Sometimes, just sometimes, we have a weekend of sport, where everything just goes beyond all expectations. This weekend for instance, United don't lose, Liverpool suffer to Blackpool, the yanks get a spank from Europes finest golfers, and then, to cap it all, Betley Tigers go and do what they have done today! Outstanding!!
Our third match of the season, was always going to be the toughest so far, as Crewe Panthers had started their season well, and kept their squad as simular as last year, so, could Tigers come out as the dominant power struggle of the two cats out there fighting? you bet they could!
Tigers were without Kai in goal, who had to go to hospital earlier in the day following an injury at a party, we wish him well and a speedy recovery. That meant our other well able keeper, Bryan (dispite a sore finger from playing basketball!) wnet in goal for at least 2 periods. Lol and Mark started at the back and midfield, Ben, Max and Arron filled the middle with Foxy Sam up front.
Betley started brightly, and after a couple of corners , Arron fired just wide, the start of many fine moves Arron did today. But, the first Panther attack on the break, Betley came undone, a good passing move saw 2 players in the centre of the goal area unmarked, giving Bryan no chance, 1 - 0 to the Panthers.
For the next 5 minutes, Betley were under some pressure, but in Lol And Mark, held firm and both were fantastic in closing down, and tracking back. Arron was having superb runs with the ball down the wings, fed equally by Ben in the middle, and Max supporting, which set Sam up, but the shot lacked power to get over the line, a minute later, same combination and Sam again just wide.
The first period ended with Tigers definatley on top, and at the break, Alex replaced ever hard working Lol, and Ben H replaced Max on the left.
The second period, and Arron had a rasping shot well saved, Panthers went wide at our end, this was turning out to be a great game. In the 4th minute of the second period, Tigers bit! and it was Max,who had justcome back on for Ben, who was quickest to finish following a scramble after a great Ben corner, well done Max! alert and ready! 1 - 1 well deserved.
The third period and Betley passing superbly, Max, going in goal for Bryan whose finger was swelling! , well done Max again. Arron again a solo run down the wing this time on the left and making the Panthers goalie produce a great save, then repeated a minute later!
Bryan then barnstormed down the right, cut inside and walloped the post! the ball bouncing out to Ben, who couldn't keep it down and the ball balllooned over the bar! fantastic game this is! But, in the 30th minute, a brilliant team goal, Mark played the ball through defence to Ben, who in turn fed Bryan, a great cross and Arron storming in took a well deserved goal to cap of his fine display, brilliant team effort! 2 -1 Tigers!
Betley were well on top, but Max had to come to the rescue with a low save from a Panthers scramble, but Bryan went just wide again with a fierce shot as the passing was a joy. Bryan then set up Sam with a good pass, and the Panthers keeper again proved he was their man of the match with another save, just not Sams day today!
But it was Betleys day, and in the last 2 minutes a brilliant corner from Ben, saw Bryan come flying into the area to head a fantastic header into the top corner! wow, our first headed goal! well done Bryan.
3 - 1 , could of been more, could have let a couple in? but, an outstanding display by all, the team, ALL of them, should be mightly proud, as i know Andrew and myself were!
thanks again for the wonderful support
Lyndon
