U13 Cougars slip up in the wet - Cougars fight back but let points slip

4 December 2011

After battling the elements at Lymm last week the Cougars hosted Urmston Colts this weekend in wet and freezing conditions at Jim Evison. The Colts were just behind the Cougars in the league and seemed capable of both scoring and conceding large quantities of goals.

Playing downhill in the 1st period the Cougars looked to build up a sizeable first half lead. Ahead of Patrick in goal were a back line of Derek,Jamie,Will.N and Jonathan. The Cougars went with four in midfield this week with Jake,and James on the flanks and Callum and Atikan central up front were Joe and Will.K. Running around on the sidelines trying to keep warm in the terrible conditions were Joey,Jayden and Ilan.

1st Half

The opening exchanges were fairly even, Atikan and Callum were battling to win control of a congested midfield , The Colts were passing the ball better though and Patrick was quick off of his line on several occasions to clear. James was looking dangerous on the left and Callum was first to test the Urmston keeper. Joe and Jake were also combining well on the right but try as they might the Cougars could not make any clear cut chances despite dominating possession and forcing a number of throws deep inside the Urmston half.

Derek and Jamie made some good clearances at full backs as the Cougars sought to get the ball forward quickly , Will N and Jonathan were also able to hold a high line confident that Patrick behind them was alert to the ball over the top. Jayden appeared for an injured and freezing Jamie and slotted into the left back position..

The Urmston keeper was by far the busier and was holding onto the ball well as the Cougars continued to press. Urmston went ahead though against the run of play as Will.N looking to clear a speculative shot sliced it past Patrick to open the scoring. A few minutes later they doubled their lead as an attacker seemed to have an age to control a corner and pick his spot in the far corner. The Cougars increased their effort and nearly pulled a goal back when Will,K latched onto a ball over the top, running in on goal his shot rebounded to safety off of the foot of the post.

The Cougars did get a goal back after more pressure when after good work down the right Jake laid the ball back to Callum on the edge of the area, and he looped a shot over the keeper to make the score 2-1. The Cougars finished the half the stronger team and managed to put some good passing moves together despite the middle of the pitch becoming virtually unplayable.  

2nd Half

Ilan and Joey appeared at the back for Derek and Will.N as the Cougars went about getting the equalizer. With the back four clearing the ball well and the midfield winning most of the 50/50 balls The Cougars gradually managed to get on top and push Urmston back. After a couple of wasted corners Will.K managed to get on the end of a great cross by Callum and poke the ball home to level the scores. The Cougars now looked the team most likely to go on and win. Joey and Ilan both had long shots that the Urmston keeper who was having a good game handled well.

The Cougars did take the lead for the first time after great work in midfield by a now mud caked Atikan he won the ball in central midfield and beat a couple of players before finding Will.K on the left. Will K outpaced his marker and cutting in found the bottom corner to make it 3-2 to the Cougars.

The momentum of the game seemed to change at this point as the Cougars appeared to take their foot off of the gas seeming to want to defend their lead. Urmston who had looked dangerous on the wings surged forward and levelled the scores after a great cross from the left that found an attacker unmarked at the far post. Encouraged by this Urmston continued to press and were awarded a dubious penalty after Jonathan was adjudged to have handled in the area. Despite guessing right Patrick was unable to keep out the well taken spot kick.

This was cruel luck on the Cougars but Urmston finished the match the stronger adding a fifth goal just before the end to give the final score line a slightly flattering 5-3 look.

Summary

The Cougars will be disappointed to have lost this match after battling to get back into contention and taking the lead with 15 minutes to go. Overall Urmston passed the ball better in atrocious conditions but the Cougars will be looking for revenge in the return match. There were some good individual performances today. Patrick handled brilliantly in goal and Callum contended every ball in midfield. MOM award could only go to one player though and Atikan again thoroughly deserved the prize for a non stop battling display in the centre of midfield.

 Managers Comments

I'm completely at a loss as to what has gone wrong in the last 3 weeks.  3 weeks ago, going into the away game against Benchill, we were flying and in contention for a top three place. Now in that period we find ourselves on the back of three losses and a draw.  If things do not change i think we can safely say we will definitely achieve this 3rd position; unfortunately it wont be third from top but third from bottom!

I know we had terrible weather conditions today but that was the same disadvantage for both teams.  We fought very well to get ourselves from two goals down to three two up.  We have to stop switching off and thinking that the match is won when it clearly isnt.  We are best when we are attacking and they were there for the taking today.  Its so disappointing to see our team who are good players and fit players just crumble like we did today. 

We have a wealth of big strong lads in the team but you are not using your size.  we seem frightened of boys half your size? Start putting yourselves about and dominating the matches!

Training - From now on back to basics.  If you want to just show up for a kick about then don't bother showing up.  Time to start proper training. Fitness. Positioning.  Defending etc

Source: bill kennedy

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