U9 Cougars in monsoon conditions - provide "sunshine on a rainy day!"

7 February 2011

After the Arctic conditions of the last few months the Cougars were faced with monsoon conditions in their away fixture to Unicorn Athletic JFC Vikings.

1st Period

The Cougars got off to a great start in the torrential rain and quickly found their feet in the heavy conditions. In the opening minutes they created a number of good chances but were unable to find the net. After some great play from Mail and Ford and some consistent pressure the Cougars eventually got the breakthrough. Archer picked the ball up midway in side the Vikings half and produced a great pass for Livingston to finish. The Cougars then created chance after chance without adding to their lead. With five minutes left of the first period it was the Vikings turn to pile on the pressure, they got a hold of the midfield and created a number of good chances. They then got the equalizer they deserved following a great pass from midfield and a cool finish from their centre forward. 1-1 at the end of the first period with both sides playing some great stuff.

2nd Period

With Greensmith, Gozem and Webb now on the Cougars got off to a great start and looked poised and in control with some lovely passing play. This time the early pressure paid off with a move starting with Lovatt from midfield who found Ford in his usual position wide on the right. After some quick footwork Ford fired in a great cross which was swept in to the net by a fine first time shot from Greensmith. Next, Lovatt went close with a few shots from just outside the box. These early attempts were rewarded a few minutes later when Lovatt produced a great strike from a tight angle which rifled high into the net. The Cougars looked very much in command and finished the period with a comfortable 3-1 lead. 

3rd Period

The game was now in full swing and the Cougars looked to have the measure of the Vikings and some fine play by Mail on the left provided Archer with the opportunity to score and take the game to 4-1. The Vikings then got the upper hand in midfield and started to create chance after chance with some great play from midfield. They soon got the reward they deserved with two good goals which put them right back in the game at 4-3. After all their early pressure it was now the Cougars defence who were now hanging on. Some great saves from Stone and some great defending by Howgate and then Bundred kept the Vikings from adding to their tally. Then against the run of play Livingston played a great through ball for Archer to run on to. Archer skipped past the last defender and coolly slotted the ball home for the Cougars to go 5-3 in front. The Cougars then shut up shop for the last few minutes much to the relief of their traveling support.

Summary

A fantastic performance by both teams in difficult conditions. The quality of the football was matched only by the spirit in which the game was played. A real 10/10 performance by both clubs. 

Source: David Livingston

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