U13 Cougars - Abbey Rangers Youth FC U13

Woking Cougars U13 vs Abbey Rangers Youth U13

County Cup – 3rd Round

Result: Cougars 1–8 Abbey Rangers

The scoreline does not tell the full story of this game, and it would be wrong to judge the boys purely on the numbers.

We started in a 1-3-5-1-1 shape and the opening period was competitive, but we conceded twice from corners early on. The first came from a moment of disorganisation and distraction as the corner was taken quickly while we were still setting, and the second from failing to attack a high, looping delivery at the back post where Abbey reacted first and showed greater desire. That put us 0–2 down inside the opening stages.

To the boys’ credit, heads did not drop. We settled, competed well, and kept Abbey at bay for the remainder of the half, going into the break at 0–2 having shown good intensity, discipline and togetherness.

The second half began with Abbey applying sustained pressure from corners and throw-ins. We initially stood up well, but a third goal came again from a corner, where we narrowly missed a chance to clear at the near post and the ball was finished centrally. A fourth followed soon after as we tried to open the game up.

We switched to a 1-4-3-3 to chase the game and showed more attacking intent, but that came with risk. Abbey were awarded a penalty after their right winger drove inside past multiple challenges; Toby was unlucky, getting a hand to it but unable to keep it out.

Further changes brought Ollie into a wide forward role, with Noah and Archie across the front and Logan dropping into midfield. This gave us real momentum. We started to create chances, get shots away, and play with bravery and purpose. The work rate at this stage was excellent and showed a real mental strength — this group does not fold, regardless of the score.

As the game became end-to-end in the final minutes, we conceded twice more while pushing forward, but our persistence was rewarded in added time. A brilliant front-to-back move saw the ball worked wide to Ollie, who delivered a top-quality cross. Zach, brought back on for his goal threat, timed his run perfectly and guided a superb header into the net — without doubt the goal of the game and a moment of real quality and belief.

Abbey scored once more late on after we were caught trying to play out under pressure, but that did not take away from the many positives.

Key takeaways:

• Corners and set-piece organisation need work — reactions, responsibility and first contact are key
• Huge positives in bravery on the ball, intensity and mentality
• Standout composure and effort from Archie, Rez, Logan, Luke, the back three and Toby
• The boys kept playing, kept trying, and showed character throughout

We now enjoy a short break and return refreshed and focused on 4th January away to Ashford.