First of all big thank you to Peter for inviting us for a friendly, the Tigers were very good hosts, and hopefully we will repay the favour before so long.
Tigers are a big strong skilful side, so I was very pleased with the boys again today, we battled hard throughout, and all the scoreline flattered us a little, think we did deserve the victory.
Kicking down the slope in the first quarter, the Tigers had the better of the game, but thanks to some fine defending and solid goalkeeping we kept them at bay. Up front Dylan was laying the ball off and passing really well, fitting into the team superbly! It was slightly against the run of play, when a long ball up field was beautifully flicked on from Sam to Dylan and he expertly guided the ball into the net, End of first 1-0.
Second quarter and we had the advantage of kicking down the slope, and we did have the better of the game with Cameron replacing Josh in midfield. Chances started to flow, and only the woodwork and some good keeping, stopped us from getting more than one goal. Dylan, Sam and Cameron going close on a few occasions, after some good passing Sam finished well from close range to make it 2-0. On the break Aaron made a superb block to keep them out.
Third quarted and again the Tigers came more into the game, but our defensive line up held firm, with James making many a telling block and clearance. Again we managed to sneak a goal at the other end, when a long range strike from Cameron, unfortunately for the keeper went through his hands, but if you keep trying and get the ball on target then you have always got a chance. 3-0 end of third.
Joseph replaced Harry at the centre of defence for start of the fourth and he worked well with James to keep the hard working Tigers out. There best chance of the game came from the penalty spot, but Aaron unknown to me at the time got a spectacular finger tip to the ball and pushed it on to the post and from the rebound, the Morpeth player just shot wide. Cameron got the fourth from a overhead effort when there was a scramble in the area. Dylan then came on for the last six minutes this time slotting in really well in central midfield. A particular highlight was some combination play between Dylan and Joseph at the back. Great to see, nice composed passing football. Final score 4-0, a very good run out, and again showing we can do well even without our top scorer!
Aaron super game, we'll work on those kicks, James and Harry superb again. Josh another excellent display, Joseph strong all over, Cameron really good, Sam superb flick and nice goal, Jack some nice passing, and Dylan fitted in ever so well, and contributed greatly to a good team performance! Man of the match is a very difficult decision, with all players having a case for it, but for his telling tackles, and superb reading of the game, going to give it to the Skipper James. A lot of credit goes to the boys at the back who kept a clean sheet against a threatening Morpeth side. Well played boys, lets enjoy our day at the Blaydon festival on Saturday!
