Weekend Round-Up - 8th Nov

Here is the weekly round-up of performances from all our Cottenham Colts teams, spanning the Mini-League right through to the Girls League, from Saturday 8th November.

It was a weekend full of commitment, teamwork, and plenty of memorable moments on the pitch. From the youngest players taking confident steps in their football journey to our older squads showing real maturity and determination, every team represented the club with pride.

Let’s take a look at how each group got on and celebrate the effort, progress, and spirit shown across the club.

MATCH REPORTS

The Under-9s travelled away to Fordham this weekend and were welcomed by a well-organised and energetic side. Cottenham took a little time to settle in during the first quarter, with Fordham starting strongly and putting early pressure on the ball. However, once Cottenham found their rhythm, the match quickly became an exciting end-to-end contest.

There were some lovely passages of play from Cottenham, moving the ball well through midfield and creating several good chances in front of goal. Fordham also showed quality, meaning both teams had to stay switched on defensively. As the game went on, Cottenham grew in confidence, showing great teamwork, communication and determination in the tackle.

Once again, the boys battled hard right to the final whistle, with every player giving 100%. There were strong individual performances all across the pitch, but more importantly, the team worked for each other and showed real improvement in their passing and positional play.

A competitive fixture played in great spirit by both sides, and plenty of positives to take forward into next week!

It was another nail-biting game for the Under-10s this weekend, this time against a well-organised Trumpington side.

Cottenham started strongly and were on top throughout the first half, pressing with real intensity and working hard to win the ball back high up the pitch. That pressure paid off, as we created several good chances and were rewarded with some well-taken goals. The team moved the ball confidently, supported each other well, and showed great awareness in transition, turning defence into attack quickly and effectively.

The second half saw Trumpington respond, growing into the game and pushing us back more. They put together some dangerous attacks of their own, and the momentum shifted, leading to a very tense final few minutes.

Despite that, the team showed real resilience and determination, with some important saves, strong tackling, and committed defending to protect the lead.

Overall, this was a very good performance full of hard work, teamwork, and moments of real quality.

Well done to all the players for their effort and attitude throughout.

A brave and determined performance from the Under 10 girls today in a nail-biting cup match against Newmarket. From the very first whistle, the girls showed real heart and commitment, giving absolutely everything in every challenge and refusing to back down. It was one of those games that kept everyone on the sidelines fully invested, with parents and coaches living every kick, pass and shot right alongside them.

The match was evenly contested throughout, with both teams creating chances and defending brilliantly. Our girls worked so hard to support one another, communicating well, running for every loose ball and showing some lovely link-up play going forward. In midfield and defence, they stayed organised, focused and strong, showing just how much they have grown in confidence and maturity as a team.

The game remained close all the way to the end, and when it finished level we headed into the dreaded penalty shootout. It’s never easy, especially at this age, and it took real courage from everyone involved.

Player of the Match went to Gaia for her exceptional bravery. When the team needed someone to step up and go in goal for the penalties, she volunteered without hesitation. Under huge pressure, she stayed calm, trusted herself, and pulled off two fantastic saves that kept her teammates in the game.

A moment of real character and leadership.

Great job, girls!!

The Under-11s put in another fantastic team performance this weekend in their game against Linton. From the very first whistle, the Colts showed great energy and focus, working hard to close down the ball and link up play across the pitch. There was some lovely passing on display, with players looking up, making good decisions, and supporting each other when moving forward.

Linton were well organised and competitive throughout, which made it a really good contest. Both teams had spells of pressure, and there were plenty of exciting moments at both ends of the pitch. What really stood out, though, was the effort and attitude across the whole squad. Everyone contributed, whether it was making tackles, tracking back, finding space, or pushing forward to create chances.

There were some strong passages of play, a few excellent individual bursts, and real teamwork in the build-up to several attacks. The Colts also showed good resilience when the game tightened up, staying switched on and working together to see it through.

Overall, a really positive performance where every player played their part.

Well done, Colts. Plenty to be proud of and lots to build on, enjoy the cake too!!

Keep it going!

It was always going to be a challenging task for the girls as they took on the formidable Cambourne in the league cup, and indeed, it turned out to be just that. The girls began strongly, aiming to disrupt Cambourne's consistently impressive passing game. Although there were occasional counterattacks that created some pressure, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. The away team soon began to assert their dominance and took a lead into halftime.

The second half mirrored the first, with the girls giving their all against a very skilled opponent, fighting for every ball. Cambourne emerged as deserving winners, but the girls can hold their heads high, as the entire squad put in a tremendous effort throughout the match.

Niamh rightfully earned the title of player of the match, making some outstanding and courageous saves that helped keep the score manageable.

Best of luck to Cambourne in the next round, as we aim to secure more points in the league next week.

Great effort, girls

In the second round of the Cup, we faced Netherton Red at home. The visiting team got off to a strong start, scoring early from a corner kick. However, Cottenham quickly equalized with Carmen setting up Matilda on the right, who skillfully finished off the post to make it 1-1.

Molly then showcased her individual talent, charging down the right wing and confidently scoring to put us ahead at 2-1.

The next goal was crucial as the second half began, and it was Cottenham who struck again. Flo delivered a clever pass to Carmen just outside the box, who shrugged off a defender and found the bottom corner, extending our lead to 3-1.

The midfield was fiercely contested, and Netherton continued to fight hard. They were eventually rewarded with a long-range goal, narrowing the score to 3-2 with just ten minutes remaining. Yet, a moment of brilliance from Ava, stepping up from the Under-12s, sealed the victory. Her high ball into the box sailed over the goalkeeper, securing the win with a final score of 4-2.

The entire team delivered excellent performances, but Robyn stood out as Player of the Game on her birthday, showcasing a flawless display at left back.

Great job, girls!

The Under-15 girls traveled to Swavesey on Saturday for the second round of the cup. Swavesey demonstrated their physicality in the early moments, with their striker seizing a forward ball, evading a couple of tackles, and slotting it home to take an early lead.

Cottenham responded well, and after some effective pressing from Luka, the ball fell to Maddie, who outmaneuvered a defender and equalized at 1-1. Maddie was again pivotal for the second goal, charging down the wing and delivering a cross that Luka flicked on to Bethan, who finished to put us ahead. Another cross from Maddie set up the third goal, with Luka connecting and volleying in from close range to make it 3-1.

The fourth goal was initiated by Sasha, who played in Elsie. Elsie skillfully navigated a tough challenge before breaking free and finishing with confidence, bringing the score to 4-1 at halftime.

In the second half, the midfield dominated the game, but there were still more goals to come. Elsie capitalized on a loose ball to net her second goal of the match. Shortly after, she assisted Bethan, who also completed her brace, finalizing the score at 6-1.

The girls are now heading into the quarter-finals, where they will face league leaders Peterborough Sports in what promises to be an exciting match.

Elsie was awarded Player of the Game for her outstanding contributions from the wing.

Well done, girls!

Cambridge & District Colts League Results