The release of the official fixture list in August saw the Tigers pitched against Caversham Trents Pirates for their first match. A difficult fixture to start the season. However, checking the fixtures the week before season kick off and we discovered they had been changed and we now faced Westwood Wanderers. Unofficial Div 1 winners for the last 2 seasons and pre-season title favourites, it was like drawing Real Madrid for the first game.
Turning up to play, the players realised we were playing Westwood but rather than shy away, the lads all seemed up for the game as they enjoy playing good sides. Unfortunately for team captain, Cameron, he wouldn’t get the chance to pitch his wits against Westwood midfield maestro, Ben, as Ben has recently joined Wycombe. Well done Ben from all at Saints and good luck. Now onto the match.
With Max away, the Tigers had 9 available players to choose from. Remembering Westwood as a physically strong side, manager Bennett elected to pick his bigger players from the off. The idea being that the tricky skills of Reiss could turn the game as Westwood tired during the half.
Anyway, so much for planning as almost straight from kick off, Tigers raced up towards the Westwood goal with Tom neatly nutmegging the keeper to put his side ahead and continue his remarkable scoring feat. The second incident after just 4 minutes saw Jake challenge for a header and take a bash to the nose. Loads of claret and Jake was sidelined for the remainder of the half as Simon administered first aid and 127 stitches. (Ok, I’m exaggerating but come on; this is supposed to be entertaining stuff!!)
The first half continued to be an even affair with Ethan and Joe marshalling the dangerous Nat up front very well. However, the front 4 of the Tigers (no matter who it was) lacked confidence and were panicking when in possession. To make it worse, the Tigers players were often shirking a challenge which hasn’t happened since U7. Needless to say, Westwood gained a foothold in the match and Adam was forced into 2 tremendous saves with his face, yes, his face, at point blank range. Sadly, for Tigers, the pressure eventually told when Westwood found the back of the net after some good work by their team. Halftime 1-1.
The halftime team talk in the Tigers camp was an animated one. The lads knew they could win the match but confidence seemed to be low after conceding the equaliser. Some tactical changes then and the Tigers came out in the second half looking more like themselves.
Like the first half, the second proved an even contest with the ball going from end to end keeping managers and spectators on their toes. A goal line clearance from Ethan (or was that in the first half) for Tigers, Tom hitting the Westwood post and Sam narrowly missing with a header from a superb Abhishek cross.
With 5 minutes to go, Tigers created another opportunity with Sam, Jake and Tom involved. The ball fell to Tom inside the Westwood area but it was a tight angle and on his less favoured left foot. Undeterred, Tom unleashed an unstoppable drive which stuck in the back of the Westwood net a la Trevor Brooking for England v Hungary all those years ago. Yes, yes, I’m exaggerating again but come on, stick with me here!!
This goal seemed to drain the last resources from a tired Westwood side and both teams seemed physically shattered thus making basic mistakes. A few more half chances came and went for Westwood in the dying seconds but Woodley clung on for a great victory.
Both sides deserve credit for the effort they put into this match. Being the first of the season, we all know that both sides are capable of playing better football as we’ve seen in the past but today belonged to Tigers. I have no doubt that Westwood will be gunning for revenge later in the season!!
Goals – Tom (2)
MOTM – Adam
Player highlights:
Adam – 2 point blank saves to keep his side ahead
Joe – Tremendous sweeping and reading of the game
Ethan – Reads the game better than any other in the team and his distribution was top notch
Reiss – Showed some of the skills where the ball sticks to his foot
Abhishek – Signed as a defender but showed his versatility with a good stint at right midfield.
Jake – Brave to come back into the match after the clash of heads and adds composure to the side
Cameron – Some important interceptions prevented Westwood from building their dangerous attacks
Sam – Big, strong, powerful running, always a threat to the opposition and unlucky with his header
Tom – Has to be the left foot winner. Makes Berbatov look lively but great around the area.