Cougars Fall at Final Hurdle!

Taking on mid table B&SN the Cougars were the favorites on paper, having won the away fixture in the first half of the season.

Starting well KS looked the stronger side in the opening stages as B&SN were also only able to field 10 players.

Creating early chances through some great possession play between Lou Read and Bex Darke in the midfield KS looked likely to get in front.

Building play down the right Laura Kerly led wide to receive and her pace took her behind the defence. Firing in a pinpoint cross Captain Chloe Harvey went floor to score as she dived in at the back post to see the ball over the line.

KS continued to push as Esme Ansley and Fi Wadey stepped high to create transition options.

Gemma Harvey and Rachel Roberts worked tirelessly at the back to hold the B&SN counters at bay and push forwards whenever possible, backed by keeper Claire Jones who saved well to deny the visitors an equaliser late in the first half.

B & SN were working hard around the ball and breaking well to stay in the game and scored 2 goals in quick succession from back to back short corners ten minutes into the second half.

Finding themselves on the back foot KS continued to deliver good pressure but with their opposition fighting for every yard of pitch space the Cougars could not break through.

Helen Symons and Fern Tucker put in their standard awesome workrate to keep up the Cougars momentum as Abi Bell, Bella Slade and Sarah Budgen rolled through the the forward line.

Earning 13 short corners through the game KS ran their full range of routines but could not find a way past the B&SN keeper who was having an outstanding match in goal.

Despite the extra player advantage KS suffered from a high rate of unforced errors which led to frequent breakdowns in their play and ultimately saw them reach full time without pulling back any goals.

A frustrating result to end the season with KS unable to make the extra man count, missing out on a great opportunity for a top 3 finish and closing out their league run for this year in 5th place once all results from the day were in.

At post match teas Fi Wadey took Coaches Player for a great performance delivered to plan and Lou Read won the Woman of the Match vote.

Still a good effort from the Cougars this season to finish in the top half of a packed table again, in a season that has seen KS reach the last eight in the country in the national England Hockey Trophy after their epic win away in Jersey.

The Cougars would like to thank everyone who has supported them over the course of a long and varied season!