The hard work on the training field paid dividends today as the Tigers put into the match what they have been practicing.
Playing a more attacking formation the Tigers looked confident from the start with Ben winning and moving the ball well in the middle. both Bry and Evel went on good runs the flanks and Matt actually started to 'love' the ball more!
Ben was instrumental throughout the first half and slipped Evel through the center of the defense who held of the attentions of the defender to power the ball home and open the tigers account for the season.
Soon afterwards a corner from the right saw Shades hook the ball into the center of the box where Matt 'loved' the ball, brought it down and poked it home from close range. Very soon afterwards the Tigers pressed the Ruskin goal, Ruskin cleared the ball to edge of the box straight to Bry who controlled the ball before hitting a shot goal bound which the keeper could only help into the net to make it 3 nil.
Ben developed a move down the right with Bry presenting Matt a good chance which the keeper saved well. Ruskin worked hard and had a number of moves down the field however Mark and Sam tended the defense well and ensured that Charlotte was relatively quiet.
As the half closed Ben picked up the ball midway in the Ruskin half and neatly picked his way past the defender, drove on to the edge of the box and released a low firm shot past the Ruskin keeper, a really good goal for so many reasons.
The second period saw the introduction of Alex and Max and a resurging Ruskin side. However the Tigers stuck to their guns with Max controlling the left side well, going on some good runs and finding his target more often than not with his passes. Once Alex settled down he and Mark controlled the forward movements of Ruskin well with good interceptions and thoughtful passes, while holding their position.
Mid way through the period Ben again set Evel through, Evel remaining calm to finish well to make it 5 nil. Charl was called into action soon aftrewards, Ruskin ran on and Charl made a good save with a foot to deflect the shot for a corner.
From the kick off the Ruskin 9 surged forward while the tigers were still thinking of glory, a great run which ended in a beautiful goal for ruskin and served as a reminder to the Tigers that concentration is required until the last whistle is blown.
Into the final period and Tigers really didn't look like being troubled, Ben continued to win and move the ball easily deserving his MoM title for the day. Max too chased well, perhaps over committing at times but certainly looked more full of running this week. Matt had by far his best game up front, loving the ball, working hard and helping his team and marshalled the defense well in the last period. Charl again had little to do in th efinal period but I'm sure that will alter as the season moves on.
Max went close on a number of occasions shaving the post on one occasion and pulling a couple of shots. Sam chased and tackled well and linked with Bry who also went close a couple of times.
As the game closed out Sam found himself in the midst of things in the box, he jinked right then left and poked home from close range. Sam has the ability to beat players with the deftist of touches which amazes me, but whatever it is keep doing it!
Ultimately the players hard work and will has shown that if they listen and are prepared to work for each other then results will come.
Well done everyone.
