U13 Cougars - Ashford Town (Middx) Juniors U13 Colts
Surrey Youth League – Premier Elite
Woking Cougars U13 2–3 Ashford Town
Venue: Gordon’s School (3G)
Woking Cougars delivered one of their strongest and most complete performances of the season, despite a narrow 3–2 defeat to Ashford Town.
We started in a 4-2-3-1, with the pre-match focus very clear:
be brave with the ball, aggressive without it, and composed under pressure.
A simple but powerful transition rule was set — Win it. Secure it. Attack it. — and it transformed our play.
The opening phase was controlled and confident. We matched Ashford physically and technically, built patiently from the back, and moved the ball with purpose through midfield. After some early substitutions to manage minutes, the breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Rez Aslam showed real bravery and strength in the box to win and secure the ball before setting it back to Luke Henderson, who struck first time into the bottom corner — 1–0 Cougars.
On the stroke of half-time, Ashford equalised with a long ball over the top and a well-taken finish, leaving the score 1–1 at the break.
The second half began superbly. A brilliant team move down the right involving Logan Pollock, Jake Lewis and Jonny Salter ended with an outstanding cross and a perfectly timed header from Zach Bantel at the back post — a high-quality goal that reflected our improved patience and composure in build-up.
Ashford responded through their most physical attacking threat, who eventually found success despite excellent defending for large periods from Jake Lewis and Bobby Murrell. A powerful finish made it 2–2, before a late break and drilled cross led to the decisive goal at the back post to make it 3–2.
The boys showed real character, pushing hard until the final whistle and creating late pressure, but just couldn’t find the equaliser. While disappointed with the result, the performance was one we can genuinely build on.
This was a big step forward — in bravery, composure, decision-making and physical intent — and if this level becomes consistent, this group will be a very difficult team to beat.
