Capt: B E
With some uncertainty as to whether the match would go ahead, a last-minute decision was made to play as the hallowed turf of Hartletts Park recovered enough from the torrent of rain the previous day to ensure the final match of the season could go ahead. And how glad we all were that it did.
With only 1 available substitute, the Tigers missing 2 of their regulars for the visit of Curley Park Rangers (CPR) Raiders, today's match was always going to be affected by the fitness of the players. However, a strong start from the Tigers, with immediate pressing of the opposition, resulted in a rare lead being taken with the first of a number of team-worked goals. The Raiders reacted well and showed the usual quality expected from a CPR team as they hit back with 2 goals. This set the tone for the rest of the first half, leads changing back and forth, before it finished 4-3 at the break to the Tigers.
However, this match was not about the score, rather the way the Tigers played. Recent emphasis in training of quickly moving the ball on was ably demonstrated throughout the team and, indeed, a number of moves and resulting goals came from this way of playing. Other points to note included positional discipline which allowed the success of some fantastic cross-field passes from the wide players, the pressure on the opposition in possession was very good and, although initially slow, the Tigers improved in their drive and desire to chase the loose balls.
Overall, some of the football demonstrated throughout the match was the best the management had seen all season - quite an accolade given some of the impressive performances - particularly pleasing as most of the players played in different positions each quarter.
The second half was effectively a 4-1 win, making the final score a deserved 8-4. Again, whilst the score was not the focus, it certainly reflected the way the Tigers imposed themselves and was nothing short of what they deserved; a fair reflection of the game.
MoM went to a deserving B W for a very solid performance, notably his first half midfield display where he covered the flank so well, assisting the last man when necessary, demonstrated some delightful touches and put in a number of great switch passes and crosses. All capped with the well-earned opener. All that said, there were a number of contenders for the award, any one of which would have picked up the prize on any other day such was the standard from all of the individuals.
What a way to finish the league season; the Tigers can now enjoy a handful of Saturday lie-ins (the parents too!) whilst continuing to work hard on Thursday training before the start of the tournaments.
The Tigers should feel justifiably proud of their achievements this season; their standard of football has improved throughout, largely unhampered by the long break over the Winter due to the weather and, most importantly, they have carried themselves very well, always smiling and holding their heads high, whatever the result. They have been an impressive group of lads, a delight to train and coach and they have worked hard to achieve a fantastic first season record of P19 W11 D3 L5 (for those who are interested).
