Match Report
Tigers 3 - 1 Burghfield Blues
Two weeks away from league games and it would be interesting to see how the lads got back into league football. This was also the first week after the Tigers and Lions split so the squad was reduced to 9 players. Added to that, CT's granddad bought him tickets to see Fulham v Reading so we were down to 8. Not a problem as everyone got a game.
The starting line up saw TH in goal before he jets off for 2 weeks in the sun, MF and MG in defence, RS, SSt, JB (Capt) in midfield and CP playing the lone striker role. TP started as sub after passing a late fitness test.
All the lads were keen to play and Tigers started the game brightly. With MF and MG keeping the back steady, SSt and RS winning the ball in midfield, JB pushed forward to an attacking midfield role to support CP. Tigers had a lot of possession but seemed reluctant to shoot.
The introduction of TP for RS saw a change of approach with TP bursting forward as he does so effectively. Play was pretty much in the Blues half although they looked dangerous on the counter attack.
With halftime approaching, Tigers won a corner on the right hand side. JB stepped up and delivered a fine cross for SSt to squeeze the ball in at the near post for his first goal for the club. Halftime 1-0 and good possession but not enough shots.
The second half saw MG make way for the industrious RS and MF making more forward runs. With Tigers pushing forward for a second, the Blues launched a superb counter attack and their striker gave TH no chance in the Tigers goal. 1-1 game on!
The Tigers management team called out a few instructions telling the lads to settle and hold their positions. They were confident of finding the net again but they had to be wary of the Blues threat.
The clock was ticking away and a number of Tigers corners and shots were dealt with superbly by the Blues defence. However, a piece of SSt tricky opened up the Blues defence with JB running across goal to get to the ball. Looking as if he had overrun it, JB hit a tremendous shot that flew past the keeper. 2-1 and his goal celebration had the Tigers players chasing him down the pitch.
It wasn't over there though. TP found himself jinking past two defenders but the ball wouldn't roll for him. MF and RS both had strikes which either hit defenders or flew past the post. Then up stepped SSt, picking the ball up just inside his own half on the left, he strode forward, cut inside a defender and unleashed an unstoppable shot past the Blues keeper. 3-1 and the Tigers could relax a bit now.
With a few minutes remaining, JB made way for CP to return to the game but there was no way past this determined Blues defence again. Final score 3-1 Tigers but credit to both teams for a good game of football, played the way it should be.
This weeks Player of the week went to SSt who on his first league game oozed confidence and skill, his strength and ability certainly proved the difference in the game, the goals also helped a bit (Or a LOT). Excellent league debut and a fantastic player. Well done!
Get the low down on the Tigers in the mini tournament
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Xmas Tournament (Take 2)
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Maidenhead game
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Reading Rangers game
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Caversham game
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Wrightchoice game
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Rotherfield game
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Meadway game
Get the low down on the Tigers vs Whiteknights game
Get the low down on the Xmas tournament.
Get the low down on the Westwood game.
Get the low down on the Hammers game.
Get the low down on the Reds game.
Get the low down on the Wrightchoice game.
Get the low down on the Blues game.
Get the low down on the Kestrels game.