The Autumn sun was out again this morning, for a slightly chilly start at Liss for the Tigers' first away fixture of the season against the Panthers. The pre-match warm-up went well, with a small game the pinnacle of some sharp practices prior to KO. The Tigers were briefed to take the passing and moving they showed in the warm-up game, in to the match proper, as well as pressing, and they should be a match for the home team. They were also told that, despite the results from the last 2 games, when they played their football for spells during the first couple of fixtures, they were more than a match for the opposition - this is what they had to do today!
The first 4-5 minutes looked very promising, with 3-4 good looking attacks not quite coming to anything at the last ball. But the intent was there. What happened for the last part of the first quarter was something of a puzzle. A number of players' positional discipline was lacking, a distinct lack of desire to clear the ball when under pressure, and hold the ball when there was time, led to a lot of possession given away. Although there were 1 or 2 Panthers with the ability to take players on, when 1 player waltzs through 4 Tigers, unopposed, it is hard for the manager to take. By the end of the 1st quarter, the Tigers were 3 goals down...all 3 goals gifted.
Reassertion of the players' duties, to themselves and the team, and they started to 'dig in', working hard to get back in the game. Still lacking with distribution from the back, self-imposed pressure for too many short passes and rather central, rather than mixing it up and using the wide players, the Tigers were frequently on the back foot, but held on to half time with no change in the score.
The second half was where the notable improvements came. Good distribution from B W in goal, mixing the passes well, in particular fast with it, and worthy of mention of a number of quality saves throughout the half. With the ball being presented to the midfield, it allowed a more penetrative game for the Tigers, A D pushing through a number of attacks, B E unlucky with a handful of chances, primarily due to the outstanding Panthers goalkeeper who pulled off a string of classy saves, notably from A Ds early shot to the top corner! Had it not been for him, the Tigers would likely have got back in the game. Unfortunately for all of the Tigers' hard work, a cracking goal from the Liss left wing, from outside the box midway through the final quarter, gave the home team a 4-0 win...only that goal being earned.
For the third week running now, the Tigers have shipped 4 goals against a team that were certainly not 4 goals better. They MUST start being consistent in delivering the basics if they are to deliver sound performances throughout, not just in short bursts. As the opponents get bigger, stronger and faster, the Tigers will have to step up their own game and show drive and desire to beat them.
MoM went to B E for his huge efforts, in a number of positions throughout the game. Not only carrying out his role, he covered a number of others particularly in the first half.
Win, Lose or Draw, Tigers Roar!
