Top Communicator: B W
A dry but grey morning at Mayhill greeted the Tigers for their home fixture against the Deepcut Community Dynamos. With the winter approaching, the pitch was softer and muddier than any of the fixtures this season so far. The Tigers will have to note that, ensure they are wearing soft ground studded boots, and adapt their game to suit.
A fast start from Deepcut had the Tigers running in circles as they played some excellent passing moves, fast, precise and very attacking. However, the resolve of the Tigers and a decent defensive trio of O M, S G and D S, as central DM, ensured there were no goals conceded. The second quarter was very similar, albeit with the Tigers started to get themselves in to the game with some good passing moves of their own, and T B and C N pressing well in the attacking third of the pitch. However, hesitation in the box against a Deepcut attack allowed a Dynamos attacker to run, unchallenged, on to a loose ball and slot home for a 1-goal lead.
The second half started reasonably well, but as time went on, the simple side of the Tigers' game started to unfold, allowing Deepcut to have more possession. The quality that Deepcut had meant they were able to heap the pressure on the Tigers with quick moves, and counters. That said, they held their 2 defenders back at all times to soak up any attack from the Tigers. The result of that was very few clear chances for Hook. Ultimately, the constant pressure from the Dynamos resulted in 4 second half goals, 3 of which came in the last 9 minutes.
Whilst there were improvements from last week's final quarter, the Tigers still seemed quite hesitant in both penalty areas, appearing to see what happens to a shot, whether it be one of theirs or one from the opposition, always seeming to be last to react. They must try to play the way they are facing... Turning in to the opposition will more than likely result in losing possession, or putting the team on the back foot. A simple give-and-go would be more progressive and a quicker way to put the pressure on the opposition. Finally, the Tigers' finishing was somewhat lacking... Not necessarily the quality of the shot, but getting the shot away. Trying to get the ball in the 'perfect' position allowed the opposition to recover and block, or tackle. The Tigers must be quicker to get a shot away, and follow the shot up until it is out of play! That must, however, be balanced with shooting at the right time. There were too many attempts from too far out, or with the ball under their feet instead of a quick adjustment to either the ball or their footwork, meant most attempts never bothered the opposition.
Top communicator, once again, was B W who not only made himself heard throughout the match from the goal, but he made a number of intelligent comments to his team mates to help them with their game. It must be noted that overall there were some great tactical comments coming from the Tigers throughout the match, including from the subs bench.
MoM went to T B for a fantastic performance. For the entire time he was on the pitch, he ran the left flank, pressing (and imposing himself!!) from high up the pitch, and covering back relentlessly. He did everything asked of him and not once did the manager have to prompt him.
Win, Lose or Draw, Tigers Roar!
