Stylish Cougars give Tornados a buffeting

BUNTINGFORD Cougars Under-10 Stripes turned on the style in the County Cup on Sunday, with a 5-0 win at Tring Tornados.

The Stripes got off to a flying start when William Thorpe opened the scoring after just two minutes.

And they dominated the first half ­possession, Sam Rice netting a ­second for Buntingford just before half-time.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with the Cougars again coming out on top.

And they were soon three up, thanks to a Tring own goal, but that was followed a great Alex ­Woolnough finish after a terrific run from Tom Payne.

Sam Pye made it five with a calm finish near the end to cap another fine performance.

Buntingford's two under-eight teams both played well against their Knebworth Youth opposition, but could manage only draws.

The Whites drew 2-2, with Luke Garrett putting Cougars in front with a fine strike.

Alex Hewer increased their lead minutes into the second half, when his well-hit effort found the back of the Knebworth net.

However, when they were awarded a penalty midway through the half, Knebworth were back in the game.

Matthew Share and Frank Bown stood firm in the middle of the Cougars defence, with goalkeeper Jay Kane also making a number of superb stops.

However, despite their resolute defending, Knebworth crept in and nabbed a late equaliser.

Despite the 0-0 score line, the Blues entertained in an action- packed match that saw some great defending and passing from both teams.

Cougars came closest to scoring and were unfortunate not to find the Knebworth net.

The Under-nine Stripes also battled bravely, but lost out to a strong Hitchin Colts side.

Luca and Thomas Moore defended well for the Cougars in front of an impressive James ­Pooley, while at the other end Thomas Rowley and Jamie ­McKinna went close for the Stripes.

Sawbridgeworth Juniors B 6 Melbourn Dyn Tigers Under-9 2

A POOR first half display cost Melbourn dear in their match at ­Sawbridgeworth.

Although Melbourn enjoyed a fair share of possession, a string of defensive errors midway through the half saw them concede five goals in quick succession.

However, just before half time Megan Jeray pulled a goal back, surging through to connect with a quickly taken throw in.

The Tigers half time team talk was all about winning the second half, and they tightened up their defence admirably.

Izzy Broadbent and Sam Austin played particularly well, although Austin was unlucky to see a glancing defensive header end up in his own net.

Matthew Harris pulled a second goal back with a cool finish to make the final score 6-2.

Sawbridgeworth Under-9 4 Melbourn Panthers Under-9 1

Melbourn Panthers' poor away form continued as they went down at Sawbridgeworth.

Luke Eades hit the post in the first half, but at the other end ­Sawbridgeworth took advantage of the absence of regular goalkeeper Connor Patel to rattle in three goals.

Determined play from Ben Greenway and Man of the Match Josh Bates helped spark a second half Panthers revival.

Although Sawbridgeworth added a fourth goal with a superb header, Melbourn got a deserved ­consolation effort when Eades ­slotted home the rebound after a Kieran Geraghty volley had been saved by the keeper.