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Under 10 Cougars
LGE 13/09/09 - HOME NORTH SHIELDS JUN JAGUARS 0 12 - " 20/09/09 - HOME WALKER CENTRAL WHITE S 0 4 - CUP 23/09/09 - HOME WALLSEND COMMUNITY 7 1 WILSON(3), ADAMSON, CLARK & LINDSAY(2) " 27/09/09 - HOME CRAMLINGTON JUN WHITES 1 8 WILSON " 04/10/09 - AWAY MONTAGU LIONS 0 7 - " 11/10/09 - AWAY WHITLEY BAY FC AJAX 6 0 YOUNG(2), GARFOOT, LINDSAY, KELLY & WILSON " 18/10/09 - HOME TYNEMOUTH BLUES 0 0 - CUP 25/10/09 - AWAY WALLSEND BC 1 9 YOUNG " 01/11/09 - HOME BLYTH SPARTANS P P - CUP RI 08/11/09 - AWAY ASHINGTON 3 0 WILSON(2) & YOUNG LGE 15/11/09 - AWAY CRAMLINGTON JUN BLUES 1 4 CLARK " 22/11/09 - AWAY PONTELAND MADRID 6 1 ADAMSON " 29/11/09 - AWAY BEDLINGTON BARCA 4 3 WILSON(3) & ADAMSON " 12/12/09 - HOME BLYTH SPARTANS 1 2 YOUNG CUP 13/12/09 - AWAY BLYTH TOWN 2 12 ADAMSON & YOUNG - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LA LIGA - WINTER LEAGUE 2009-2010 LGE 07/02/10 - AWAY WHITLEY BAY BARCA 3 1 WILSON(2) & LINDSAY " 14/02/10 - HOME PONTELAND MADRID 3 3 LINDSAY, YOUNG & WILSON " 19/02/10 - HOME BEDLINGTON BLADES 1 0 KELLY " 28/02/10 - HOME CRAMLINGTON YELLOWS 2 1 KELLY & ADAMSON " 07/03/10 - AWAY NORTH SHIELDS LIONS 4 1 ADAMSON(2), CLARK & WILSON " 13/03/10 - AWAY CRAMLINGTON YELLOWS 0 4 - " 14/03/10 - AWAY NORTH SHIELDS PUMAS 1 2 ADAMSON
MATCH REPORTS
Sunday 14th March
La Liga
North Shields Cougars 1 North Shields Pumas 2Goalscorer: Matthew Adamson
Man of the Match: Kieron LawlorWE ARE STILL TOP OF THE LEAGUE - JUST !!1
After the disappointing performance on Saturday against Cramlington the Cougars faced the Pumas just 24 hours later in a big local derby where the top two in La Liga went head to head.
The Cougars welcomed back Jake Lindsey and William Kelly for the big match.Q1
The Cougars started well, Matthew Wilson put in a nice corner which the big man Jake Lindsay attempted an overhead kick (need to practice that one in training me thinks!) Nicholaswas called in action as he gathered a loose ball, then Matthew Adamson showed his Ronaldo skills on the wing beating his man. Joe hit a screamer from the half way line but it flew over and then Joe showed why he is the best header of a ball at the Cougars with a towering header to clear the trouble. The Cougars had 70% of the possession this quarter but could not carve out any clear cut chances. Then suddenly, against the run of play, the Puma's keeper took a mammoth kick out of his hands and with the strong wind behind it flew the full length of the pitch. Nicholas misjudged the ball as it bounced over him and it hit the bar and came back out to an advancing Puma's forward who made the score 0-1. Cougars then won a free kick which Joe again hit a great shot from 35 yards but it just flew over the bar. Kieron was excellent at the back and him and Joe are forming a formidable partnership.
The quarter ended 1-0 to the Puma's who had only one real attempt at goal in what had mostly been a midfield battle.Q2
Sam was on and straight away he cleared the ball away from a Puma's corner, and William was working hard down the wing but the Puma's were showing some dogged defending not allowing the Cougars a sniff at goal. Harry was helping out the defence along with Sam clearing the lines as the Puma's were becoming more of an attacking force. In fact they had the smallest man on the pitch but he had the heart of a Lion getting tackles in and assisting both his defenders and linking up with his forwards. Matthew Wilson was dominating the midfield but every time he beat say two men the Puma's closed him down. Nathan beat two men with his sharp turns and played in William Torres and it looked as if he was about to equalise but he shot just wide under pressure from a defender. William was injured after he took an elbow in the face as the game was getting very competitive, that could have been a straight red in the premiership!!!
Then from nowhere a scramble in the box and the Puma's went 2-0 up after Nicholas went down a bit early in his save. The Cougars now pinned the Puma's back in their half, another great corner swung in by Nathan but yet again no player there to meet it. Then Harry swung in a great corner which Matthew Adamson headed back in for Matthew Wilson who headed just over the bar.
So the quarter ended 0-2 to the Puma's and Gary "Rafa" Clark was scratching his head wondering how?!Q3
The Cougars were straight on the attack, Matthew Wilson crossed, Jake shot that hit the post, followed by a scramble in the box, the ball fell to Nathan two yards out he must score but it hit the post again. The writing was on the wall this was just going to be a bad weekend for the Cougars. Another great Harry corner resulted in Nathan getting another shot in but the keeper saved. Matthew Wilson was coming under some dubious tackling as he barged his way through the Puma's midfield but yet again nobody met his cross. Big Man Jake was having a great game using his physical presence to win the ball and he was starting to rattle their players chasing all the loose balls. Well done Jakey, practice holding the ball in your back garden against your fatha and dig him in the ribs and then play the ball off! Then the shot of the game as Harry hit an absolute screamer from 40 yards which their keeper just got his fingertips to and instead of rolling into the net it rolled a yard wide - typical of our luck this weekend! Harry if you have this type of shooting in your locker can you use it more often.
Kieron was outstanding at the back again not putting a foot wrong and was catching the eye of everybody with his determined tackling and excellent distribution.
So still 0-2 down could we pull it back?Q4
First Kieron got a shot in which the keeper saved, then a William corner fell for Jake at the edge of the box, he connected well but the impressive Puma's keeper pulled off a world class save.
Then the showboating of the day, Kieron took the ball 40 yards from defence to attack by beating 3 men and then got his shot away but again the keeper saved. Gary "Rafa" Clark with 10 mins left brought off Jake who was really good today and goalscoring Talisman Matthew Adamson came on in an attempt to get back in the game. The Cougars won a corner and somehow Matthew Adamson scored directly from the corner when he swung a great corner in which either caught the wind or he bent it like Beckham and the keeper could only get fingertips to but it ended up in the net.
GGGGOOOOAAAALLLL - MATTHEW ADAMSON
Five minutes left as the Cougars poured forward looking for an equaliser. Harry put in a corner and it fell to Matthew Adamson but his shot just went over the bar. More scrambles around the box but fair play to the Puma's they kept us out.Soooo
We had 60/70% of the game and got beat !
We had no luck
Let’s just write this weekend off
No game planned next week so lets re-group and come back strongerPositives
We are still top of the League - yes teams have games in hand but they are all capable of beating each other
There are 5 games left and we are more than capable of winning the lot. We have the two North Shields teams, Whitley Bay and Bedlington who we have already beaten and a tricky away trip to Ponteland.Man of the Match: Kieron Lawlor
La Liga
Saturday 13th March
Cramlington Yellows 4 North Shields Cougars 0Top versus bottom so only one result here today surely, I had it down as a away win on my fixed odds coupon but as Jimmy Greaves says "football its a funny old game".
Cougars had beaten Cramlington 2-1 so they were looking for their first double of the season.
Cougars were without William and Jake today so we were down to the bare bones with only one substitute. Cougars came off a 4-1 victory against the Lions, whilst Cramlington got thumped at home 3-6 against Bedlington last weekend.Q1
The Cougars had 70% of the play in the first quarter yet Cramlington looked dangerous on the breakaways. A great three man move between Nathan, Matthew and then Matthew Wilson ended up with their keeper making a good save. Kieron was clearing his lines well at the back, and then Joe broke well out of defence and played in Nathan but his shot was saved. Matthew Wilson went close with a header just over the bar and again Nathan went close to opening the deadlock but the Cramlington keeper saved. Joe again played a great ball out of defence to Matthew Adamson but he was just wide with his shot. Nicholas had basically very little to do this quarter as it finished 0-0.Q2
The Cougars didn’t play too well this quarter and ended up 3-0 down. The normally reliable defence was all over, the midfield were always second to the loose ball and the forwards were ineffective. Strong words indeed, but how can we play so poorly when we have been fantastic so far in La Liga? Basically Cramlington scored from their first two shots on goal and went into a surprise 2-0 lead. Nicholas was far busier this quarter as the Cramlington passing game pinned us back in our own quarter. Sam was on for Harry this quarter and he nearly scored when Nathan put in a lovely corner but Sam just failed to connect. Things went from bad to worse when Matthew Wilson was injured and had to go off. Harry came back on and showed some determined running tracking back and Nicholas pulled off a great save. Then Cramlington made it 3-0 when a player totally unmarked in the box gave Nicholas no chance. So 3-0 down and basically we hadn't turned up, but we all knew our favourite Q3 was next.Q3
Crammy nearly made it 4-0 when straight from a goal kick, the ball went over our centre halves to a totally unmarked centre forward but Nicholas made a fine save. Matthew Wilson hit a 35 yarder just wide, then Nathan with some good wing play put Harry in but keeper put him off. Matthew Wilson put Sam in but again he didn't connect properly and Matthew Wilson was then just wide after beating two men. Joe again brought the ball well out of defence and played in Matthew Wilson but he was stretching as he shot and it went wide.
A great one two between Sam and Matthew Wilson but the keeper was equal to his shot and pushed it out for a corner. Nathan put in a great corner which the keeper fumbled but Crammy scrambled the ball clear. So our favourite quarter had ended and we were 3-0 down still.Q4
It was all or nothing now.
Matthew Wilson beat two men and played a great ball to Matthew Adamson who ran from just inside his own half with the Crammy defenders in pursuit but he shot straight at the keeper and then on the rebound he saved Matthew's follow up and pushed it for a corner, we really needed that goal then to get back into it.
Harry put in a great tackle in midfield to put Matthew Wilson in who did the showboating of the day with a great step over but he was closed out in the box.
Then despite the Cougars pressure, Crammy made it 4-0 with again some poor marking. Nicholas really had no chance with any of the goals. Then to some up the day, Matthew Wilson shot, it hit the post and rolled along the line and Crammy cleared. Further shots by the boy Wilson flew over the bar and Matthew Adamson hit the keeper again.To conclude:-
Worst performance in La Liga
No luck in front of goal, forwards left their shooting boots at home
Everybody had a poor game
The usually reliable defence had a bad Q2
Second to the loose ballPositives:-
We are still top of the league
I have a feeling in this league everybody is capable of beating each other, so points will be dropped where you least expect it
Only have to wait 24 hours to our next game
And what a game when we play the Puma's (Top v Second)Man of the Match:- Matthew Wilson
Sunday 7th March
La Liga
North Shields Lions 1 North Shields Cougars 4Goalscorers:-
Matthew Adamson 2
Harry Clark
Matthew WilsonAssists:-
Matthew Wilson 3
Matthew AdamsonThe first of our North Shields Derby's was upon us against the Lions on what was a beautiful sunny day. The Cougars are setting the early pace in La Liga and everybody is looking to take our scalp.
Some familiar faces on the pitch and on the touchline as the excitement was building up to kick-off. Gary "Rafa" Clark had the players in for a pre-match pep talk with his whiteboard so everybody knew what was expected - 3 points or 5 nights training next week!
Just before kick off the Lions made an almighty roar similar to the All Blacks in Rugby - I was intimidated by this but would the lads be!Q1
In the early stages the battle was even, but Nathan was looking good down the wing with some sharp turns and his pace was causing the Lions defence some early problems. Harry put in a lovely flighted corner and Matthew Wilson got on the end of it but his shot hit a defender on the line. Harry put the resultant corner back in and Joe came running in to get it just over the bar with a great header. The extra training session on Tuesday had nearly paid off already.
The Lions were looking dangerous on the break and Nicholas was called upon to make a good save. Then a great 3 man move, Wilson to Adamson to Clark but his shot went just wide. The two Matthew's were linking up well and Matthew Wilson put Matthew Adamson in but a great save from Ryan Telford in the Lions goal prevented the Cougars from taking the lead. Joe was left 1 on 1 at the back against the lively little Lions forward but came out on top, then Kieron put in a great tackle as the Lions started to give us one or two problems. Nathan again was showing some great wing play as the first quarter ended 0-0.Q2
Straight from the kick off substitute Jake Lindsay was in but the keeper saved his shot. Then Nathan got a shot in again but there was no way past the cat "Ryan Telford" in the Lions goal. Sam was called upon to clear at the back and it was important the Cougars kept it tight as we have problems scoring in the opening two quarters. Then the talking point of the game, Sam played Jake in and the big man looked like he had lost control, but somehow won the ball back and shot from an acute angle. The ball rolled along the goal line and hit the post and appeared to be just over the line but a Lions defender hooked it clear. Why oh Why have we not got goal line technology at under 10 level, never mind the Premiership as the ref ran away shaking his head. Imagine if this were a title decider all hell would break loose!
Then great Wing play by Nathan who crossed for Jake but his shot just went over. Joe again headed the ball out well and is looking the best header of a ball at the club. As the Cougars pushed forward Nathan got a good shot in but another great save by Ryan Telford palmed the ball out for a corner.
From the resultant corner another big scramble in the box, Matthew Wilson's shot was blocked and the ball just wouldn't go in as it rebounded between half a dozen players in the box. Again the Lions broke well and they nearly scored themselves but Nicholas pulled off a great save, and Sam and Kieron were tidying up well at the back. Kieron had missed his pre-match meal of a bag of chips and was a yard slower than normal when the Lions caused us trouble at the back.
So yet again the quarter ended 0-0, and we all knew the big third quarter awaited - our favourite, surely we would get our noses in front, wouldn't we?Q3
Nicholas was called upon to make a great save early on, then William beat two men and put a great cross in put it just flew over the bar. The pressure was building and it was the Cougars who broke the deadlock. Matthew Wilson took a quick throw-in to Harry, he beat a man and hit a hard shot from a narrow angle that took the Lions keeper by surprise and went in at the near post.
1-0 GGOOOAALL - HARRY CLARK (Well done Harry).
The Cougars were well on top now and Matthew Wilson shot but the Lions keeper was equal to it. The Lions broke and Nicholas again pulled off a great one handed save to push the ball out for a corner. From the resultant corner the towering number 5 for the Lions leaped like a salmon and headed against the post but it rebounded off Nicholas to make the score 1-1. A great header by the number 5 for the Lions (a proper centre halves goal). Shock all around in the Cougars camp as we were pegged back but the next 10 minutes was the two Matthew's show as they demonstrated some beautiful skill and finishing which was to be the nail in the coffin for the Lions, who to be fair had matched us to this point. Matthew Wilson broke from defence ran in between two Lions defenders and played a magnificent reverse ball through to Matthew Adamson who ran 30 yards in on the keeper and hit a shot from the edge of the box which the keeper got fingertips too but couldn't stop it going in.
2-1 GGOOOAALL - MATTHEW ADAMSON
Then Matthew Adamson on the left wing held the ball up and looked like he was going nowhere and then turned his defender inside out with sublime skill and played into Matthew Wilson who made no mistake.
3-1 GGOOOAALL - MATTHEW WILSON
Then Matthew Wilson in the corner on the left wing sent in a great cross which Matthew Adamson took the ball down and in one movement he shot into the top corner like Denis Bergkamp at his best.
4-1 GGOOOAALL - MATTHEW ADAMSON
In the space of 10 minutes the Cougars had knocked the Lions for six, it was like watching Brazil, why can't we do this in Q1 and Q2? The Lions manager stood is disbelief on the touchline lost for words!
So the quarter ended 4-1 to the Cougars - absolutely fantastic.Q4
Matthew Wilson was rested for this quarter as Gary had one eye on the big game next Sunday against the Puma's, and he had played against Egypt in midweek for England. Then enter Kieron for a bit of show boating as he went past 3 men in a mazy run and played in Jake but his shot went wide. Nicholas again pulled off a good save but the Lions were tiring as first Nathan, Harry and Jake peppered the Lion's goal. Again great wing play from Nathan laying the ball off for Matthew Adamson who hit a howitzer from 35 yards just over the bar. Harry played in another great ball this time to Jake but his shot went over the bar. The game petered out with the damage being done in the third quarter as the Cougars went top of the North Shields "bragging" rights table as well as being five points clear at the top of La Liga.To conclude:-
Magnificent third quarter again!
Matthew Adamson has his shooting boots on watch out La Liga!
Three assists and a goal from Matthew Wilson (beat that Stevie Gerrard)!
Nicholas/Sam/Kieron/Joe - Well done keeping the Lions at Bay in the early stages. Although its always the goalscorers that hit the headlines its just as important to defend well, in all our games this season the defence and goalie have kept things tight until our superior fitness shines through.
Harry- fantastic game and got the all so important first goal
Nathan - great wing play but you should have scored as it was your Fatha's Birthday - but he would have probably missed it as he was still hung over from the night before
William - no goal today but keep the hard work up, you know you can do it Torres
Jake - again on another day you would have had a hat-trick - get your fatha to get you some new £70 shooting boots!Man of the Match :- Nicholas Atkin
Player of the Week - Harry Clark
Sunday 28th February 2010
La Liga
North Shields Cougars 2 Cramlington Yellows 1Goalscorers:-
William Kelly
Matthew AdamsonAssists:-
Matthew WilsonGary "Rafa" Clark took his league leaders to our reserve ground Collingwood to face Cramlington Yellows. Despite the heavy rain over the weekend, full credit to our chief Groundsman Johnny Wilson who had worked tirelessly on the ground picking up dog poo in order to make the game playable. Joe Chambers was back after illness to make it a full strength squad for Gary to choose from. The team chose Matthew Adamson as team Captain, as every time he is captain we win!
Q1
Cramlington started well with their passing game and only good defending from Sam Garfoot cleared the danger. Nathan Young delivered a perfect cross from the corner but nobody was there to apply the finishing touch. Matthew Adamson glided past two defenders on the left wing and won another corner but it came to nothing. Kieron carried on his good work from last week defending stoutly and distributing the ball out of defence. Then the ref Paul Kelly stopped the game - for what? the parents asked - he pointed down at some dog dirt, which king pooper-scooper Johnny Wilson quickly and efficiently disposed of - well done Johnny (a new career awaits!)
Nathan played in another beautiful corner which just evaded the two Matthew's running in. Then Nicholas was called into action making a good save and then smothering the loose ball. Cramlington had started the game better and a great shot by their centre forward struck the crossbar. Then a mazzy run by their midfielder left three Cougars players in his wake but Nicholas made another good save. The ref called a halt to the game once again as the pooper scooper man was called on for the second time and soon after blew his whistle with the score 0-0. Credit again to the defence of Kieron, Sam, Joe and Nicholas who kept it tight despite an under par opening quarter from the Cougars.Q2
Straight from the kick off the Cougars stormed forward Matthew, Wilson played Matthew Adamson in but the keeper made a fine save. Then the two Matthews played a fine one two and this time Matthew Wilson was just wide. The big man Jake was on and he was showing some fine battling qualities winning the ball. Then Harry delivered a perfect corner but again nobody was there to apply the finishing touch. Cramlington were looking dangerous on the break away and once or twice we were outnumbered at the back but rode our luck. Nathan then played Jake in but he was just wide with his shot.
As Cramlington came forward looking for the first goal Joe intercepted and coolly played the ball out of defence. I always get the feeling of safety when Joe is the last man in defence he reads the game so well and is quick over the ground. Cramlington were having slightly the upper hand as we were approaching half time and the Cougars parents were starting to get frustrated but we all knew Q3 is our favourite quarter.
Then Harry played another great corner, which resulted in a scramble in the box, first Nathan shot, then Harry got a shot in but somehow Cramlington cleared. Then hard man Harry Clark got injured and was replaced by Sam.
In fact in the match programme Gary "Rafa" Clark quoted “if we can keep it tight it is usually in the second part of the game that our superior fitness shows through” and he was about to be proven right again.Q3
Matthew Wilson surged forward from the kick off and won us a corner. Then Jake beat two players on the edge of the box but his shot was blocked and then Matthew Wilson shot at the keeper when he looked like he was going to score, the Cougars were on top of the game now but Cramlington still looked dangerous on the break. From Nicholas’s goal kick, Matthew Adamson beautifully brought the ball under control with some nice skills. Then a great run by William on the right wing beating a couple of men and he then played the ball into Matthew Adamson who hit a screamer just over the bar from outside the box. Cramlington broke and Joe was left one on one but he stayed cool and cleared the danger. Then the Cougars won a corner and this time Joe crossed in a great corner but the keeper got his fingertips to it and pushed the ball away.
A mix up in the Cramlington box led to their keeper giving the ball away and Matthew Wilson shot but a defender had got back onto the line to clear, the pressure was mounting it had to come.
Then the goal came, Matthew Wilson played in the corner but this time William 'Torres' Kelly ran in to connect with the ball from six yards out to make the score 1-0.
GGGGGGOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL - WILLIAM 'TORRES' KELLY !!!!!
It was all Cougars now as Jake played in Matthew Adamson but the keeper made a fine save. Then William was in again but his shot just went wide. So the quarter ended 1-0 to the Cougars but could have and should have been more.Q4
The Cougars started brightly again with the two Matthews linking up well but the boy Wilson was just wide. Then Matthew Adamson who was having a great game and went onto win MOM played in William but a defender got across to clear the danger. Matthew Adamson picked up a loose ball just outside the box and shot which beat the keeper and with a defender running in he could only deflect it into the goal, but Matthew Wilson ran through to make sure but the ball had already crossed the line to make it 2-0 (goal line camera checked to confirm it was over).
GGGGGGGOOOOOAAAALLLLL - MATTHEW ADAMSON "MARAFROGA"!!!!!!
The Cougars were in command now, but the never say die spirit of Cramlington got them back into the game when they broke down the left wing, they put in a good cross and they made it 1-2, with 5mins left!
Then the showboating of the day when Nicholas played a goal kick to Matthew Wilson he did a "Johan Crueff" turn , turning defence into attack - fantastic, his Fatha must of shown him that in the back garden. Cramlington poured forward looking for an equaliser, they won a free kick and their number 3 hit a powerful 35 yarder against the Cougars crossbar - this was starting to become unbearable again.
Then Matthew Wilson broke free, he must score but he smacks the post with his shot from the edge of the box. The ref must have been adding on time for dog dirt pooper scooping as with about the last kick of the game Nicholas made a fantastic double save and from the resulting corner the ref blew bringing relief all around.So to conclude:-
We are top of the league - still
Gary "Rafa" Clark has won manager of the month for February
Fantastic third and final quarter today, but we remained hard to break down when Cramlington edged the first two quarters so credit to the defence
Special mention to Nicholas Atkin, without his wonder saves in the last two games right at the end we would have collected 2 points and not 6
Well done Matthew Adamson with his best all round Cougars performance - a goal, man of the match and team captain.
Special mention to William who has his shooting boots on at the moment and another good goal.
Next Sunday its local derby time as we take on the Lions, lets win the local bragging rights.Man of the Match :- Matthew Adamson
Player of the Week :- Nicholas Atkin
Friday 19th February 2010
La Liga
North Shields Cougars 1 Bedlington Blades 0WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!
Goalscorer:- William Kelly
Assist:- Matthew Adamson1. NORTH SHIELDS COUGARS P3 W2 D1 L0 PTS 7
2. WHITLEY BAY BARCA P3 W2 D0 L1 PTS 6The Cougars went into this game knowing that a win would put us top of the league. Shock news going into the match though in that our defensive lynch pin Joe Chambers had failed a fitness test.
But we need not of worried as Sam, Kieron and Nicholas provided an iron curtain at the back, in fact Kieron went on to win the man of the match with a 10/10 performance. With Chris Hughton and Steve Bruce watching, Gary "Rafa" Clark must brace himself when the transfer window opens again. Although Bedlington are currently bottom of the early league table it was a false position, and they had previously beaten the Cougars 3-0 in pre-season, but again the Cougars were about to show what improvements they have made recently under Gary "Rafa" Clark.Q1
An even first quarter which ended 0-0 but the talking point will no doubt be a penalty claim when Matthew Wilson seemed to handle the ball with his hand in the air whilst jumping up for a corner, but I think it caught everybody by surprise including the referee as it was so early on in the game (Maradona Incident no 1 - The hand of God!). Then Matthew Wilson was just wide early on with a shot from outside the box. Sam and Kieron were heading the ball well away from the danger zones, and they were both solid as a rock throughout. Matthew Adamson drifted past two men on the touchline and then Nathan played a nice ball to Jake but he shot straight at the keeper. Then play swung to the other end and following a corner Bedlington hit the crossbar but as the ball dropped in the goalmouth Kieron brought the ball out masterfully. Jake, who could of had hat full today, broke free from the half way line and hit a scorcher with just the keeper to beat but it went inches wide.Q2
Hit Man Harry and William entered the fray in what turned out to be another even quarter which ended 0-0. Harry played the pass of the game through to Nathan and as he ran through on goal a defender just got ahead of him to play it out for a corner. Then Bedlington broke and Kieron was caught out for once and with just Nicholas to beat he did enough to put the striker off and his shot just went wide. Sam again stepped up to the plate with some great defending to snuff out the Bedlington attack. William was playing probably his best game for the Cougars and he was just wide with a half chance and looking like he meant business. Kieron then leathered a 50 yarder from the half way line, which flew just wide. Kieron your first goal will come with shooting like that - "Have it". Then William nearly scored after beating three men but he just ran out of space, in fact William was on fire in training on Thursday night scoring a brace and so nearly getting his hat-trick, this shooting practice was about to pay off in Q3. Harry was doing a lot of supporting running up and down the pitch in what was a complete team performance.Q3
This was the quarter that was to win us the game. With Bedlington tiring, the fitness of the Cougars was about to show.
Firstly Matthew Wilson who again had run his socks off in central midfield, this time beat 4 men but was just wide with his effort. Then a great 3 man move, Jake played in Matthew Adamson who played the ball off to William on the wing. He cut in and went wide and then hit a swerving shot from a difficult angle under pressure from a defender over the keeper and into the corner of the net (Peter Beardsley at his best).
GGGGGGOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL - WILLIAM 1-0 (that shooting practice on Thursday's training paid off !) Then (Maradona incident number two), Matthew Adamson picked the ball up just in his own half, he went past Peter Reid, then Terry Fenwick and then Terry Butcher and then out came Peter Shilton and he went round him but the ball just went out of play as he was about to score. Bedlington came forward as Kieron somewhat surprisingly missed his showboating flick but Nicholas was on top form making a good save. Then William put in Jake and he should have made it two nil but somehow the ball went wide. The Cougars had 70% of this quarter but could not find the killer second goal. Harry as usual was putting in a good shift in midfield getting through a lot of running.Q4
The Cougars entered the final quarter knowing that if they held out we would be top. It was end to end and the nerves were starting to show as the parents paced up and down the touchline. Matthew Wilson had a good run and shot but the keeper saved it. Then Matthew Wilson won the ball in midfield, got to the line and put a great cross in for Jake who slid in the mud and got his big toe to it but the ball ran agonisingly against the post and then Bedlington cleared their lines. Kieron sent in another "howitzer" from the half way line and it flew over the bar. His pre match meal of chips had worked wonders - He reminds me of Stuart Pearce - "no messing and have it"
Then Matthew Wilson shot, but keeper saved, the ball fell to Nathan who shot but it landed on Jake's head one foot off the line but somehow his header went over the bar. This was followed by Nathan getting a cross in and Jake again met it with his head two feet from the line but it was just to high for the big man. With two minutes to go Bedlington broke free and with just the keeper to beat the ball somehow squirmed under Nicholas diving body for it to come out in a different direction and role agonisingly past the Cougars post - phewww! Only Nicholas knows how he made that save (maybe it was Maradona again and the hand of god).The final whistle blew leading to celebrations on the pitch in the news that we had gone top of the league. We go into Sunday's game against Cramlington Yellow's full of confidence to get the 3 points before all the North Shields Derby's come up. Let’s hope Joe Chambers is fit for Sunday.
Special thanks to the Cougars Tea lady's keeping the parents well watered and warm with their finest porcelain china cups and earl grey tea - how posh are we!!!Once more :- We are top of the league (never get bored of saying that!)
Man of the Match : Kieron Lawlor
Player of the week: William Kelly
La Liga
Sunday 14th February 2010
North Shields Cougars 3 Ponteland Madrid 3Goalscorers:-
Jake Lindsay
Nathan Young
Matthew Wilson
Assists:-
Matthew Wilson
William Kelly
Nathan YoungOn a lovely sunny Valentines Day morning the gods of love shone brightly on this game, a game that was played in the right spirit with no fouling, back chatting or abusing the referee. What we had was two equally matched teams playing the great game with the right attitude. A credit to the players and parents of both North Shields and Ponteland - well done!
The Cougars were at full strength for the visit of the mighty Ponteland "Real" Madrid who have players the calibre of Casillas, Ronaldo, Kaka and Van der Faart at their disposal.
Gary "Rafa" Clark brought Sam Garfoot in goal after his excellent performance against Whitley " Barca" last weekend, the only change to the starting line up. Both Matthew Adamson and Nicholas Atkin had returned safely from Aspen USA after treatment to niggling injuries after seeing top surgeon Dr Frankenstein.
In fact the fixture computer couldn't have given the Cougars a more difficult two opening fixtures in La Liga against Madrid and Barcelona, but hey, we would have taken 4 points against these two before a ball was kicked.Q1
An even opening quarter, but the difference was the lad up front for Ponteland who had quick feet and caused the usual partnership of Lawlor and Chambers (Terry and Ferdinand) problems throughout.
Ponteland went 1-0 up after a scramble in our box and then suddenly went 2-0 down after a quick turn and shot by the Ponteland centre forward.
This was totally against the run of play as Ponteland had two shots and had scored two goals.
Matthew Wilson played in the big lad Jake but he didn't connect properly unlike last week. Then a great six man move involving Nathan, Matthew Adamson and Harry, allowed Matthew Wilson a shot on goal but if just went wide.
The Cougars kept the pressure up and then Matthew Wilson put Jake in who swivelled on a sixpence to plant the ball into the net and make it 1-2.
Ponteland came straight back on the offensive and Sam was equal to a good shot with a fine save. Further shots by Jake and then Matthew Wilson hit a thunderbolt but Casillas in the Madrid goal leapt like a salmon to fingertip the ball over the bar.Q2
Straight from the kick off the Cougars pressed forward looking for an equaliser and the boy Wilson was just wide from the kick off. Good defending by the new England captain Joe Chambers who has taken the armband off John Terry and kept Ponteland at bay. The Ponteland attacking central midfield player was looking dangerous but Matthew Wilson was given a man to man marking job to keep him in check. Nathan Young (penalty supremo) was looking hard with a black eye or was it mud? But then again we all know we are from rough estates after last weeks debacle!!!
Ponteland had a couple of quick breakaways and were very close to making the score 1-3 but Kieron and Joe as usual were putting in a dogged shift.
Wilson again hit a 35 yarder which the keeper fumbled. Then enter "Jinky Jim" William Kelly who after he came on was making a difference with some good link up play and some good passing and this time he played a measured pass through to Nathan who slid the ball between the keeper's legs to make the score 2-2. Absolutely fantastic fighting spirit from the Cougars to come back from 2-0 down.Q3
Rafa Clark decided on a change of game plan, on came Nicholas Atkin which made Sam available to sure up the defence. It was Cougars who were looking the stronger and most likely to score but out of the blue Kaka hit a 35 yarder which Nicholas made a fantastic save to push the ball back up to the air. In fact Nicholas went on to have a good game and gives Rafa more things to think about as Sam is as good defending as he is in goal but its good that the Cougars have strength in depth. Then the showboating of the day came from Kieron, a dangerous ball was played over the Cougars defence and just as it looked like Ponteland were in he flicked the ball with the back of his heel away from the danger zone - Have it I knew what I was doing !
The boy Wilson had two great chances to score first he weaved his way into the box but then tried to get it on his right foot but the Ponteland defenders smothered the ball and then he broke free into the box with just the keeper to beat and hit a screamer that just went over the bar.
The rest of the quarter was a tense battle with no further goals but really the Cougars should have been ahead.Q4
The pressure was showing on the parents and Rafa Clark as we entered the final quarter. We knew a winning goal could take us to the top of the league, a place we could only dream of, but we have a real chance, I feel, of winning La Liga.
Rafa brought Matthew Adamson on with his pace up front playing on the shoulders of the centre half's in an attempt to get the winning goal, and he did well chasing down the loose ball putting pressure on the defence and goalie but just didn't get that half chance he needed. He then brought on Nathan for Harry who had worked hard all game and ran himself into the ground, so we had a few forward players on in an all out attempt to win the match. Some great passing between William/Nathan and the two Matthew's nearly resulted in a goal, but then the sucker punch as Ponteland broke free three on two and punished us with a good goal to make it 2-3. If I had one concern during the game it was the speed at which Ponteland turned defence into attack and on a number of occasions we were outnumbered three to two. But the Cougars don't know how to lie down and straight away they came back on the attack and won a corner. Nathan Young flighted in a lovely corner and commeth the hour commeth the man, in came Matthew Wilson to connect with the ball and make the score 3-3. The crowd went wild with delight in what was an unbelievable game of football. I ask you what was the most entertaining - Cougars V Ponteland or Swansea V Newcastle???!!!
I couldn't take anymore, the nerves were jangling as the game swung from end to end and Kieron made a timely intervention to give us a hard earned point. Great performance and great refereeing which allowed the game to flow, well done to all.So a 3-3 draw against a team that beat us 6-1 last November shows the great steps the Cougars have made in the last few months and credit to Rafa Clark and his backroom assistants. Believe me we have nobody to fear in this league and I personally think we have played two of the stronger teams in the League, but we have six yes six local derby's to play and form and reputations goes out the window in those games.
One of the other North Shields manager's was spotted in the crowd scouting our team as reports had been in the papers after the Cougars beat the mighty Whitley Barca last week. In fact Rafa Clark rushed off after the game to keep an eye on the teams we have to play in the near future.
The scorelines came through on Sky Sports that afternoon and what it confirms is this:-
Win on Friday against Bedlington means We are top of the League - so no pressure lads !Man of the Match Matthew Adamson
Player of the Week Nathan Young
Sunday 7th January 2010
La Liga
Whitley Bay Barca 1 North Shields Cougars 3THE GREATEST WEEKEND EVER FOR THE COUGARS - 4 TROPHIES AND 3 POINTS !
Goalscorers :-
Matthew Wilson 2
Jake LindsayAssists:-
Matthew Wilson
Harry ClarkWell well well what a weekend !
Lets get the honours out the way first. Before a ball is kicked in the La Liga the Cougars swept the board at the club doo last Friday.The Cougars are :-
The best penalty takers - Thanks to an emotional Nathan Young afterwards - he nearly made me cry!
The strongest arm wrestler - Hard man Harry Clark!
The best pool player - Cool hand Sam Garfoot!
The brainiest team - All the players and parents of the Cougars!So Leopards, Lions, Puma's, Tigers, Jaguars - Who are ya !!!!
That's the quadruple out the way, how was Gary going to match that on the football pitch?
The Cougars were without their goalkeeper today, Nicholas Atkin had injured fingers so Sam Garfoot was the only change to what was otherwise a fully fit squad ready for their first game of the season. Just as the game was about to start down came the rain turning the pitch into a mud bath.
Whitley Bay Barca were the early season pacesetters in the league having beat the Lions 6-2 so the Cougars knew they were in for a difficult game in what was to be a humdinger of a local derby game.
Sam Garfoot - Man of the Match performance, had no chance with their goal but saved everything Whitley Bay could throw at him. Even though he is our deputy goalkeeper, with performances like this he will give Gary a headache over team selection - Well that's why he gets paid the big bucks! Sam has to decide whether to be a footballer or a professional pool player though!
Joe Chambers - Our John Terry !!!! Cool and composed at the back, reads the game well and does the simple things well. When the game got physical he could mix it but mostly lets his football do the talking. Off the field, Joe's behaviour - well I can't comment
Kieron Lawlor - The opposite to Joe, an all action centre half who likes to get stuck in. Again rises to the physical challenge and is forming a great partnership with Joe at the back.
William Kelly - A great performance by William, not the biggest but a tigerlike performance in midfield. He never gave up and chased and harried every loose ball. Heart of a Lion.
Matthew Adamson - Took a heavy knock on his ankle in the first quarter and was taken off after Q1. Had a half chance after a great through ball from Nathan but shot straight at the keeper. More to come.
Matthew Wilson - What can you say about him that hasn't already been said. Scored two great goals, tackled anything that moved and when the Barca players started to get niggly with some of their tackles he let his football do the talking.
Jake Lindsay - scored an absolutely cracker of a goal and probably had his best performance in a Cougars shirt. Well done Jake more performances like that please as he put himself about and chased every loose ball. Majestic performance from the big man.
Harry Clark - Another great performance, battled hard, tracked back and showed why he is the strongest player on the books at North Shields. His physical presence in midfield and on the wide left allowed the Cougars to take the upper hand and would have had Vinnie Jones running scared. Professional performance.
Nathan Young - Greatest penalty taker at North Shields. Again worked hard down the wings and used his vision spraying some passes around. How he hoped we would get a penalty! You would have a fight getting the ball off him.Q1 - 0-0 Mostly a midfield battle with few chances at either end
Q2 - 0-0 More of the same with Whitley Bay having slightly more possession but a great rear guard action by the Cougars
Q3 - 1-1 The Cougars were the better team in this quarter as their extra fitness was showing. We took the lead after a nicely flighted corner from Matthew Wilson found its way to Jake Lindsay on the edge of the box who connected with it sweetly and it flew in the corner of the net. Whitley Bay hit back and equalised after a scramble in the box but the Cougars had done enough to be leading after this quarter.
Q4 - 3-1 Corner from Harry fell to Matthew Wilson who made no mistake 2-1. Then the turning point of the game, Whitley looked certain to score but Sam makes outstanding save and somehow the ball is stuck in the mud on the line but we clear - phew ! But straight up at the other end Matthew Wilson scores directly from a corner after the defender deflects it into his own net and makes it 3-1.Next up is Ponteland Madrid who beat us last November in what was one of our worst performances. Play like we played today though and I'm sure there will be a different outcome.
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC COUGARS THIS WEEKEND - KEEP IT UPMan of the Match :- Sam Garfoot
Player of the week :- Jake Lindsay
Sunday 13th December
Cup match
Blyth Town Whites 12 North Sheilds Cougars 2Nicholas makes Gordon Banks save !
Goalscorers - Matthew Adamson & Nathan Young
Assists - Jake Lindsay & William KellyThe Cougars came up against the top team in Blyth who have their own academy player so it was no surprise we where well beaten. But lets take the positives from the match, we were without two of our top defenders in Sam and Joe and Matthew Adamson was not 100% after his swine flu injections. We matched then in the first quarter and at the half way point we were only 3-1 down so credit where credit is due. Yes we fell apart after that and were over run but we can now go into xmas break and have a long rest before the real league starts in January.
Although we are waiting to see which league we go into the Cougars will have every chance to win their league when the teams are evenly balanced. If somebody is reading this report from the NMSL can you please explain why the leagues are not split from September as each club knows who their best teams are and it seems stupid to me as what development do players get when getting beat 15-0 - rant over!!!!
Man of the Match - Nicholas AtkinPositives from todays game
Nicholas Atkin was absolutely superb today with some first class saves, and one save in particular which was as good as Gordon Bank's save against Pele.
Our first goal involved Jake and Matthew Adamson with great build up play, Jake shot and the keeper pulled off a great save but Matthew Adamson was on hand to finish.
Our second goal involved William Kelly breaking down the wing and putting a perfect cross in for Nathan to nicely side foot the ball into the net.
Player Review
Nicholas Atkin - On his day like today he can be one of the best goalie's in the league
Sam Garfoot - excellent left foot and no nonsense tough tackling defender who has an eye for goal
Kieron Lawlor - tough tackling combative defender but can also do a job in midfield
Joe Chambers - oozes class in centre defence, never flustered and excellent ball distribution coming forward
William Kelly - hard working on the right wing who has come in with plenty of assists
Harry Clark - Mr Versatility, can play up front, in defence or dynamic on the left wing and knows where the back of the net is
Nathan Young - Great goalscorer, fast and direct and runs and runs and runs
Matthew Adamson - Played most positions, but an eye for goal and a lethal predator in the six yard box
Matthew Wilson - Steven Gerrards twin. Top goalscorer and very influencial midfielder. Our player of the season so far and will play for England in the World Cup this summer.
Jake Lindsay - Big, strong awkward centre forward who scores and is top of the goal assists chart
Top Goalscorer
Matthew Wilson 10
Nathan Young 6
Matthew Adamson 4
Jake Lindsay 3
Harry Clark 2
Sam Garfoot 1
William Kelly 1
Top creative assist player
Jake Lindsay 5 Harry Clark 4 Matthew Wilson 3 William Kelly 3
Saturday 12th December
NMSL Div B
North Shields Cougars 1 Blyth Spartans 2Nathan 'Blondie' Young nearly rescues us a point !
Goalscorer: Nathan Young
Assist: William KellyJust Kieron missing today as rumour has it he is the voice behind Joe in the X-Factor and was travelling to London.
The Cougars play the mighty Blyth Spartans who sit just one place above us in the league and famous for their FA Cup exploits when they reached the 5th round only to be beaten by Wrexham in front of over 50,000 spectators at St. James Park.Quarter One
Spartans caused trouble with their long throw-ins early on but Nicholas was equal to the high long ball into the box. Midfield dynamo Matthew Wilson was probing intelligently in midfield and unleashed a shot which the keeper made a good save only for Sam to follow up but the keeper was there again. Then Harry made a good strong run down the left but again the keeper was equal to his shot. The big goal kicks from the impressive Blyth goalie were causing our centre half's some difficulty as the bounce went over their heads and Blyth nearly scored but Nicholas made a good save and Joe swept up well at the back. Then from nowhere Blyth went 1-0 up when a shot from outside the box took a deflection off Sam and went in.
Joe was stepping up to the plate with some fine surging runs and distribution from defence into attack and Sam was doing some dogged defending to keep the score at 1-0. Then William surged down the wing and put in a fine cross for Harry to hit a sweet shot just over the bar. Harry again won a fine tackle and hit a screamer from outside the box which hit the side of the post. Matthew Wilson made a great tackle on the Blyth centre forward and he swung a leg out afterwards like Beckham against Argentina but this time the referee didn't see it.Quarter Two
Nicholas made another fine save early on, then Matthew Adamson who had just come up did some fine closing down which led to confusion in the Blyth rearguard for the ball to fall to Nathan who hit a great shot but the keeper tipped the ball around for a corner. A loose bouncing ball in the Cougars box was punished as Blyth went into 2-0 lead.
Then the game turned as the Cougars outplayed Blyth for the rest of the game dominating possession but could they get the goals back?! Shots came in from Nathan but deflected wide but somehow we went in 2-0 down.Quarter Three
Nathan was having a fine match and nearly broke free again, and Jake was putting his physical presence about up front as the Cougars pushed the Spartans back into defence. Nathan put in a good cross and William was just wide with his shot. But then the goal came, great play by William beating a defender and with a shot come cross which the keeper got a hand to it, the ball rolled out to Nathan who blasted it into the top corner from the edge of the box 1-2.
GGGGOOOOAAAAALLLLLL - NATHAN YOUNG
Nathan was on fire as he drifted past two men but this time there was no end product. His fatha was getting more and more vociferous on the touchline as his boy had done good.
Then Matthew Wilson hit a 35 yard free kick just wide as the Cougars were camped in the Blyth half. Then Blyth broke free and Nicholas made a fine double save.
From the corner Matthew Adamson played in Nathan again but to our disbelief he hit the post. Then Jake burst free and put in a fine cross but nobody was there to apply the finishing touch. Jake was putting a man of the match performance in with his work rate and battling up front.
An excellent quarter by the Cougars but still 1-2 behind.Quarter Four
Nathan has another shot but tipped around the post for a corner. Matthew Adamson then broke out of defence and played a great ball to Nathan but with just the keeper to beat he makes the save.
Sam was in goal this quarter and made an unorthodox save with his left foot. Then Joe made an uncharacteristic mistake at the back but to our relief the shot went wide. Harry surged forward up the left wing but again the shot just went wide.
In the end we couldn't find an equaliser but a fine performance from the Cougars in our last league game before the xmas break.Positives :
Star performances by Jake and Nathan
Cougars in a credible 8th position in league out of 12 teamsMan of the Match : Jake Lindsay (followed closely by Nathan)
Player of the week :Nathan Young
Sunday 29th November
NMSL Division B
Bedlington Barca 3 North Shields Cougars 4Goalscorers
Matthew Wilson 3 (hat-trick and match ball)
Matthew Adamson
Assists - Matthew Wilson & William KellyAs I waited till the last minute expecting a text from Gary to say the match was off surprisingly the game went ahead. Once again the Cougars were about to put in an excellent performance in adverse weather conditions. Gary and our coach made sure all our players were properly warmed up and it was about to pay off in the first quarter.
Only Sam missing today - rumour has it he didn't want the heavy rain to spoil his hair!Quarter One
The Cougars were on fire in the first quarter and it looked like we were going to give Bedlington a battering as we raced into a 3-0 lead. Matthew Wilson was showing his best form totally dominating the midfield and he got the first goal bursting through two men and unleashing a powerful strike to make the score 1-0. Then the boy Wilson hit a shot from 20 yards from the edge of the box when everybody else was expecting him to cross, including the Bedlington Barca keeper, 'Victor Valdes' but it ended up in the net. Matthew Wilson again won the ball in midfield and played a nice ball through to Matthew Adamson who coolly placed the ball wide of the keeper and into the net to make it 3-0. He celebrated with his customary 'Shearer' hand in the air celebration. I hadn't planned making many notes but decided to disregard my umbrella as the Cougars were rampant and Bedlington didn't know what had hit them.Quarter Two
Surprisingly no further goals in this quarter as Bedlington seemed to have warmed up. Kieron was showing fine form of late in defence, after initially losing the ball he got back well to make an excellent tackle. Then Matthew Wilson gave away a free kick in a dangerous area which looked like a fair shoulder charge to me, but Nicholas made a good save. Nathan was doing some hard running to chants from his dad of 'run forest run' working the Bedlington defence hard. Then Harry came into the action hitting a shot which the keeper pushed around for a corner. Joe was put under pressure at the back but again he never looks flustered winning the ball and bringing it forward and distributing the ball well. Bedlington ' Barca' were looking for a way back into the game and from a corner their centre forward 'Samuel Eto' got a header in but Nicholas was equal to it making a good save. Then the move of the match, Harry won the ball in midfield and played a lovely ball into Jake who played an exquisite ball into Nathan who, with the keeper to beat, chipped it over the keeper just like Peter Beardsley in his hay day, but it just went wide. The 3 man move was similar to many Keegan/Waddle/Beardsley combinations in the 90's ! Kieron was looking a class act at the back again making sure we kept a clean sheet.Quarter Three
The Cougars made it 4-0. Matthew Adamson had a shot which was cleared off the line and it came to William who looked like he was about to score but he laid the ball off to Matthew Wilson who leathered it into the net to score his second 'hat-trick' of the season and lay claim to the match ball.
Then a nice passing movement between Matthew Adamson and Harry was nearly complete as William was making a lot of good supporting runs but Harry couldn't make that final pass.
Then the comeback from Bedlington Barca was on as Messi hit a shot which Nicholas saved well but Messi got to the rebound to make it 1-4. Not to be out done Kieron did the showboating of the day playing a one-two with his own goal post from 15 yards out. Nicholas was having his busiest part of the game as yet again he made a good save, but Xavi was on hand to make it 2-4. William played in Nathan but his powerful shot hit a defender when it looked as if it was going in as the Cougars tried to put an end to the Bedlington come back.Quarter Four
Matthew Wilson was looking for goal number 4 when he hit a screamer but somehow Victor Valdes made the save of the day getting down low and pushing the ball around the post for a corner.
Jake was working hard for his team tracking back well into midfield as well as leading the front line. Then as a ball fell to Kieron it looked like he was fowled but the ref played on and Puyol scored after Nicholas had saved his initial shot to make it 3-4. Gary 'Fergie' was now giving our players the hairdryer treatment and after checking with the ref there was still 5 min's to play, could we hold on.
Bedlington surged forward looking for an equaliser, firstly Kieron was left one on one and made an excellent tackle. Then with about the last chance of the game, Bedlington won a corner and Pique with a free header in the centre of the goal just headed wide with gasps of 'oh no' from the parents.
The final whistle went and the Cougars had won 3 vital points. Well played to both teams on a cold, windy and horrible day.Next up the mighty Blyth Spartans who are just above us in the league but if we play like we did in the first quarter not even North Shields Jaguars could live with us!!
Positives
Excellent first quarter, scoring goals, passing well, and players settling well into positions.After being 4-0 up we need to close the game out, defend well and pick them off on the breakaway. We had done the hard work in the first quarter !
Man of the match - Matthew Wilson
Player of the week - William Kelly
Sunday 22nd November
NMSL Division B
Ponteland 6 North Shields Cougars 1Goalscorer - Matthew Adamson
Assist - Jake LindsayWhat can I say but the scoreline does not do us justice as the Cougars had as many shots on goal as Ponteland. Ponteland had 15 shots on target and scored 6, as the Cougars had 12 shots and scored 1!
Quarter One
The Cougars played very well this quarter with some good passing movements but somehow went in 2-0 down. Matthew Wilson was dominating midfield, and nearly scored after William had put a good cross in. Kieron, who had his best game for the Cougars surged out of defence and beat two players before crossing to Matthew Wilson but his shot just went wide. Nicholas was called into action a few times and made some good saves. Then William did the showboating of the day, taking a quick throw in against a head of a Ponteland player before getting the ball back - cheeky !
Further shots from Matthew, Harry and Jake came in but somehow we couldn't score.Quarter Two
The Cougars were the better team in this quarter and to their credit conceded no more goals, but the same old problem exists up front. Despite creating chances nobody is putting a stake down for that centre-forward position, especially as our top goalscorer is a midfielder, but a good one in Matthew 'Gerrard' Wilson. If only if we could find a Torres to go with him !
Harry made a strong determined run through midfield but was tackled, then Nathan playing on the wing beat two men with ease but then shot straight at the keeper. Some lovely passing between Nathan, William and Matthew Wilson where they all had a pop at goal but there was no way past the Ponteland goalkeeper. Nicholas was called into action towards the end of the quarter to keep the score at 0-2. Joe and Sam were solid at the back again this quarter.Quarter Three
Gary changed the team around putting Matthew 'frog' Adamson up front in an effort to get a goal back, but the game was lost as the Cougars conceded two sloppy goals and one was straight from a corner with nobody marking to put us 0-4 down. Kieron then stepped up a gear breaking out of defence beating three men this time but shot just wide, great play Kieron. Matthew Adamson broke free and ran like a whippet but was just beaten to the ball by the Ponteland keeper. A corner was cleared and Jake 'legs' Lindsay surged forward just keeping the ball in as he ran up the wing and put in a lovely cross for Matthew Adamson to score with a delicate chip over the goalie and to put his stake in for the centre-forward position.
GGGGGOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL - FROG and a great assist from Jake !!!
But just as we celebrated our goal Ponteland went up the other end and made it 5-1.Quarter Four
Gary changed it around putting Sam in goal so everybody gets a good run out. Straight from the kick off the two Matthew's combined well which resulted in Matthew Wilson shooting into the side netting. Then Harry shot just wide after some good build up play.
Sam was having an outstanding quarter in goal saving everything but was unfortunate to concede when he made a good save but the Ponteland striker got the rebound to make it 1-6.
William, who was playing well in the wide position, cut the ball back for Joe "The Joker" Chambers to hit a shot just wide of the goal. Joe was playing well again with another consistent performance which would allow him to shade the man of the match just over Kieron. Then Matthew Wilson broke free and hit a thunderous shot against the crossbar, which I think the keeper got his fingertips to. Then Ponteland won a penalty but Sam stood tall and dived the right way but their penalty went just wide.Positives
Kieron Lawlor had his best game for the Cougars and was outstanding.
Sam is showing he is as good in goal as he is a defender and gives Gary further alternatives for changing the team around.
Joe with another classy performance in defence.
Negatives
Need a natural goalscorer in the Torres mould - please apply.....but I'm sure we will get it right when the leagues are split after Xmas and the proper league starts !Man of the Match - Joe Chambers (very closely followed by Kieron Lawlor)
Player of the Week - Matthew Adamson
Sunday 15th November
Quarter Four
Division B
Cramlington Blues 4 - North Shields Cougars 1
Goal scorer - Harry
For the first time in a few weeks Gary had a full squad at his disposal and despite lots of rain the pitch was playable. The Cougars had a difficult game today against Cramlington who have a lot of good teams.
Quarter One
Straight from the kick off Cramlington came forward and could quite easily have had a penalty but I don't think the referee wanted to make such a big decision early on in the game. Nicholas was back to his best making some good saves, and Matthew Wilson played Harry in but he just lost control as he was about to shoot. Sam and Joe were looking steady as a rock at the back and despite the Cramlington pressure there was no way past the Cougars rear guard. William was looking good on the wing beating players and putting some good crosses in but there was nobody there to apply the finishing touch. Then Nathan came into the game beating two men but the keeper got to the ball before he managed to shoot. The first quarter ended 0-0 and credit to the Cougars for holding a strong Cramlington side.
Quarter Two
Again, straight from the kick-off Cramlington had claims for a pen but the referee didn't want to know. Nicholas was called into action again making some good saves. Under pressure again Joe 'John Terry' showed his class bringing the ball out of defence. The Cougars then nearly took the lead when Jake, with his back to goal decided to go for the spectacular and back heel the ball when he had time to turn and shoot. Cramlington eventually took the lead 1-0, but the Cougars retaliated when Will made a great run up the right wing beating two men and putting in a superb cross but again nobody was there to apply the finishing touch. Against the run of play, Cramlington made it 2-0 just as it looked like the Cougars were making a game of it.
Quarter Three
This was Cougars best quarter. Harry was excellent on the left wing and had his best game ever,
working hard down the wing and never giving up. Then Cramlington broke free after our defence was caught out not marking goalside, but Nicholas made a fantastic save tipping the ball onto the bar. Then a neat one two between Nathan and Harry ended up with Nathan just shooting wide. William was exceptional, he may not be the biggest but he tracked back well and won the ball and his passing was great. Despite playing really well this quarter, we couldn't find a way past the Cramlington rearguard, but there was no way past the Cougars rearguard either with Kieron sweeping up. No doubt Gary will take our defenders Kieron, Sam and Joe in for some intense training for goalside defending, as the offside rule doesn't apply at this level!
Special mention to the big Cramlington no 10 who played like Jan Molby at his best (ask your dads who he is), winning and distributing the ball really well and just playing the simple ball - watch and learn Cougars!
Gary changed it around a bit putting the man of the match Harry up front with Matthew 'Frog' Adamson playing in a supporting role. Straight away Harry got stuck in and hit a shot which the keeper saved, but his follow up unfortunately hit the post. Then with his back to goal 30 yards out Harry turned, beat a defender and hit a fierce shot which gave the keeper no chance to make it 2-1.
GGGOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL - Harry !!!! This roared the away crowd into a frenzy as the Cougars were now looking for an equaliser. Harry again up front was looking dangerous and hit a shot which the keeper just got his hands on before the goalmuncher Matthew Adamson was about to pounce, but just as it looked like the Cougars would get a point, Cramlington broke forward to make it 3-1. Then in the last few minutes the ref awarded a penalty to make it 4-1, but it has to be said it was a soft penalty especially based on the other two pens he could of gave to Cramlington.
Positives:
We were in the game until 10 mins before the end and Cramlington made it 3-1 then 4-1.
Harry - absolutely outstanding and played his best match ever - well done Harry.
William - excellent match on the wing and tracking back.
Nicholas - great saves and no chance with the goals
Playing away from home....... so you don't have to put the gear away (ask Nathan's/Jake's dad) !
Gary’s comment:The final score did not truly reflect the standard of the game I watched, as the Cougars battled really hard throughout. We created enough chances to come away with a good result but we need to be more clinical and confident in front of goal. On a whole, I’m really pleased with our progression as a team so far this season and every player without exception is improving steadily every week - well done lads!!
Man of the match - Harry Clark
Player of the week - Jake Lindsay (happy birthday!)NMSL Division B
8th November 2009
Ashington 0 North Shields Cougars 3
Goal scorers
Matthew Wilson 2
Nathan Young
Assists
Nathan Young & the Parents
Jake Lindsay
After a downpour on Saturday night the match was surprisingly called on. As I received the text early Sunday morning from Gary my initial thoughts were oh ****! But was I glad I made the effort as I was about to witness the best performance of the season by the Cougars.
Two minutes silence was observed impeccably in respect for our fallen soldiers. Prize of the day for the best dressed WAG went to Matthew Wilson’s mum who was sporting a nice pair of PINK wellies, I wonder if her hubby has a matching pair.
One Cougar failed his fitness test in Kieron, and Harry was unavailable as he was at his karate grading and passed his green belt qualification (well done Harry). Premiership star Jake pulled up in the car park in his Lamborghini Diablo with two minutes to spare. A few fathers were struggling with hangovers but they were about to be blown away.
Quarter One
The Cougars slightly edged the first quarter with both Matthew Wilson and Matthew Adamson linking up well and having shots saved. Nathan was putting some strong runs in down the wing and beating men with ease. Nathan put in an excellent corner, in fact the quality of Nathan’s corners were excellent throughout the game. Joe was battling well at the back along with Sam and they didn’t give the Ashington forward’s an inch. Then Matthew Adamson went on a run beating 1, 2, 3 players just like Maradona in the world cup but the keeper saved his shot.
0-0 at the end of Q1.
Quarter Two
Jake came on for Frog. The Cougars dominated this quarter and Ashington hardly got out of their own half. Shots came in from Matthew Wilson, William Torres and just in time Jake!
Sam was composed at the back and he started an excellent five man move, which ended up with Jake going close. Then Joe aka John Terry broke out of defence and brought a good save out of the Ashington goalie.
Quarter Three
Nathan off this quarter. Joe was a tower of strength at the back heading and tackling everything that moved. Fabio Capello in the Sky Sports studio commented if he keeps on playing like this he will replace Rio Ferdinand. Further shots reigned in from Matthew Wilson but flew just over the bar. Ashington could not find away past Nicholas who was saving everything
and was covered in Mud glorious Mud – glad he wasn’t in my car after the match! Further shots from Jake and then William got on the end of a four man move but yet again the keeper saved. Gary ‘Fergie’ was shouting instructions as the game was becoming tenser. Then against the run of play Ashington broke forward but somehow Jake ‘legs’ Lindsay ran all the way back at speed and made an excellent tackle just as Nicholas was about to be called into action (must have thought he was in his Lamborghini again!) Matthew Adamson was looking dangerous playing on the left wing ghosting past players but couldn’t find an end product. Then under pressure Sam provided the “show boating” of the day, with two attackers closing him down he did a cheeky flick and back heel to bring the ball out, looking forward to that one on Soccer AM.
The mud was sapping the energy of both teams and the quarter ended 0-0.
Quarter Four
Was this going to be another 0-0?
I don’t like criticising referees, but the young lad in charge was a wee bit timid and scared to use his whistle, I think he eventually got the message in this quarter though. Nathan ‘Blondie’ Young beat three men and was caught but he stayed on his feet to his credit, the parents shouted PENALTY and to our surprise the referee blew and awarded the Cougars a pen. Matthew Wilson calmly walked up and smacked the ball into the top corner just like Alan Shearer - GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL 1-0. Ashington came straight back and hit the post. Jake then battled forward showing great strength laying the ball off to Matthew Wilson who made no mistake 2-0. Nathan, who had worked hard all game got the goal he deserved to it make it 3-0.
By this time Ashington were tiring and Matthew Wilson played in a great ball to William Torres and he let the ball run past him to fool the goalkeeper to run around him and to shoot but the keeper just saved it. This brought memories of the great PELE when he did the same
in the World Cup.
Ashington have a strong attacking team, scoring against NS Jaguars, Montague, Cramlington Junior Whites and 3 against Walker Whites, so for us to keep a clean sheet was a great team achievement. A great performance, demonstrating some good passing, which Gary has been working on in training and what ultimately won the game for us, was our fitness levels in the final quarter.
Man of the Match – Sam
Player of the Week – Joe
Our own Terry and Ferdinand combination
Cup Quarter Final
Wallsend Madrid Boys Club 9 North Shields Cougars 1
Sunday 25th October
The Cougars made their way to the baron windswept pitch of the mighty Wallsend Madrid Boys Club, a pitch nicely flattened by horses hoofs!
Wallsend Boys club have an illustrious past producing players like Shearer, Beardsley, Bruce, Clark, Carrick and Alan Thompson to name but a few. In fact many of the fathers of the Cougars squad could have made the professional game if it wasn't for the vices of alcohol, ciggies, kebabs and wild women down the Big Market in their youth, but that’s another story. Although many of us still reminis “what could have been” on the touchline.
Wallsend also famous for its shipbuilding heritage at Swan Hunter's and where the Hadrian's wall ends was besieged by travelling Cougars fans for the "David v Goliath" cup game. Both teams knew what was at stake with only two games separating the teams before a trip to the famous hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium.
The manager Gary had already pre-booked suits from Matalan and the talk in the city from the local council was that a statue would be erected of Gary at the bottom of Bedford Street if the Cougars did the impossible and win at Wembley Stadium.
Just before kick-off two players failed a fitness test in Harry and Sam - had the players been food poisoned in the team hotel the night before I wonder?!
A man was also seen with his horse just before kick-off, but he wasn't needed as there was no signs of crowd trouble.
Quarter One
Wallsend went 1-0 in the first couple of minutes when the wind deceived Nicholas in goal, but straight from the kick-off the Cougars showed what they could do. Jake Lindsay charged forward releasing Matthew Wilson on goal and with two defenders on him he managed a cross shot which the keeper saved but only for the on-rushing Nathan 'Blondie' Young to hammer home for his third goal of the season to make the
score 1-1. The first quarter was very encouraging for the Cougars and they gave as good as they got playing against the wind and uphill. Despite this Wallsend went in 4-1 up. Highlights for the Cougars were a good shot by Joe and the work rate of Matthew Wilson.
Quarter Two
William Kelly was introduced in this quarter and was looking tricky with his wing play and Matthew Wilson nearly broke through. Kieron and Joe made some good tackles but despite this we were 7-1 behind at the end of this quarter.
Quarter Three
A more determined Cougars performance in this quarter where we only shipped two goals and went 9-1 behind, but unfortunately Kieron headed into his own goal under pressure from Wallsend's six foot centre forward.
Quarter Four
Matthew Adamson got a good block in with his backside as he ventured off the goal line and post and then headed the ball away. In fact I commented to Matthew after the match that he marked the post well and basically marked it out of the game. He said he was worried in case a beachball was blown onto the pitch and scored so the goal line was the best place to be. Jake made a good run beating three men but there was no way past the Wallsend rearguard. The Cougars got everybody behind the ball this quarter in a damage limitation exercise and to their credit Wallsend couldn't find the net anymore.
So we went out of the cup, but we all really knew we weren't going to win it, so we will concentrate on the league. Looking at the fixture list we play a great cup side in Blyth Spartans next, but looking at the league table they are just a few points above us, so with a good training session on Thursday this game is winnable.
Positives from the match - Matthew 'Gerrard' Wilson was outstanding and checking the Opta index statistics, Andy Gray commented he covered more ground and got more tackles in than anybody on the pitch including the Wallsend players. Fabio Capello was seen watching and he commented Matthew would no doubt be an automatic selection for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
Negatives - The defence was too static and gave the Wallsend team too much respect instead of getting stuck in. Nicholas needs to work on his one on ones in training in order to be as big as possible, maybe watch some Peter Schmeichal videos. Matthew Adamson needs to work on marking a player and not a post, although he is best mates with the post now!
Man of the Match - Matthew Wilson
Player of the week - Nathan Young
Goal scorer - Nathan Young
Assist - Matthew Wilson/Jake Lindsay
NSML Division B
Sunday 17th October
North Shields Cougar's 0 Tynemouth Blues 0
This simply was the game of the season so far and the best 0-0 I have ever seen!
Gary the Manager had called for a 'white board' before the game but he could have talked tactics all day, we would still be playing now and it would be 0-0. The Cougars went on all out attack from the start and must have had
about 30+ shots at goal against a Tynemouth side that defended magnificently and played on the counter attack.
Quarter One
Straight from the start Matthew Wilson was surging through the midfield and pushing Tynemouth back in their own half, a pattern of play which lasted all four quarters. Then Matthew Adamson flighted in a lovely cross, which Kieran
headed just wide. Then on a rare Tynemouth attack Joe intercepted with a fantastic piece of skill by back healing the ball away from the attacker and bringing the ball forward "Hanson like", the crowd applauded this skill and
I'm sure Alan Hanson may give this a mention on Match of the Day in his analysis. Then a corner was sent in by Tynemouth which was cleared and Matthew Adamson ran the whole length of the pitch only for their keeper to
make a magnificent save and push the ball around the post, breathtaking football from one end of the pitch to the other. More shots reigned in but the first quarter ended 0-0 somehow.
Quarter Two
Straight from the kick-off Harry went on a surging run and put a measured cross in for Matthew Wilson but it just went wide. From a poor goal kick William 'Torres' surged forward and hit a great shot but again their keeper
saved well and pushed the ball out for a corner. Harry again sent in a great corner and this time it was Jake who went close. Further shots peppered the Tynemouth goal by Matthew Wilson, Jake, Harry and Nathan, then Sam thought I'll show these useless forwards how to do it, but his shot just went wide. The second quarter ended 0-0 and Nicholas had not touched the ball, in fact he could have brought his homework with him!
Quarter Three
By this time just about the whole team had had a shot at goal so it was Joe's turn but again it went wide - the ooh's and aah's were getting louder and the parents were getting anxious and we knew it was just a matter of time
before we scored, wasn't it?! Then that moment came or did it - In a replay of the earlier breakaway, Jake
'legs' Lindsay broke free from a Tynemouth corner and ran the whole length of the pitch. Just as he was about to shoot he lost control (Shola Ameobi like) and the keeper smothered the ball - We couldn't believe what we were
seeing how could a game be so one-sided and still be 0-0. Then William 'Torres' was in again, the keeper saved, the ball breaks free, it must be as Joe hits one... but the keeper saved again. The ooh's and aah's were replaced by groans as Tynemouth were growing in confidence as somehow they were still in the game and Nicholas was called into action for the first time and had to put his homework down, then Nathan cleared the loose ball.
Harry again put in a lovely cross which William connected with but again just wide. In fact the quality of Harry's crossing and corners was excellent throughout the match and this will baffle the Manager as to why we didn't convert one of the numerous chances.Quarter Four
Again scouts were at the match, maybe Harry is the answer to England's problematic wide left position! Still it was 0-0 at the end of quarter three.
The boys were late out the tunnel as Gary 'Fergie' Clark was giving them the "hairdryer" treatment but in a nice way! "Come on" the parents roared from the Gallowgate end, the last 15 mins and we must score surely. Again shots
reigned in firstly from Kieran who unleashed a strike from 35 yards but it flew over the bar and then Nathan and Sam nearly got onto the end of a scramble in the box. Tynemouth looked dangerous on the break away, playing
their counter attacking football and in fact nearly stole the 3 points, but the last line of defence in Sam and Joe held strong.
The Tynemouth Manager made substitutions to eat up time as his players struggled to swap tops and put them on - Gary pointed to his watch and made sure the ref saw it!
Then with two minutes to go Matthew Wilson surged into the box beat two players and crossed the ball where Matthew Adamson simply had to tap it in but somehow he slipped on the greasy surface on landed on top of the ball -
memories of Gasgoine in Euro 96!
The game ended 0-0 but the Cougars played magnificently throughout and on another day we would have had twelve!
Man of the Match - Matthew Wilson (did everything but score)
Player of the Week - Matthew Adamson (scored plenty in training but couldn't
find the net in the match)
Tip for Gary when he gets a whiteboard - draw a ball going into the goal,
that should do it, after all football is a simple game!
Top Goal scorer's of the Season
Matthew Wilson 5
Jake Lindsay 3
Nathan Young 2
Matthew Adamson 1
Sam Garfoot 1
William Kelly 1
Harry Clark 1
NSML Division B
Whitley Bay Ajax 0 North Shields Cougars 6
Sunday 11th October
Goals :-
Nathan Young 2
Sam Garfoot
William Kelly
Jake Lindsay
Matthew Wilson
Assists: -
Nicholas Atkin & Gary Clark
Harry Clark
Matthew Adamson
Jake Lindsay
Kieron Lawlor
Matthew Wilson
The Cougars made the short trip of 200 yards for the much awaited local derby against Whitley Bay Ajax and this was billed as a six pointer with both clubs struggling at the wrong end of the table. Unfortunately Joe Chambers had failed a late fitness test but Matthew Adamson was able to play despite severe bruising to his left hand after a playground scuffle earlier on in the week.
Quarter One
A tight and hard first quarter was played at a frantic pace and the Cougars had most of the attacking play with shots reigning in against the "Giant Hulk" in the Whitley Bay goal. Whitley's keeper was saving everything we threw at him with great shots from Harry, Jake and Matthew Wilson. It was looking like the first quarter was going to end in a stalemate but then Gary "Fergie" Clark was seen screaming instructions from the touchline for Nicholas to take a quick goal kick which travelled most of the length of the field and Jake touched on to Matthew Wilson who hammered the ball into the bottom corner of the net 1-0.
Quarter two
Whitley applied early pressure but there was no way past Kieron Lawlor who despite a sore knee was playing through the pain barrier. Two substitutions came on in this quarter, Sam and Nathan and this ultimately swung the game North Shields way. The Cougars bossed the midfield and attacking play and then Kieron played Sam Garfoot in and with only one of his first touches of the ball made a good jinking run up the left wing and unleashed a great shot to make it 2-0. Sam surely has one of the sweetest left foots in the league! Then Kieron hit a powerdriver from outside the box which the keeper pushed up into the air and William "Krusher" Kelly leaped like a salmon but headed just wide. A scramble in the Whitley Bay box after Matthew Wilson's shot was cleared off the line only for Matthew Adamson to hit the bar with the follow up, so close. Then enter Nathan 'Blondie' Young who unleashed a great shot which ended up in the back of the net and whilst the parents thought he had scored, it had gone in via the sidenetting, although I have seen some referee's allow these.
Quarter Three
Nathan was all over in this quarter and after Matthew Wilson played him in, Nathan with his powerful direct running at the Whitley defence got his first goal of the season with a powerful drive which hit both posts and went in to make it 3-0. Unfortunately Kieron's knee could take no more and he had to be taken off, lets hope he's fit for next Sunday along with Joe as the Cougar enter the hard winter fixtures when the snow and frost arrives - can't wait !! Whitley were tiring fast and Matthew Wilson surged through the midfield and took a terrific shot against the bar. The ball came out to Harry who drove it towards the goal and just as it was crossing the line Jake popped up like a good predatory striker to score and make it 4-0. Poor Nicholas had very little to do all game but this was due to our terrific defending as a team.
Quarter Four
Matthew Adamson ghosted past three players before being tackled but then tracked back well to make a last ditch tackle just when it looked like Nicholas was going to be called into action. The Cougars were awarded a free kick from just outside the box and Matthew Adamson unleashed a terrific strike which the keeper just got his fingertips to only for William Kelly to be in the right place at the right time to make it 5-0. Then Jake broke free and hit a great shot which the keeper parried for Nathan Young to follow up and make it 6-0. Nathan had his best game for the Cougars and played really well. Then with everybody pushing forward the Cougars nearly lost their clean sheet with the Whitley number 9 bearing down on goal, somehow though Harry Clark made a lung bursting run back to get a last ditch tackle in - he certainly has been listening to his fatha's rantings on the touchline about tracking back !
Well done Cougars, a great work rate and lots of passing and a game played in the right spirit, a credit to the management/coaching staff and parents. We have some winnable games coming up but if we apply the same teamwork the future looks bright. Matthew "Gerrard " Wilson was dynamic in midfield and with performances like this he will be attracting scouts from as far as Real Madrid and Percy Main, but Gary would be daft to sell him for anything less than 70 million quid!
Man of the Match - Matthew Wilson - he's here, he's there, he's everywhere !Player of the Week - Matthew Wilson (he's everywhere in training as well)
One gripe - I here the players were treat to doughnuts but none made
there way over to the parents - boooo !NSML Division B
North Shields Cougars v Montagu Lions
Sunday 4 October 2009The Cougars played their first away game of the season at Montagu Lions who are the current league leaders and who had scored 33 goals in 4 games. In fact the fixture computer has thrown up a very difficult start to the season with the Cougars playing the top four teams.
Quarter one
The Cougars started sprightly and gave as good as they got until Montagu scored a hotly disputed first goal. Nicholas had caught the ball and had both hands on it and it then appeared to be kicked out of his hands, but the goal was allowed to stand. This knocked the confidence out of the lads and Montagu went on to take a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. Highlights for the Cougars were an excellent flighted corner by Harry, which eluded the heads of the Cougars players, and Matthew Wilson battling hard in midfield.
Quarter Two
The Cougars had a good second quarter and limited Montagu to just one goal, but it showed up some poor marking which no doubt we will need to work on in training. Highlights of this quarter were the determined defending of Kieren making many important challenges and clearances along with Sam and Joe.Quarter Three
Player of the week: Jake Lindsay
Montagu stepped up the pressure and scored a further two goals in this quarter with the highlight being a six man move which resulted in Nicholas diving and pushing a shot around the post. Also there was some nice passing between Nathan, William and Matthew Adamson as the Cougars tried to find away past a resolute Montagu defence well marshalled by their number 5 who was built like brickhouse !
Quarter Four
Excellent battling qualities from Joe resulting in him getting injured as the Cougars fought hard. Then the Cougars showed some firepower, firstly Jake "legs" Lindsay spun on a sixpence and unleashed a fierce shot from 25 yards that just went wide and then Matthew Wilson tried his luck from distance which
again just went wide. Montagu went on to score a seventh but again a very scrappy goal.
Now that the top teams are out of the way I'm sure the Cougars can start to play the Brazilian football we know we are capable of, starting next Sunday!
Man of the Match : Nicholas Atkin - some excellent saves.NSML Division B
North Shields Cougars 1 - 8 Cramlington Whites
Sunday 27 September 2009
On the back of a 7 - 1 win in the cup, but without regular keeper Nicholas, Sam Garfoot produced a M.O.M. performance and could not be blamed for any of the goals.
The Cougars first goal in the league game from a well worked corner, Harry Clark whipped in a precise cross for Matthew Wilson to poke home. The Cougars were below par for the early morning kick-off but matched Cramlington very well in the first 2 quarters. Cramlington made the most of their chances but the Cougars were unlucky and hit the post twice.
The 3rd quarter was decisive for Cramlington as they scored 4 goals and killed the game off! The 4th quarter saw the Cougars keep a clean sheet, and again carved open Cramlington’s defence but failed to finish off their chances.
All in all the game was played in great spirit by both teams and extended to both Managers and all the supporting Parents!!
Player of the week: Sam Garfoot
Man of the Match : Sam Garfoot showed great courage and filled Nicks boots in
goal admirably.
U 10’s East Youth Divisional Cup Round 1
North Shields Cougars 7 - 1 Wallsend Community
Wednesday 23 September 2009Cougars came into the cup game on the back of two league defeats although you certainly wouldn’t have thought so as they were all raring to go!
Nathan captained the Cougars for the 1st time against his home town club, and worried their defence the whole game with his direct running. Harry had the first of many shots which was cleared straight to the lurking Matthew Wilson to smash into the top right hand corner which sent the players, coaches and supporters wild. Number 2 was soon to follow as Jake turned and drove home from close range. When Matthew Adamson burst the net among a gaggle of players making goal number 3, the crowd knew there was only going to be one winner.
The 2nd quarter started with Wallsend Scoring a good counter-attacking goal. Soon after as Cougars defenders were pushing forward to try and get on the bulging score sheet, Wallsend hit the post. Matthew Wilson ghosted in to the box to score his second and Cougars fourth and then proceeded to score his hatrick with a volley that would grace the premiership and was as good as his hero “Steven Gerrard”.
By the third quarter every Cougars player had attempted a shot at goal except Nicholas Atkin, who had to keep alert in net! Jake came off the bench to score the goal of the game with his first touch from at least 30 yards and showed fantastic technique to hit his shot on the run. Harry was now nearing his 12th shot on goal with that powerful left foot of his, and it looked like being one of those games, when he latched on to a fumble by the keeper to score with his “right foot”.
Kieran, Joe and William all played a crucial part in the game to gain this impressive win as they marshalled Wallsend’s attack to only a few chances, as well as coming close to scoring at the other end.
The game finished at 7-1 and had all the boys and supporters buzzing.
Player of the week: Harry Clark
Man of the Match : Nobody could be singled out for Man of the Match as this
was a brilliant TEAM performance! Well done lads.NSML Division B
North Shields Cougars 0 - 4 Walker Whites
Sunday 20 September 2009The Cougars battled hard throughout the game but the quality of play from Walker Whites shone in the end, the main difference being they were a bit braver in both boxes. Nick “Quiet Man” Atkin played well and pulled off some great saves, his kicks are improving on a weekly basis. Sam “Spike” Garfoot worked hard in defence and midfield and had his hands full against a very tricky winger. Will “Krusher” Kelly has been outstanding during training over the last 2 weeks which showed with his strong efforts in midfield. As always Kieron “Lethal” Lawler defended very bravely and made one exceptional last ditch tackle which was timed to perfection when the striker was through to a scoring certainty! Matthew "Frog" Adamson just edged his MOM award with a tireless performance, he literally played everywhere - defence, midfield and up front. Matthew "Gerrard" Wilson, fresh from his appearance in the Junior Great North Run, worked really hard as always but eventually the previous day’s activities took their toll. Mark Chambers presented Harry “Cloth Lugs” Clark with the Player of the Week award for his display in today's game. It was easily his best performance of the season as he whipped in some terrific crosses and battled hard in midfield. Joe “The Joker” Chambers kept up his own very high standards with an elegant display in defence then again in centre midfield. Nathan “Blondie” Young playing as a lone striker worked selflessly all game and closed down the Whites defence well. Very unlucky with the few half chances that came his way. All in all both teams played an exciting game providing some great football.
Player of the Week: Nicholas Atkin
Man of the Match : Matthew Adamson who covered every blade of grass on the pitch.
NSML Division B
North Shields Cougars 0 - 12 North Shields Jaguars
Saturday 12 September 2009The Cougars had trained hard for the new season and were in fine shape for the tough game ahead against the Jaguars.
Fresh from reaching the final in the North Shields Invitation Tournament last weekend, the team were full of confidence and enthusiasm approaching the new season with our new players and of course “virgin” Manager, Gary Clark. The players have bonded fantastically well as a TEAM in a short period of time which should help us in the first half of a challenging season!
We were presented with a challenging league debut to gauge our progress with the cup winning Jaguars who played a fantastic game covering all the space on the pitch. The score however did not truly reflect the game as both teams played well and gave 100%. The Cougars were strong and defended well throughout the game but didn’t always get the run of the ball. William Kelly and Nathan Young both had impressive shots at goal but great saves by the Jaguars Keeper denied them their glory!
Player of the week : William Kelly
Man of the Match : Nathan Young who caused a few problems at the back for the Jags!