Cougars Comfortable Victory against Uni

Kingsbridge and Salcombe travelled to Plymouth on Sunday to face an unknown Plymouth Uni side as this was their first encounter of each other.
As the game started the Cougars dominated winning the ball from the Uni push back and within 5 minutes the away side took the lead with a great square ball from forward Violet Moore to midfielder Cara Yeoman who slapped it past the stationary Uni keeper.
Play continued in Kingsbridge and Salcombe’s favour winning the 50/50 balls and making room with good wide passes to Nina Hardy who stretched the Plymouth sides team to open up the pitch and it wasn’t long until they scored again with Hardy assisting Moore after a good cross which Moore managed to dink past the keeper.

The game then settled, feeling confidant the Cougars moved the ball with good pace and accuracy and although the defence of Anna McCabe, LJ Ahearn and Katie Merrin had a very quiet game they all still played their part by supporting their midfielders. Merrin played a great quick side line ball to the top of the D to Heather Mockridge who was unlucky not to upgrade to short corner. McCabe played high enough to break down any attacks but not so high that they could get around the back, Ahearn made some great tackles as right back and fed captain Laura Favis some great through balls. This was a real team effort with everyone contributing in some way. Just after the 20 minute mark the Cougars made their lead more when Nicky Sheppard collected a rebounded shot and fired home with a great strike making it 0-3.

Experienced player Sarah Budgen put in some great work as right half and managed to get on the score sheet after Yeoman played a ball from the left for Budgen to swoop in and hit the back board.
Plymouth Uni kept going and defended well in spells but just couldn’t halt the relentless pressure from the much improved Kingsbridge side.
Sheppard was involved with the next goal after taking the initial shot the keeper saved but quick reflexes from debut player Harriet Haddy managed to slap the ball home for her first goal of the season.

Half time was probably a relief for the Uni side, the Cougars coach Chris Guard explained to the squad that they needed to keep the ball and to watch their shape as they moved forward and to not be complacent, stay focused and start the next half as if it was 0-0.

The second half was more of the first half in terms of possession but Plymouth Uni managed to get forward on more occasions but tireless work by centre midfielder Charley Adams back up by Vice Captain Lauren Darbyshire didn’t allow much through to the defence.
Just over 10 minutes into the second half Moore was involved again with some great hard work and finished with a strong square ball to Mockridge who swept it beyond the keeper giving them a 0-7 lead.

All credit to the Uni side who battled to hard in defence and only conceded one goal in the second half despite the Cougars having several short corners. Kingsbridge and Salcombe goalkeeper Erin Murgatroyd didn’t get a sniff of the ball all game thanks to the brilliant defenders which means so far in the league she hasn’t let one goal in which is a great achievement.

Player of the match was voted for at match teas and was awarded to Captain Laura Favis for her outstanding determination and solid play. Thank you to all the supporters who travelled. This weekend they face Tavistock away, this should be a great game as they have had similar results. Push back 10.30am PL19 0HZ