Mytchett Athletic Eagles 2 vs 3 Hook Tigers

After a very last-minute change to the location and KO time (due to a random change of pitch markings...), and a fantastic effort by the J S, all was set for a final match of the season against Mytchett Athletic Eagles, on the the 3G astro at Connaught. The sun had decided to show itself although it still left some rather chilly shadows to enjoy!

After the previous week's fustrations at dominating the match but not taking the plethora of chances, the focus at training and for the match was quick, early finishes, to not give the opposition 'keeper time. That, on top of the normal Tigers style of play, should give them the upper hand.

Straight from the start, Tigers played some great football and had the Eagles right on the back foot. D S dominated the right side of the pitch, S G dominated the centre of midfield and B E caused the Eagles defence all sorts of issues. Had it not been for the exceptional goalkeeping there could have been more Tigers goals by the time the first one was converted.

Unfortunately, a couple of panicky errors resulted in an own goal against, followed by a well-taken shot from a set-piece that wasn't closed down. Oddly 2-1 Eagles at half time.

The manager reminded the Tigers to find their voices, calm themselves down in the midfield as they were giving the ball away cheaply at times, and just focus on their own game. Slowly, the Tigers got back in to the match, not without a few scares that only some excellent saves from H M kept at bay, before a lovely goal kick from B W found B E for a second Tigers goal. 2-2.

With time running out, the Tigers dominated the final few minutes and saw a number of chances go amiss before a quickly taken throw in from B E found C N with a bit of time and, together with his composure, a cool finish to the far post. 3-2 Tigers.

It was great to see the Tigers find the fight to come back after going behind despite dominating, but they could have kept themselves going had they maintained the sort of communication they have all demonstrated so well in recent weeks. For that reason there was no Top Communicator this week.

MoM was a close award this week. D S' first half domination of the right wing followed by an assured defensive display was just edged by a solid first half defending role with a couple of very well timed blocks before keeping the Tigers in the game in the second half with some outstanding saves... H M!

Win, Lose or Draw, Tigers Roar!