U13 Cougars off and running for the season - Cougars win bragging rights after derby victory

18 September 2011

After a bit of a drubbing at the hands of Lymm the previous week the Cougars made the short journey across Wilmslow to take on Wilmslow Sports Wolves who themselves had gotten off to a fine start to the season.

although Joey and Derek were unavailable the Cougars ranks were boosted by the availability of new signing Ilan. He slotted into the back four in front of Patrick alongside Jayden Jonathan and Callum. the tactic was to flood the midfield and the Cougars played five with Will K wide left Jake wide right and Atakan Will N and James in the middle. This left Ben alone up front. On the sidelines eagerly waiting to come on was Joe.

1st Half

Both sides started nervously but it was soon clear that the Cougars were the equal at least of the Wolves. confidence was increased after some fine tackles and clearances from debutant Ilan. The back four looked really solid and Patrick was commanding his area and distributing well.

The plan was to get the ball to Ben as often as possible and then try to get forward to assist. This was to prove fruitful . Will K found Ben on the left and although there still seemed a lot to do he cut inside and finished well to open the scoring. The cougars were enjoying good possession and seemed to be quicker than the Wolves defence with a little more composure they could have increased their lead further,

Ben did make it 2-0 though after 20 minutes after being played through again by Will K. he sprinted clear of the defence from the half way line and finished well.

The Cougars seemed surprised to be in the lead and allowed the Wolves back into the game. Patrick made a couple of fine saves though could do nothing when following a corner a Wolves attacker found the top corner of the net to make it 2-1

2nd Half

After a stern talking to at half time the Cougars started the second half brightly, they deservedly increased the lead when following strong pressure from Ben a Wolves defender trying to clear beat his own keeper from the edge of the area to make the score 3-1

The Cougars then came under intense pressure as the Wolves tried to get back into the game. The back four though of Jake, Ilan Jonathan and Callum were defending resolutely and Patrick was first to any ball over the defence. The Wolves were getting frustrated but continued to press over running the Cougars midfield who were caught constantly out of position. Atakan and Will N dived into tackles though, and Joe James and Jayden all showed good touches on the ball but struggled to retain possession for any length of time.

The Wolves pressure eventually told and they made it 3-2 after a good move down the right and an attacker again gave Patrick no chance with a shot into the top corner. With 20 minutes still to go it looked desperate for the Cougars as the Wolves continued to press but after a long clearance from Jonathan Ben again outsprinted the Wolves defence and rounded the keeper to complete his hat trick and make the score 4-2

The Wolves looked to have a lifeline after a penalty was awarded for handball but the kick was blasted over the bar.

The Cougars continued to defend desperately for the final minutes holding on for a well deserved victory and in the process gaining their first points of the season.

Summary

A really good showing by the Cougars, the defensive unit looked particularly solid with Ilan making a strong debut . Ben was excellent up front and deservedly was awarded man of the match. just ahead of reluctant defenders Jake and Callum who were outstanding in the full back positions. The Cougars should have another good season if they can resolve the problem in midfield of players getting caught out of position and not tracking back.

Managers Comments

Excellent result today boys.  Massive improvement on last week in a number of area's - in particular the defense was solid in the most part and defended as a unit.  Last week we were all over the place and were deservedly punished.  The tackling was there too this week. Some very good performances all round.

This is definately the way forward but as Bill says, much improvement needed in midfield.

If we can get the midfield working as a unit as the defense did, and also tracking back to help the defenders, we will be a match anyone in that division. This is something we must work on and improve.

Lets have more of the same next Sunday as you can bet the Wilmslow Wolves will be out for revenge.  Let's send them away disappointed!

Source: bill kennedy

<< to news index

• Fixtures
• Results
• News and Reports
• League Data
• Stats