Match Report
KESTRELS SOAR INTO THE QUARTERFINALS! 🏆
Second-Half Masterclass Sees Off Woking Cougars in Surrey Youth Cup
The Kestrels booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Surrey Youth Cup with a dominant display, eventually running out 8–0 winners against a strong Woking Cougars side — but the scoreline tells only half the story.
The match began at a good pace, with the Cougars bursting out of the traps. They moved the ball confidently, playing some excellent passing football and looking the more dangerous of the two sides early on. The Kestrels started slowly and struggled to impose themselves, allowing Cougars too much time and space to dictate play.
Gradually, the Kestrels grew into the contest. Battles across the pitch became more even, and soon it was the Kestrels who looked more likely to break the deadlock. Chances came and went, with efforts narrowly missing the target and the woodwork proving particularly unkind. Despite the growing pressure, the teams went into the break locked at 0–0.
🔄 Half-Time Turning Point
At half-time, the message was clear: stop showing too much respect. The boys were reminded to press higher, get tighter to their opponents, and disrupt Cougars’ rhythm when playing out from the back. Winning the first and second balls became a priority — and the response was outstanding.
From the restart, the Kestrels were in complete ascendancy. The press was relentless, possession was won higher up the pitch, and chances flowed. What followed was a superb attacking display, featuring thunderous strikes from distance, with goals finding both the top bins and bottom corners, alongside several other opportunities that forced their goalkeeper into action.
The second half was all Kestrels. Playing with energy, confidence, and real togetherness, the boys showed their quality and hunger, pulling away to an emphatic 8–0 victory by full time. A fantastic team performance and a well-deserved place in the next round. ⚽️🔥
🏆 Man of the Match – THOMAS
A special mention for Thomas, who made a brilliant impact after coming off the bench. Returning after a long injury layoff, he showed great determination, work rate, and composure, contributing positively at both ends of the pitch. It was excellent to see him back out there and performing with confidence — a top performance and a thoroughly deserved Man of the Match.
💭 Final Thoughts
This was a game of two halves, and the second-half performance showed exactly what this group is capable of when they play with intensity, confidence, and togetherness. If we can replicate that second-half standard in every match moving forward, this team has a very exciting season ahead.
Well done, Kestrels! 🦅🔵🟡