Cove Youth FC

Cove Pumas 1 California 1

Goals: Calum

Cove came away with a point today in a hard fought game with a physically strong Cali side, Cove scored first from a well finished individual goal from Calum. Cove played positive passing football, linking up well in good areas and creating a number of chances but were finding it hard to break down a strong California defence. Cali equalised with the last kick of the first half after a corner was poorly defended and the ball was allowed to run across the box for a Cali player to finish well in a crowded box.

The second half belonged to the visitors however Cove crafted a few chances and tested the good Cali keeper a number of occasions but to no avail. Cali brought out the save of the season from a diving Kie in the dying embers of the game to ensure the points were shared. MOM went to Kie and Calum for two good performances. Cove were left thinking what might have been if the second half performance had matched the first.

The East Berks runs two separate leagues before Xmas and after, Cove ended their first league campaign an impressive second place, playing 11, winning 8, drawing 1 and losing just 2 games. They are still involved in cup action with their last 16 game against Premier side Sandhurst next week a tough game but a chance to test themselves against what they will be probably playing against after Christmas.

26 Nov 11 Pinewood 1 Cove 2

Goals: Charlie Brandon

A professional performance from the 9s today away at Pinewood saw another win notched up. Goals from Charlie and Brandon and some excellent passing from the entire team made sure the boys came away with their 9th win of the season in all competitions. Two players were given man of the match: Malachi for a superb performance once again at full back, confidence to bring the ball out from the back and a shot that most adults would have been proud of!! Warren who once again showed that a good attitude and a willingness to learn creates performances, he did the simple things well and showed confidence on the ball with excellent passing accuracy and decision making.

Result aside it was a performance the team can be proud of as the hard work in training is paying dividends in games. A good result next week should see Cove return back to the top flight in the East Berks where the challenge really begins.

19 Nov 11 -Twyford 0 Cove 1

Cove's first away game in three weeks saw a return of the passing football that was so impressive at the beginning of the season. A long and wide pitch allowed Cove the space and time to play some really good stuff and they came away winners in a excellent team performance. A superb overlapping run from left back Niall saw him put in, a superb dribble and finish sealed all three points. Niall also came away Man of the Match and the post match sweets were well deserved by all of the team.

Good performance and back to what we do well.

12 Nov 11 - Cove 3 Sandhurst 2

Cove were back in league action today after their cup exploits and recorded a solid win against a spirited Sandhurst side. Two goals from Brandon and one from Peter from the penalty spot ensured Cove left with the three points - extending their home unbeaten run to 5 games in all competitions. The highlight being a well worked move from the left with Niall and a brilliant top corner finish from Brandon.

Man of the Match was Brandon for a superb wide players performance and definitely a contender for goal of the season

5 Nov 11 - Cove Pumas 4 Camberley Town 0 (League Cup)

Charlie 3 (1 Shared with Malachi) Kie

In their first ever competitive cup competition Cove were drawn against Section C side Camberley Town. An excellent 30 minute hat trick from Charlie and a first goal from the penalty spot from keeper Kie that any outfield player would have been proud of sealed the win. Cove found it difficult to break down a dogged Camberley side who did not stop running the whole game..Despite the win this was not Cove's best performance and they know they will need to take more care on the ball in future matches if they are to progress much further. Job done though and onwards to the next round!!

22 Oct 11 Cove Pumas 3-1 Camberley Town Rangers

Goals Calum 2 Charlie

Cove maintained their unbeaten home record with a convincing win over nearby Camberley. Two goals from Calum and one from Charlie sealed the win in probably Cove's most complete performance of the season. Cove looked to counter attack quickly through some excellent distribution from Kie and Cove linked up well in areas to create a number of chances. Men of the Match Riley and Calum impressed in particular however Cove's team work and organisation got them through what was a tough game.

A special mention goes to the Camberley number 15 who was superb throughout and took his goal excellently.

15 Oct 11 - Cove 2 Finchampstead 1

Goals: Calum, Riley

After two defeats in a row Cove were looking to bounce back to winning ways when they hosted Finchampstead. Cove were sluggish to start off with and struggled to find their feet. They made things difficult for themselves early on closing down their own space. There were however glimpses of good football especially across the back, Cove doing the right thing by playing their way out from the back rather than the "hoof and hope". Charlie was impressive when he entered the fray as was Warren. It took an individual piece of skill to break the deadlock as Calum latched on to a good pass from Charlie, dribbled to the byline, beat the Finch defended and finished through the keepers legs. Half Time 1-0

Second half showed improvement and the play became more fluid, Cove began to find gaps in the Finch defence and attacked with purpose. It was the visitors however who scored next, a goal mouth scramble in the Cove penalty area resulted in a penalty being awarded which the Finchampstead player finished well. Cove pressed for an equaliser and were pushing Finch further and further back, some of the football was excellent but the game seemed to be slipping from Cove. In the dieing embers of the game a cross came into the Finch box and Calum struck towards goal a Finch player handled and Cove were awarded the games second penalty. Riley was the chosen player and with no nerves at all calmly shot past the Finchampstead keeper to seal Cove's 4th win of the season.

Overall a good game and nice to be back to winning ways, the defensive performance was really positive and some of the football was very good. Cove now need to look at what we do off and around the ball to create goalscoring chances.

MOM Warren for his best performance in a Cove shirt and Charlie for a tremendous midfield display

24 Sep 11 - Cove 3 - 2 Bracknell Cavaliers

Goals: Calum, Riley, Own goal

Third game in and definitely the hardest so far. Bracknell caused Cove different problems than their previous two games with their power and resilience. Cove started brightly with some good interplay, Niall in particular started positively looking to overlap Calum on the left where possible. Cove were moving the ball well, especially across the back between Joe, Malachi and Niall but were finding it difficult to break down a dogged Bracknell defence who put the ball out of play when under pressure. This however gave us possession back and Cove capitalised early on with a smart finish by Calum at the back post. Cove gained confidence from this and were looking more and more positive Calum, Brandon and Riley began to really look threatening. Cue the introduction of Warren, whos strength and power were perfectly suited to this type of game and Peter held the ball up well and played some telling passes. Charlie brought strength and a keen eye for goal. However it was Bracknell who were the next to score, a seemingly harmless shot managed to creep past 2 outfield players and Kie in the Cove goal. Binfield got their tails up and it was well and truly game on.

The half time team talk was stern but seemed to encourage the Cove players, they needed to press the ball quicker and move the ball away from Bracknell's more physical central players and create the 1v1s for the wide players. Cove however conceded yet again, too many players caught forward and Binfield netted. Most teams at this age would fold under that pressure as the Bracknell support grew louder, but Cove held firm. Cove once again started their passing game and were looking good for at least another goal. They found it in a shape of an unfortunate own goal and the tension again began to build. Just when you thought the game had everything Warren was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area and Cove were looking down the barrel of having to chase the game again. If there was any under 9 keeper this coach would back to save a penalty it would be the one we have. Kie not only saved the penalty but smothered the ball stopping the onrushing Bracknell players from getting the rebound. With the minutes running down the game seemed to be petering out into a hard fought draw but with less than a minute to go Cove found themselves 2 v 1 with the Bracknell defence, Calum drew the pressure from the defender and unselfishly played the ball to Riley who slotted home. Cue mass hysteria from the Cove supporters and players.

A fantastic advert for Under 9s football in the East Berks League, two teams playing good football and a close result. Bracknell were unlucky to leave with nothing and I am sure will be there or there abouts by Xmas.

17 Sep 11 -Ashridge Park 1 - 5 Cove Youth Pumas

First away game of the season and a repeat from the scoreline of last week, Cove maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a good team performance against Ashridge Park. They went straight back into the passing curve they were in last week and played some good football - especially in the second half. Brandon scoring the pick of the goals with a good strike into the top corner. Joe was named man of the match after another superb defensive performance.

Goals from Calum, Brandon, Charlie, Peter and one own goal

10 Sep 11 -Cove Pumas 5 - 1 Whitegrove Warriors
Cove kicked off the new campaign with a convincing win over Whitegrove. Cove came from a goal down to in 5 - 1.
Goals from Calum (2), Riley, Peter, Charile