Match Report
Tigers 0 V Rotherfield 4
The game that all the Tigers had been waiting for following their move into division 1. Rotherfield previously unbeaten and good side judging by previous scouting reports, the Tigers certainly had their work cut out with this one.
With the influential Max away sick, Tigers fielded a strong lineup with Thomas, Reiss, Mitch, Toby, Jake, Callum, Sam, Joe, Taylor and Cameron all present. With 10 players available, Jake, Callum and Mitch all started as subs meaning Reiss partnered Toby in defence, Sam, Joe and Taylor in midfield with Cameron up front.
The first half saw the Tigers playing with a slight wind behind them and the game proved to be an even contest with both sides building good attacks but equally good defending. To be fair, Rotherfield had the better possession and forced a number of corners. They have obviously been practising these as they showed great skill in their execution. To their credit, Tigers defended well and cleared some often dangerous attacks. Eventually, the Rotherfield pressure told and the Tigers found themselves 1 nil down after a goal mouth scramble. That's how the first half finished.
Conscious of having 10 players available, manager Bennett used the second half in an Eriksson fashion and regularly changed players to give everyone a chance. Unsurprisingly, these changes caused the Tigers to lose their structure and they found themselves camped in their penalty box with Rotherfield lining up to shoot. Some brilliant saves by Toby and Cameron weren't enough to prevent Rotherfield increasing their lead and the final whistle went with Tigers suffering their second 4 nil defeat of the season.
Nobody likes to lose but these matches are great learning opportunities for everyone concerned. The players played their hearts out even though the game was against difficult opposition, the supporters kept cheering till the final whistle and more importantly, Bennett didn't cry! That's Lee not Jake!
MOTM Joe Ruffle (Ruffs)
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.