U13 Cougars - Dorking Wanderers Youth U13 Youth Yellows

Dorking Wanderers Yellow 7 – 3 Woking Cougars

Woking Cougars signed off their final league game of the season with a spirited and highly competitive performance away to title-chasing and County Cup-winning Dorking Wanderers Yellow.

Lining up in a 1-3-1-4-1-1 system, Cougars set out with a clear objective — to deliver a performance built on bravery, composure and pride, regardless of the result.

The game began at a high tempo, and Cougars found themselves behind inside two minutes following a quick Dorking counter-attack. However, rather than letting the early setback define the game, the boys responded superbly.

As the half settled, Cougars began to grow into the match. Debutants Ethan Tierney (RCB) and Leland Pepperell (LWB) made immediate impacts, with Ethan’s range of passing and Leland’s energy down the left providing real attacking threat.

The equaliser came in the 24th minute from a well-worked corner, as Oscar Cefai delivered an excellent ball into the box for Jake Lewis to rise highest and power a header into the top corner.

Dorking regained the lead shortly after, capitalising on a counter-attack from a Cougars free kick, but again the response was immediate. A quick transition saw Logan Pollock win and convert a penalty to level the game at 2-2.

Moments before half time, Cougars took a deserved lead. A well-timed pass released Logan, who showed strength and composure to finish and give Cougars a 3-2 advantage at the break.

The second half proved more challenging. Dorking’s physicality, movement and squad depth began to take control, and an early equaliser shifted momentum.
Despite continued effort and moments of attacking threat, Cougars were unable to maintain their first-half intensity, with Dorking scoring at key moments to extend their lead.

Cougars continued to battle, creating chances on the counter through Logan, Rory White and Alfie Hall, but were ultimately unable to convert further opportunities.

Despite the final scoreline, there were numerous positives. Strong performances across the pitch, particularly from Zach Bantel, Ethan Tierney, Leland Pepperell, Jake Lewis and Logan Pollock, highlighted the group’s potential.

Most importantly, the performance demonstrated that this group is capable of competing at a high level when playing with bravery, organisation and belief.

As the season concludes, the focus now shifts to building on this performance and carrying that intensity and mindset into next season.