The mathematics were quite simple, if the Tigers won against Sporting 77, then they would take the League title, anything else would just not be good enough. The fixture was away to Sporting who were 2nd in the league and both teams needed the win. Sporting were straight down the Tigers throats from the outset and the boys battled to defend their fortress for the first few minutes. Against the run of play the Tigers won their first corner and took no time in taking it and showing the watching fans at how good they were at set pieces. William Putt whipped in a wicked corner and Connor Unwin connected for that all important first goal on 3 minutes, the Tigers were off! and 1 - 0 up.

 

The boys then turned on the style with quality play oozing from all over the park, attack after attack came with more and more strikes coming from the Tigers. Goal number 2 came on 14 minutes when the ever reliable centre midfielder Daniel Woolmer put a ball into the box which the keeper couldn't handle and unfortunately rolled over the line for 2 - 0.

 

Tigers had a full compliment of players today, every one of them deserved a medal with a totally outstanding big game performance. Lukas Darby had the match of his goal keeping career, save after save came and he was solely responsible for the clean sheet. The dominating defence of Mitchell Dean, Tommy Unwin and Connor Unwin were in total control of the back line to ensure the Puma's never made it through. The formidable midfield team of Harry Blenkarn, Jake Miall, William Putt and Daniel Woolmer were supreme in the centre of the park, dominating with attacks and retreating with phenomenal pace controlling the middle of the park. George Bass and Daniel Whitley had the game of their lives with both boys causing total chaos upfront. George in particular was desperately unlucky not to score in the second half with a flying header across goal.

 

The damage was done towards the end of the first half when William Putt got on the end of Jake Miall's awesome mazy run to make it 3-0 on 24 minutes. With a minute to go the Tigers won yet another corner, William powered the ball into the box and Jake Miall headed home (yes!) and 4-0 on 25 minutes and into the break.

 

After the break the tigers controlled the game and their lead. Various substitutions were made but today it was clear to see that whatever change the Tigers management made, the Pumas were unable to deal with. A special mention must go to Lukas and his first class stops he made. The boys were unlucky not to increase the lead but were ecstatic with the scoreline.

 

We are all so proud of you boys, this has been two years in the making, and it was clear to see that all your experiences in that time came through to secure this emphatic win and ultimately the Dengie U9 League Title. Many thanks to all the parents and supporters for being there week in week out.

 

Man of the Match: Such a tricky decision with the team performance. Congratulations to Harry "battling" Blenkarn on the commitment shown in not only this game but the whole season.

 

Steve, Richard and Mike.