The Tigers started their 2008/9 campaign on home turf at Elmwood. The pitch looked immaculate and there was a big turn out from the loyal Tigers following. The Tigers were soon harassing the Puma's goal area and put them under pressure from the outset. Early in the first half the Tigers won a penalty following a handball offence. Daniel Woolmer stepped up and put the ball wide, unlucky Daniel.

 

Daniel Whitley made it 1 - 0 on 12 minutes after getting on the end of yet another precise William Putt corner. The Puma's weren't going to take it lying down and scored two quick goals in succession following defensive errors by the Tigers. Lukas Darby played his first full league game in goal and put in a confident performance. In defence Mitchell Dean and Jake Miall started out and both boys battled hard. Later in the game Tommy Unwin came into defence and put in some good hard challenges.

 

Meanwhile in midfield Connor Unwin, Daniel Woolmer and William Putt started the game and had a real battle in the middle of the park. William got on the scoresheet following his first half assist by blasting the ball in the back of the net on 35 minutes. George Bass started up front and was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet.

 

With the score at 2 - 2 the Tigers were back in the driving seat but for much of the second half were unable to capitalise and very quickly the Pumas became stronger and stronger and were able to put 2 more past the Tigers. Harry Blenkarn and Callum Abbott came on later in the half to give their team mates a break and both got involved in the action.

 

The score finished up 4 - 2. For much of the game the Tigers were the more dominant team but must now move on and learn that we cannot make careless errors, miss opportunities and expect to win games, we will be punished in the higher Dengie League.

 

Thanks to Andrew Franklin for refereeing the match today and to John Davies/Elmwood school for ensuring the pitch was in such good condition.

 

Man of the Match: Connor Unwin: kept on battling throughout the game and never gave up.

 

Steve, Richard and Mike