Conditions weren't great in the driving rain but early signs were that the Tigers were holding their own and seeing much of the ball. Dunmow were a strong side and showed they could pass the ball around extremely well. It was end to end for much of the time, Dunmow were awarded a corner, the ball fizzed in and a Dunmow player connected with his head and 1 - 0 to the home team. The Tigers heads didn't drop and kept battling. Jake Miall came down the right flank, played the ball into the box and William Putt sent the keeper the wrong way on 18 minutes 1- 1.

 

There was a full set of Tigers for the Management to select from this week. Lukas Darby took up position between the sticks and was looking for back to back clean sheets. Mitchell Dean and Connor Unwin formed the back line, both boys showing recent solid performances. Later Tommy Unwin added to the back row group. The midfielders included Daniel Woolmer, Josh Jones and William Putt, with Jake Miall supporting them later in the game as well as making a positive impact. George Bass started up front and battled for every ball against the Dunmow defence. Daniel Whitley took over from George and soon got involved in the action. Harry Blenkarn took to the field in the second half and gave the Dunmow keeper nightmares after getting into a one on one and just put the ball wide - unlucky Harry.

 

The second half proved as competitive as the first. The boys worked tirelessly and both Josh and Harry came close to scoring, in the end Josh did get his goal when a lovely ball was played through on 43 mins and Josh put it home. The boys had turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead. They just had to keep it that way for the next 5 or so minutes. Dunmow attacked hard, the defence cleared their lines, Lukas parried away and chance came at the other end but with two minutes left the Dunmow striker drilled the ball low and hard across the wet surface and it ended up in the back of the net 2-2.

 

Another league draw for the boys in a game they held their own and were capable of winning. We must take our chances to secure the points. Back to Dunmow next week for cup action. Thanks to Alan Jones for providing temporary shelter for the parents and boys.

 

Man of the Match: A few names were in the frame but the trophy went to Connor Unwin, won every ball and battled to the end. Great display Connor 

 

Steve, Richard and Mike