Affiliated to the Cheshire Football Association - JAM00598

U12 Cougars v Ashton On Mersey - Cougars run riot in the rain

17 January 2011

Match report for Wilmslow Town U12 Cougars 8 - 3 home win against Ashton on Mersey JFC U12 (16/01/2011)

The Cougars had been eagerly awaiting the return game against Ashton on Mersey, the away match had been a bruising encounter where the 10 man Cougars battled (literally) their way to a creditable draw against very physical opponents. On home soil now the expectation was that the Cougars could go one better and claim all three points continuing their quest for promotion. Despite awful conditions and a pre match deluge the Cougars hopes were lifted when they discovered they were up against only nine players. A new 4-4-2 formation was also tried this week, with Reece pushing forward to support Emmanuel in attack.

1^st Half

William K who was captain for the day lost the toss and Ashton kicked off with the tide in their favor.

The Cougars soon attempted to get the ball to wide areas and stretch Ashton’s defense, Jake in central midfield alongside Will N was the first to go close. After further Cougars pressure Emmanuel opened the scoring steering in a great cross from the right by Connor. The Cougars continued to dominate and push for a second Connor twice came close and a succession of corners were forced. Ashton were defending well and looking to break quickly so the defense of Will K , Jonathan, Jayden and Callum had to remain disciplined and resist the urge to stream forward in support of the attack. Patrick also remained alert and was quick off his line to clear through balls. The Cougars extended their lead when Luis broke through on the left and ran on to coolly finish making the score 2-0.

Ashton soon hit back and a break on the right resulted in an Ashton attacker hitting a strong shot from the edge of the area into the top of the net beyond Patrick’s reach. The Cougars continued to press and should have gone further ahead when Connor played another ball to the far post. The cougars got into a tangle though with both Joe and Emmanuel going for the same ball and colliding with the ball running behind for a goal kick. Soon afterwards though the Cougars restored their two goal advantage following good work down by the left from Jake. His cross being turned in at the far post by Connor to make the score 3-1.

Shortly afterwards more strong running by Jake created a chance for Joe who shot over. Just as the half was coming to a close Callum who was having a solid game at right back won the ball and played a superb pass putting Emmanuel through on goal. As always he remained calm and finished well to make the score 4-1

HT score 4-1

2nd Half

The second half saw Luis move to left back allowing Will K to play left wing. The cougars again tried to move the ball wide and stretch Ashton it was getting difficult to move the ball from the centre of the pitch though due to the conditions and Reece, Jayden and Joe were already almost unrecognizable due to being covered from head to foot in mud. The cougars won a series of corners on the right all well delivered by Connor. From one ensuing goalmouth scramble the ball broke loose to Emmanuel who fired home strongly completing his hat trick and making the score 5-1.

Luis and William were linking well down the left and Luis nearly increased the Cougars lead further with a fine shot from the edge of the area that was well tipped over by the Ashton keeper who was having an inspired game.

Ashton to their credit were still competing strongly and were awarded a penalty when Jonathan in attempting to block handled in the area. The penalty was well dispatched to make the score 5-2. straight from the kick off though the Cougars hit back the ball was played wide right to Jake who ran through the defense and finished well to make the score 6-2.

Emmanuel put through on the left and bearing down on goal knocked the ball across to Joe who was free 8 yards out and it looked as though Joe was going to get a much deserved first goal for the Cougars which would have meant that all outfield players had found the net this season, he was cruelly denied though as the keeper again came to Ashton’s rescue. Ashton then reduced the defecit when a break of the left resulted in an Ashton attacker firing beyond Patrick’s dive to make the score 6-3 with 10 minutes remaining.

Joe determined to get on the score sheet combined well with Reece and ran at the Ashton defense. He was hauled to the ground just outside the area. Will N won the clamor to take the resulting free kick and his shot deflected off the wall and slithered under the diving keeper to make the score 7-3.

William K then got in on the goal scoring volleying home powerfully following a good run and cross by Connor.

Ashton continued to press and would have scored again apart from a wonderful covering tackle by Callum.

The match finished with the Cougars again pressing forward looking for more goals.

Summary

A very good team performance in a match played in terrible conditions. The new formation looked good with the full backs getting forward well to support the attack. The Cougars also kept their shape well when it would have been easy to pile forward in pursuit of individual glory. Credit should also go to Ashton who kept playing to the end this made for a very enjoyable game despite the rain. Special mention should also go to Ray Graham who braved the elements to run the line and put up and take down the goal nets.

Managers Thoughts

Great stuff from the boys this week, especially given the terrible weather – strong individual performances from everyone, you all deserved to get the MOTM award! This is how the Cougars are at their best, playing together as a well-oiled machine, keeping their cool and determination and using the space of the whole field rather than herding together behind the ball. We keep this up and we are strong contenders for promotion – forget about the Cup, this is what it’s all about and you all did us proud! WELL DONE!!!

Man of the Match

Could have gone to a number of players but was awarded to Jayden this week for a composed and disciplined performance in a central defensive role

MOTM: Jayden Graham

Silver: Patrick Ward

Bronze: Luis Wright

Team : P Ward, J Graham, W Kennedy, J Swift, L Wright, C Barton, R Bell, C Hayden, J Mason, W Nicol, J Potter, E Hundeyin

Goals : W Kennedy, L Wright, C Barton, J Mason, W Nicol, E Hundeyin (3)

Assists : C Barton (2), C Hayden, J Mason

Referee : Stephen Yates

Source: Bill Kennedy

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