U12 Cougars back to winning ways despite being half asleep - Early start not to boys liking but another win anyway

27 March 2011

After battling away with 9 players  last week and just failing to hold on for a point against Partington the Cougars travelled to Wythenshawe for the first of two meetings against Altrincham Cheetahs. Some of the boys appeared still to be struggling with the change to summer time but at least this week they had a squad of 12 to choose from. 

 1st half

The game started slowly with each side probing without creating any clear cut chances , The Cougars were also struggling to keep a good shape which had been a feature of their recent succesful run. Emmanuel opened the scoring though when breaking free of the attentions of the Cheetahs defense and finishing well 

The Cougars extened their lead shortly afterwards when Jake finished from six yards after good work by Emmanuel Connor and Callum.  Altrincham apperaed rattled and the cougars then wasted several chances to put the game beyond them Connor twice went close.

Flooding the midfield the Cougars pressed forwards but gave away a free kick just before half time. they did not defend this particularly well and a chip over the wall found 3 attackers bearing down on Patrick who had no chance.

Therefore despite having most of the game the Cougars went into the half time break only a goal up.

2nd Period

The boys started the second half brightly Jayden pushed forward into midfield to support Joe Reece and Will N and the Cougars were looking dangerous down the right every time Luis or Connor got on the ball. William and Callum were also working well down the left and the Cougars looked the most likely to score even though Jonathan had to remain alert at the back and Patrick had to come off his line quickly to clear.

The Cougars pressure eventually told and following a good run down the right by Connor and an almighty goal line melee Jayden poked the ball over the line to restore the Cougars two goal lead.

It was soon 4-1 when a strong shot by Will N was deflected past the Cheetah's keeper. The Cougars should have now gone on to win easily but they seemed to lose shape which allowed Altrincham to pull 2 late goals back . The Final whistle came just after the 7th goal meaning that despite not playing very well that the Cougars had won the first of two clashes with Altrincham and in doing so had regained 3rd position in the league.

Summary.

The Cougars had played far better than this recently and had lost, and although it was good to secure all three points this was not a good performance by any means. The Cougars will need to work on keeping their shape particularly the midfield who made little effort to track back after losing possession. Against a stronger team this would definitely prove costly.

MOM - Connor - despite not feeling well a constant threat down the right.

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