Impressed? amazed? never ceases to dumfound me how this team sum up the will and determination to play and enjoy, or should we now start to take it for granted? that these guys are now reaching improved heights as we get into our new season.
A home cup game today, against even more sterner opposition from the division above, Alsager Fireblades, a true test of whether last weeks fine performance was a 'one off' or, as above, a wonderful begining.
8 players available, so only one sub, with Alex unwell and Sam away, we had to ensure we used rolling substitutes every 10 minutes or so, to keep the players fresh for the full 40 minutes.
Bryan, Lol, Ben Hin, Ben H, Arron, Max and Matthew and Mark.
Overcast clouds, and damp, we again kicked off starting up the 'slope' and the first 5 minutes were spent neatly passing and comitting to our challenges, along with Alsager, who looked a very strong outfit. In the 5th minute, Ben H, had a low shot saved after fine work by Arron, then Max played a lovely pass into Matthew, who shot just over, a really good confident start.
Alsager were coming into the game and Lol and Ben Hin were well on their toes to keep them at bay, Alsager shooting over a couple of times. At the other end after 10 minutes, a lovely Matthew corner saw Max leap but fail to connect. As the fitness bit a little, Bryan was called into the action with 3 great saves, one of which he flew full length to tip over, this had the making of another good game, just like last week.
Mark, now on the pitch over on the left, played a glorious cross in which caused panic in the Alsager back line, but was cleared for another Tigers corner. The half ended with a fair result of 0 - 0 , both teams having a fair share of posession.
2nd half, and fresh from a good break, Tigers were now kicking down the slope, and boy did they go for it again!
Ben played in Matthew, great point blank save by their keeper!, at the other end Bryan repeated the scene, classic!
Mark then forced a corner, Max, a great delivery caused all sorts of scramble on the line but Ben was denied forcing it over. Lol, meanwhile making a last ditch fine challenge at the other end! this was bettering last weeks match by now!
Again, Matthew this time played in Arron, one on one! keeper again from Alsager pulling off a remarkable stop! was there going to be any goals at all? Then, on 36 minutes or so, with the game looking like a draw, a beautiful corner by Arron saw Max stealing in at the far post, first time shot! a wonderful strike! 1 - 0 Tigers!!
Stung by that late shock, Alsager to their credit pressed furiously, and dispite heroics, a great cross saw their centre forward stoop bravely, to direct a low header close in past Bryan, who had no time to react, 1 - 1. This game looked like it was heading for extra time then possibly penalties.
Not a bit of it! our players wanted it more, and wanted it finished! with a minute left, a storming Arron run saw a cross, Ben H forced his way in the box, an almighty scramble and Max forced it home! 2 - 1! Tigers, a delirious crowd cheering, great game!
A twist still to finish, almighty pressure on our goal saw a lob into our area and Bryan fantastically tipping over to prevent another equaliser!. Whistle gone, Tigers put out one of the fancied favourites! reminisent of our previous great cup shockers of seasons before!
well done again! every one of you, a joy to watch and to be part of.
thanks a lot to the great support, Lyndon
