Top Communicator: T Bu
The final round of cup fixtures concluded with a 3rd match of the season against Crookham Rovers Lightning, at Cody Sports Ground, with the 2 previous results going the way of the Tigers - albeit both ties were closely contested. With an improvement in performance the main focus, there was reasonable expectation from the manager for the players to up their game and return to the sort of football the Tigers can play. A good amount of time was spent discussing some of the simpler points of tactics, using a tactics board, to ensure the players kept the pressure off themselves by understanding some of the basic decision-making processes within fundamental situations. A final comment prior to the game, regarding the introduction of a "Top Communicator" reward, was designed to avoid the 'mute' football experienced, most notably, in the first half of the previous match.
Right from KO, the Tigers had clearly taken on a number of points and set about a much more fluid way to their game than had been seen for a while. More combative in their approach but with a reasonable balance of passing and running with the ball, the Tigers looked competitive in their endeavours. Good positional displays as defensive and midfield units helped maintain a degree of difficulty for Crookham to break through, and some decent covering displays by some individuals ensured that when Lightning did push through, there was readily a challenge to meet them.
A well-matched draw at half time and the Tigers continued the second half in much the same way. However, as the half progressed there were a few signs of the Tigers returning to their recent ways - a few too many attempts to hit the ball first time lost possession too much, a good handful of times that a Tiger got in the way of a team mate on the ball, and too many times players moved out of their own positions leaving space and opposition behind them. This final point led to the first goal as 2 Crookham attackers waited on their own for a through ball before converting unchallenged; a well taken free kick cross was met for a first-time shot for a second on the stroke of full time.
Overall, a display the Tigers can be happy with and use to build on. Consistency now the target.
A D - Another decent goalkeeping performance with a couple of fine saves and improved distribution. Solid tackles in the midfield but must look to release the ball sooner before continuing his run to receive a return.
O M - A more composed defensive display than of recent weeks. Back to using his pace well, standing the opposition up rather than diving in to challenges. He must now focus on keeping the opposition in front of him and forcing them wide from the goal when they have the ball.
B W - Another good wide midfield performance in the first half. Steady on the ball and covering his defence well, he also got some good attacks going and nice corners. In goal for the second half, he was a presence in the area; he must now look to make his distribution consistent and down the wings rather than through the middle.
T L - played both at the back and up front. Covered the ground well in both positions and linked nicely through the midfield. Occasionally played too wide when in defence making his life difficult with more running, needs to start in the centre and move out if necessary.
T Bu - Solid wide left performance and was often at the heart of Tigers' attacks (a notable reverse pass through ball really impressed!). Must be a little quicker to regain the midfield line when attacks break down.
B E - Played a really good role in defence to start before moving to the midfield. Very quick to cover the ground but occasionally slow to recover back when in midfield. Must work on a slightly softer first touch to avoid conceding possession.
T B - His usual industrious self in the centre of midfield, winning a number of tackles and set up a good number of counter attacks. Moved to defence for a spell where his tackling served well however he must take time to control the ball before attempting to play it out rather than going for first time clearances/passes.
M R - Spent his time leading the attack and ran the line well. Quick to get in to the defensive oppositions faces and pressure them in to making mistakes. He must ensure he doesn't wait for the play to join him, instead come back to force his way in to play.
C N - Played a strong role in midfield with some good link play with other midfielders, and a rasping shot that fizzed just wide. Must ensure he tracks back quickly when the opposition counter/when the Tigers' possession is lost.
S G - Real strength on the wing both going forward and tracking back; ran at the opposition well and created a number of attacks. Covered at the back after an injury; he must ensure he turns away from the goal with the ball and shepherd the opposition away too.
Focus over the next few weeks in training will be defensive play. Team spirit continues to impress.
Win, Lose or Draw, Tigers Roar!
