U12 Cougars keep up in the chase for 3rd place - Much better performance keeps Cougars near the top

3 April 2011

The Cougars hosted Altrincham Cheetahs a week after taking all 3 points from them in the away fixture. The Cougars did not play well on that occassion and a late comeback by Altrincham nearly earned them a share of the points. The Cougars knew that they would have to play better and start brightly if they were to keep up their challenge for third place in the league. 

1st Half 

The Cougars started brightly and took the game to Altrincham, as in the previous match the Cougars were enjoying some success down the wings and Callum and Connor were well supported by William and Luis who both had attempts on goal that just flew over the crossbar. 

Emmanuel had a good run and shot and Connor through on the right hit the bar as it was all Cougars in the early stages , Patrick was kicking well and this proved to be the launchpad for Cougars success. Jake picked up one long kick and released Emmanuel who ran on to finish well.  

The midfield battle was close with Will N Joe and Reece battling away to gain the upperhand, in defense Jonathan and Jayden looked assured and pushed forward in support. 

Although the Cougars had the majority of possession the closest they could come to extending their lead was a free kick from Connor that was deflected wide. 

2nd Half

 As in previous games William and Luis moved forward into midfield with Callum and Will N covering in defense. This tactic proved successful, firstly William had a run and shot then another break saw him put Emmanuel through on goal. poised to shoot Emmanuel was bought down in the box. Connor dispatched the resulting penalty cooly to make the score 2-0

Emmanuel came close to adding a third before setting up Luis who shot over from the edge of the box. Altrincham were not out of it though and were awarded a penalty after an attacker fell over Will n's outstretched leg. Patrick guessed correctly and made a good save diving low to his right to preserve the Cougars two goal advantage.

Altrincham pulled one back soon after though following a break that caught six Cougars in the opposing half, an attacker ran beyond the defense and chipped the ball over the advancing Patrick. 

As in the previous game the Cougars were losing their shape and Altrincham pressed for an equalizer, Jonathan and Jayden were forced into some desperate clearances to preserve the Cougars lead. The Cougars extended their leading margin though following the award of a free kick 30 yards out. Connor lofted the ball over the wall and past the keeper , the ball hit the left hand post though, but Jake was on hand to follow up and make the score 3-1

Just before the end the Cougars made the game safe, another good run down the left by William ended when he put Connor through who finished well and make the  core 4-1 to the Cougars. There was just time remaining for Altrincham to pull another goal back from a poorly defended corner before the final whistle sounded with the score 4-2 to the Cougars,

Summary

A much more disciplined performance from the Cougars this week saw them run out deserved winners. still there was a period in the second half where the team seemed to stop playing allowing the opposition a route back into the match. With 33 points now though the Cougars are guaranteed a top half finish and can push on to gain 3rd place if other results go their way.

MOM- A close call this week with several strong performances but awarded to Luis for a fine showing in both defense and midfield.

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