First League of the season and everyone was raring to go.
Knowing that Ipcress lost 6-0 the week before, the gaffa decided to go out with an attacking formation and play three at the back, wing backs with an attacking midfielder supporting the front two. Slight concerns with Liam’s ankle, Mikes back and Simon's sudden morning sickness (cough cough). But TEFA FC endeavored on.
TEFA got the game underway and looked a bit nervous to begin with. But once we found our feet we started to look comfortable in possession and started stringing a few passes together. Players were battling all over the park, each player dieing for the cause.
Defensively we looked solid, with Simon (Captain) pinging some pin point balls up to the strikers, Beefy sweeping up all the loose balls and Kevin running around with a turtle head (not a nice feeling I tell ya). Both wingbacks Mike and Chris were playing more defensively to start with but tried to get up and support the midfield when possible with some great overlapping runs and crosses.
We then had a great chance to go 1-0 up when Simon picked out a great ball to Liam who controlled the ball and knocked it past the defender and swung his left leg, however his balance wasn't right this time and he sliced the ball wide.
Then the curse of TEFA FC hit again!
In a freak accident, Simon made a great tackle on the striker, who momentum made him land on Chris Miles's ankle. Fearing the worst an ambulance was called and Chris was taken off the pitch.
Wayne was brought on in his place as a like for like substitute.
Then after another good spell of possession Chris Powell switched a great diagonal ball, which Liam dummied and left for Jubz who then went through to slot the ball home past the keeper! 1-0 to TEFA
Ashley, Chris and Robert carried on battling in the middle of the park, winning headers and making some crucial tackles. Jubz and Liam were running the flanks and chasing every lost cause. TEFA looked comfortable going into half time.
After a positive half time talk the second half started.
Straight from the off TEFA looked comfortable. Keeping possession and winning the first and second ball.
However Ipcress started to commit more players forward and were starting to apply some pressure to the defense. But TEFA stood strong and then a moment of brilliance when Simon picked out a great long ball behind their defense which Liam latched onto and then lobbed the keeper. A great second goal. 2-0 to TEFA!
The game was starting to fizzle out and players were beginning to get tired. The midfield putting in a great shift, constantly tackling and closing down every player. Dazza was then brought on for the last 20mins for Robert to spruce up the midfield.
Dazza then had an instant impact and found himself through on goal, but hit the shot straight at the keeper.
Ipcress then gave TEFA one last scare, as they worked the ball into the box and shot across goal. However Alex pulled of a great save and pushed the ball wide.
Full time whistle blew
Overall it was a great team effort.
For our first competitive league game it was a great performance. Every player gave it their all. The defense was solid, and the midfield worked their socks off and the strikers provided a constant threat.
Man of the match has been awarded to Chris Powell. He was a constant engine from start to finish.
Next week is a cup game, so we need everyone to rest and make sure they are ready.
I'd like to wish Chris Miles a speedy recovery and hope his operation goes well on his ankle tomorrow.
