On the day the Premiership drew to a close, the real action was down at the ASC on what was a bright Sunday afternoon, a depleted Tigers squad taking to the field with Bryan arriving from a party with just seconds to spare!!
Only 7 players were available for the match today, and the management were forced into some clever positional changes, with Mark dropping into the last man role supported by Max as sweeper. It was, on paper going to be a tough game today – only 2 weeks prior the Raiders scored 4 without reply from the Tigers!!
The game got off to a brisk start, with both teams looking to move the ball around the pitch. The Tigers midfield trio got the better of the early exchanges, and were able to move the ball quickly through to Sam to slot home after 3 minutes (1-0). This was a great start, reminiscent of the early goal against AB – was another upset on the cards? The lead lasted just 3 minutes, from the kick-off the Raiders took control and were starting to get the ball moving. Some dangerous runs from their midfield, blocked by Mark and Max, and some penetrating play from the Raiders striker saw a few shots on goal, where Bryan was up to the challenge, steering the ball out for a corner. What happened next was beyond belief the corner hit hard and high and with a good amount of swerve flew over the keeper and straight into the back of the net! (1-1). This seemingly acted as motivation to the Tigers, who again advanced forward, sliding the ball to Sam who dribbled, shot and scored! (2-1). Further shots in this period from Ben, Eve, and Max all went close but the Tigers were unable to increase their lead by the whistle.
Plently of drinks, encouragement and a pep talk from the managers during the break saw the Tigers take to the field for the 2nd period. The Raiders caught the Tigers defensively napping straight after the interval, a break from midfield, the Tigers were slow to react to the danger, and Bryan was left helplessly one on one, the resulting shot only goal bound (2-2). Still, it was good to see the Tigers remained focused and motivated. There was still plenty of running in them, Bryan made some good goal kick clearances to get the ball rolling, and there was a number of good pass exchanges amongst all the out field players. Mark was controlling the defensive line, clearing the ball when unsupported, and distributing wisely to Eve and Aaron on the wings, during a period when there wasn’t an awful lot for him to do! Max too was starting to push further up the field looking for the ball. After a very quiet first period, Aaron exploded into the game with a number of great runs down the right flank. Some good interchanges with Ben saw Aaron on the bi-line who was able to whip some decent crosses into the box. Ben controlled the centre, and was starting to get his shots away, something we see week in week out during training. This passage of play, predominantly offensive for the Tigers saw shots from all angles and all players, and it was Aaron who was to be rewarded on 18 minutes, a good shot deflecting past the keeper (3-2). Our attacking formation continued. Ben had a shot which was saved. A clumsy tackle was rewarded with a free kick which Ben sent just wide. Eve cut in from the wing, shooting low and just wide. It was great to see, the play was so fluent and gripping, even the 3 female supporters where struggling to keep control! On 21 minutes, the Tigers were awarded a corner on the left. Eve placed the ball, a short run up, placing the ball directly into the top corner – matching the Raiders first half strike (4-2). The period ended following more attacking play, Aaron shot wide, Sam scuffed a shot which headed for goal (was this to be his hat-trick) only to see it saved on the line by a relieved keeper. Another free kick, hit high and hard – but just wide. Then finally, a blistering run from the centre of the pitch, Ben dribbled and headed for goal, taking a cracking shot which the keeper had no chance of reaching (5-2).
Period 3 saw a change of formation. Confidence was high, and both Max and Bryan wanted there slice of the action up front, in what had been a slow game for them defensively with very little to do. Ben held fort in goal, and I honestly cannot remember him touching the ball in the final period, our offensive play was so strong. It was Betley, Betley, all the way. Eve was shooting from all angles with both left and right feet. Max had some shots deflected for corners. Aaron was still full of running down the right wing. Mark continued to watch from a safe distance, doing a sterling job on a day when he could have let his concentration waiver, any Raiders break away being easily cut out. On 30 minutes, Max had a solo run at goal for which he was dually rewarded with his goal (6-2). Bryan was breaking into the box causing further problems with his determination and change of pace, feeding the ball to Sam only to see his shots blocked. On 32 minutes, Sam was hacked down by a deflated Raiders defender. Max took on the responsibility of the free kick, a great shot at goal only inches over the cross bar! On 34 minutes, Eve took a quick throw, Max the target who neatly passed the oncoming defender only to see his shot drift wide. The final whistle blew to uncontrolled cheers from our supporters.
As they say, a great day!! It was fantastic to see the team gel together and play so well, which will only be strengthened when today’s missing players are back. As we head towards the all important cup final and tournaments, the Tigers on today’s performance alone should do well!!
Well done players and supporters. A fantastic game of football!!
