Well, it had to happen someday. The day when we lost our unbeaten record and I returned to my old ways of sulking. Seriously, well done to Colin and his team of boys and girl who played a great tactical game by stifling our attacking play.
This was always going to be a tough match as Maidenhead are a well organised side who are flying high. They tackle well, mark players and in their attack they have one of the best players in the league. The way we play sometimes puts us at risk of the counter attack and Maidenhead took their chances.
With Abhishek failing a late fitness test, Tigers were down to 8 players. Jake was still carrying his cold and looked like a ghost and one or two others looked a bit peaky. However, after a half term rest, the boys should have been up for this game and rearing to go.
From kick off the game looked like it would be an even battle with both teams having their chances. Sam played a great one two with Reiss but his shot was well stopped by the keeper. At the other end, Ethan commenced his dual with Henry and whilst Maidenhead eventually won the game, I think Ethan won his personal battle.
The Tigers problem today was one of being casual. They appeared to think they could beat Maidenhead playing at half pace and this included the normally reliable Adam in goal. Eventually Maidenhead found the net with a scrambled goal to take the lead. An immediate substitution saw Jake enter the match with Sam making way. Some good tackling by Cameron and Joe saw Tom pick up the ball and his slide rule pass saw the Tigers number 11 finish neatly to even the scores. Halftime 1-1.
The second half probably belonged to Maidenhead even though both teams had chances. Tigers were pushing for a winner but always looked vulnerable at the back as Maidenhead regularly changed formations. Sadly for Tigers, the counter attack worked as Ethan found himself 3 v 1 at the back. Despite Joe, Tom, Cameron and Reiss chasing back, Maidenhead took their chance to score what proved to be the winner.
However, with minutes remaining, the Tigers created a couple of half chances which fell to players on their wrong foot. I say wrong foot but this shouldn’t be the case. All the players in the team can strike a ball with both feet so in future games I’m hoping they show more confidence whatever side the ball arrives.
Final score 2-1 Maidenhead.
MOTM: Cameron – Some great hassling, tackling and simple passing showed Cameron has returned to his best which is great to see. Keep going son!
Goal: Jake