Match Report
Tigers 2 v Westwood Wanderers 1
In all honesty, this game was probably met with a mixed reaction from the vociferous Tigers crowd. Due to be played 3 weeks ago as a Div 2 table topper, both sides now found themselves in Div 1 with Westwood yet to lose!
On a previous scouting mission (whilst paying the match fees) Manager Bennett had watched Westwood play very well against a good Woodley Hammers side. On paper, this game should be close as the Tigers managed to battle for a draw the previous week against the Hammers.
During the preceding week, a number of Tigers players started suffering from 'the bug!' and it would be fair to say we should have changed our sponsor to Nurofen, Calpol or even Andrex! The good news was that the majority were fit to play but Jake and Max failed late fitness tests and couldn't make it. This gave TT the opportunity to step up from the Lions for the week.
Now normally you can tell in the pre-match warm up what mood the players are in. Are they tired, hyper etc and you can estimate how the game would go. Well today, the kids seemed up for it. They recognised that Westwood are a good team and they wanted to play them. No hiding from the opposition like they did against Wrightchoice, this time the lads really wanted to play against a good team. Good start!
With Thomas now the established number 1 and really pushing Scott Carson for his England slot, the Tigers fielded the resolute Mitch and Reiss in a defensive pairing for the first time this season. Some might have said this was risky but Bennett was confident that not much would get past these two in their current mood.
Streety and Taylor took the wide midfield positions with Bennett opting to go against little Bennett and Mundy's advice by playing Joe in the centre midfield position. Captain Cameron took the solo striking berth. Callum and TT made up the squad on the day.
From the kick off, Tigers played well, in fact, Streety decided to try and go for the 'earliest goal of the game' award and scored with a confident lob after only 30 seconds. The ball bouncing over the unfortunate keeper who made a brave attempt to save the ball.
Somewhat stunned, Westwood showed their class and started to impose themselves on the game. Neither side attempted the long ball and it was a really good game to watch. Westwood building from the back, playing to the full width of the pitch and Tigers compact and resolute with Cameron running the channels.
With 10 minutes gone, the Tigers were getting a bit over confident and they totally forgot that Thomas couldn't kick the ball the whole length of the pitch. A kick out, a brilliant piece of control and cool finish so by the time the Tigers players had turned around, they were level at 1 - 1. A couple of substitutions saw Callum come on up front with Cameron dropping into midfield. This formation again had the desired effect as the Tigers pushed forward for another goal whilst looking solid at the back. A goal mouth scramble in the Westwood box saw Callum finish right footed a la Teddy Sheringham '99 Champions League final. A good goal only spoilt by a dying swan impression for a celebration. Callum have a chat with Joe when it comes to goal celebrations!
Halftime 2-1 to Tigers.
The second half saw much of the same. Good defending by both sides including Thomas in goal, some encouraging individual skill notably a defensive header by Joe from a corner, a back heel from Cameron, a spin by Reiss and some sublime passing by Streety saw Tigers match Westwood move for move. TT, Mitch, Taylor and Callum were all showing good form and eventually saw the game out to record a well deserved victory.
Credit to Westwood who are a good side and who boast some talented players. Tigers, we won't win every game we play but if we all put in performances like today, you'll do your manager and parents proud. Well done.
MOTM Thomas Preece
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.