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Match Report

Tigers 4 v 2 Meadway Youth

A depleted Tigers side for what was only their second league game of 2008. Mitch was away on international duty and Cameron failed a late fitness test. This game had a particular importance as the Meadway manager was on the same FA Coaching course as Chris and Lee (and he was probably better!).

With only 8 to choose from, Taylor took up the substitute spot being the first to fall foul of the 'late comers start as sub' rule that Bennett had decided to impose. This meant that Thomas (Preecey) went in goal, Reiss (Smiffy) and Max (Speedy) in defence, Sam (Streety) , Joe (Ruffs), Jake (JD) in midfield and Callum (Sniffer) up front.

Just like the Lions game an hour earlier, this was fine footballing weather and all the lads seemed up for a game. The Tigers started with the wind behind them and they were soon camped in the Meadway half ably assisted by the wind. However, this Tigers performance showed great improvement on the previous weeks proving that the side is coming together and enjoying their football more and more. The lads were knocking the ball around, taking players on and generally trying the things we practise in training.

The first danger moment came when a Meadway defender deliberately handled the ball outside the area. Max stepped up and smashed his shot but it was deflected and cleared to safety. A few minutes later, the same thing happened again and Max stepped up confidently. Standing like Ronaldo, Max ran forward and rifled a superb shot into the bottom right hand corner giving the unsighted keeper no chance. 1-0 to Tigers.

Now as Manager, I'm going to be a bit biased here. The next goal was a screamer. Some great tackling and interplay by Reiss, Max, Sam and Joe saw Jake burst through the Meadway midfield. With shouts from his dad of 'take him on Jake', Jake seemed to nonchalantly line himself up for a shot. Just as he was about to kick the ball, the defender got his foot in but the resulting tackle only pushed the ball more squarely onto Jake's foot and the ball flew past a startled keeper. 2-0 and that's how it ended at halftime.

With Bennett continuing with his rotating substitute policy, all the Tigers were involved in the game. Another incisive break away saw Callum and Jake both on for a one on one with the keeper. Callum unselfishly left the ball to Jake who side stepped the keeper to notch his second of the game.

At this time, the Tigers were playing excellent football with Reiss and Max looking resolute in defence. Joe, Callum, Sam and Taylor were all putting in top performances and Bennett was positively purring with contentment.

3-0 and the game was still exciting to watch. Then the moment of the match. Jake picked up the ball from the half way line and strode forward with purpose. Ignoring the shouts from his manager of 'pass to Sam or Callum', Jake continued forward and was appearing to line himself up for a shot. The next bit seemed to happen in slow motion, Jake unleashed a rocket shot from outside the area that flew into the top right hand corner giving the keeper no chance. A goal to match those scored by Max, Cameron, Sam and Callum earlier in the season.

To their credit, Meadway started to play at this time and suddenly the Tigers found themselves under pressure. Two well taken goals gave Callum no chance in goal and two well timed challenges prevented Thomas from adding to the Tigers tally.

With Bennett getting edgy and the Meadway parents roaring their team on, the referee blew his whistle and Bennett let out a sigh of relief.

Summary - The lads proved that they are a good side even without Mitch and Cameron. The point is, the 10 players all bring different attributes to the team and the blend is well worth watching every Saturday morning.

Goals - Max (1), Jake (3)

MOTM - Jake

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