Capt: G G
A late KO at Hindhead Playing Fields allowed the Tigers the time for a long away journey for the second successive week. Another fine but chilly morning ensured the scene was set for the Tigers to continue their impressive run of performances although they were without 2 regular players in J R an B W.
The first half started as a relatively quiet but even affair with neither side looking particularly likely to break the deadlock. The Tigers were unusually quiet compared to recent weeks and they lacked their drive to play a positive passing game - attempted passes often under or over hit; they also allowed the Meerkats too much time on the ball leading to the couple of chances against them. A pep talk from the management at the end of the first quarter was met with a slight increase in tempo and a little more positivity in their passing. The captain, G G, led by example as he drove the team forward, fought hard to win the ball and was often the first to get back to cover the last man. Deservedly, the Tigers took the lead from a corner as their more prominent attacking play was rewarded. However, that was quickly cancelled out as the Tigers lost a little focus at the back.
The early second half was rather dull as both sides struggled to take hold of the game before a quick break from Beacon Hill gave them the lead. A final word from the management at the third quarter break urged the Tigers to pick up their game as they know they can and impose themselves on the home side. A great response from the boys, who played their best football in the final quarter, again showed how they can dominate a match when they press the opposition, make quick passes and communicate with each other. Four goals in the final quarter concluded a convincing result and another deserved win as the Tigers roared.
A D - Another solid first half performance in goal preceded yet another industrious midfield performance in the second half. Deservedly scored for the second successive week.
O M - Afforded a run out in midfield for one of the quarters but, especially in the final quarter, demonstrated his consistent last man ability as he countered a number of Beacon Hill attacks and quickly got the counter attacks going.
G G - A real captain's performance and deserved MoM award with a gutsy first half midfield display followed by a brave and commanding second half goalkeeping stint.
B E - Yet another shining display of composure, attacking football and good defensive cover; inspired the majority of Hook attacks in the second half. How he has been over-looked for MoM with his consistent performances only the manager knows!!
D S - An industrious match for D S as he battled hard, both in midfield and as last man, to prevent a decent number of Meerkat offensives. Did well against their pacey and tricky No 10.
L C - Showed how clinical his passing and crossing can be with a number of good exchanges leading to an assist and four or five very near misses.
A real 'hats off' to both D S and L C as they each played 3 consecutive quarters with no real break, demonstrating a good level of fight especially as they tired towards the end of their game.
There are still positional discipline issues to address and the Tigers must ensure they start in the same way they finish, with pace and passion, and ensure they gain a good advantage as soon as they can to avoid chasing the game. Ultimately, their results speak volumes and they are definitely moving in the right direction.
