Firslty I must thank AB Juniors, neither side were schedulled to play this weekend and the boys really did enjoy the time on the pitch. Todays game as with any game we play was not about the result but how we played and conducted ourselves and AB are certainly a credit to fairplay and sportsmanship.
As the score shows the game was always going to be close with both teams possessing the firepower and skill to score freely, which perhaps put more pressure on the sholders of the keepers and the defense over the three periods of 15 minutes than normal.
AB opened brightly and with the Tigers still wondering about their formation and promptly went into a quick 2 nil lead through good team play, neat passing and excellent finishing by 'H' & Co.
Spurred into action the Tigers began to pass, setting Chev Tenko free down the right, she beat two players with pace and skill and drove a high shot across the keeper, high into the far corner of the net. Perhaps the best goal of the game and something she threatens to do every week, well done.
The game continued to be fast paced with both sides creating chances, before Gerrrarrd linked with Torrres to drive home the equaliser. AB regrouped and through a crowed box drove a low shot towards the far post which the Tigers could do nothing about except help into the net. The first period ended with AB deservibley leading.
AB again started quicker, with a lovely taken goal by 'H',despite the marking duties of the Tigers Defense. Torrres scored his third to make it 4-3 before a poor clearnace from a goal kick allowed 'H' capitalise and make the score 5-3.
Tigers then had a period of passing and movement, Torrres went on another run to make it 5-4 and Gerrrarrd poked home a controversal goal on the goalline to equalise. With the Tigers defense proving to be a better barrier Viddic and Babbell began to control and distribute, allowing Gerrrarrd and Tenko to be more effective in linking in with Torrres. Confidence grew and Tigers, through Torrres capitalised on 4 further goals assisted with some great passes by Babbell, Tenko, Rayna and Gerrarrd, while AB created a further 2 goals, though the defense will need to look at themselves as their marking was all too oftne not 'goalside', the period ended with AB trailing 9-7.
Into the final period and De Sar was released down the left and Gerrrarrd took the gloves. Tigers continued to pass the ball and hold wide positions and held AB by pressing them down the field. The pressure paid off with a freekick, which Torrres lifted high into the net, followed shortly afterwards with a low drive from Torress to make the score 11-7.
AB never gave up, with plenty of time left they had several chances to draw back goals, either being foiled by brave goalkeeping or missed chances in front of goal.
All that changed in the 40th minute when AB beat the defense to a near post corner to pull one back. Two minutes later AB broke quickly leaving 3 v 1 at the back and teamwork ensured for a tense last couple of minutes. De Sar went close and Babbell too in the closing moments before fulltime was called on a very good test for both teams and some great exercise on a lovely March Sunday morning.
Again my thanks to AB Juniors and their management team Andy/Kyle for agreeing to the game and we look forward to playing them again at some point in the future.
