it on points.

Pumas were probably the better side in the second period but never really looked like scoring and at the final whistle the fully entertained crowd showed their appreciation with a standing ovation for both sides.

Joe actually scored his first attempt but the referee made him take it again as he had not blown his whistle.

MOTM – this was a decision that was not that difficult even though all the team played well, doggedly dug in when needed and played some exciting football in spells.  One player had to stand up and be counted as all the team did throughout the match but also had to keep his team in the cup at the end by saving two penalties to win the tie. MOTM Martin.

Well done everybody and we can look forward to another cup game soon.

Source: Phil Jones

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