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Scorers Chris 2, Conor, Will, Joe
In the reverse fixtures of last week, Tigers went to a very impressive West Bridgford ground that despite all the rain remained the best surface the team has played on all season.
Tigers looked to continue where they left off last week with total domination of the game. Bridgford, however, had other ideas keeping the game tight early on defending in numbers and trying to catch Tigers on the break.
Tigers looked the more likely to start the goal scoring but were given a couple of frights of their own and but for some excellent covering defensive play from Freddie, WB could have caused an early shock.
As Tigers fell into their stride and got used to the firm, fast paced pitch, Chris began putting tempting through balls for Conor to run on to but excellent defensive play from the speedy defender and impressive keeper kept the game level.
Tigers finally got the breakthrough when a goalmouth scramble was forced goalbound by Chris & deflected into their own net by an outstretched defenders leg to give Tigers a deserved advantage.
With the initial pressure lifted, Tigers pushed on and a 2nd goal soon followed when a cleared cross fell to Conor in the box and with time to control and look up, he placed the ball out of reach of the outstretched keeper to double Tigers advantage.
As Tigers took control, the substitutions were made and the Eagles scented blood. Tigers looked at odds with each other and Bridgford looked to take immediate advantage pumping balls over the top of the defence to expose our Achilles heel, the long ball !!!! The Bridgford striker had several opportunities to get Eagles back into this game, but poor finishing kept Tigers noses in front.
Tigers started to get a bit of rhythm back and when Chris was bought down on the edge of the box, a delicately taken free kick skimmed the underside of the bar to end up in the net giving Tigers a 3 goal lead at half time.
As Eagles looked for a way back into the game in the 2nd half, the striker found himself in the box with a leg across him and went down to win a penalty. Scoring to bring the game back to 3-1 Eagles must have thought they had a chance.
As the clock ticked down, Tigers stood firm and when a great corner delivered by Will was turned into their own net for 4-1, Tigers were home and dry.
With only minutes to go, Tigers forced the play down the right hand flank and when Harrison lifted a hopeful cross into the box, our flying wing back cracked off a volley from just inside the box and everyone stood and watched for what seemed like an eternity as the unsighted keeper dived late and failed to stop an excellent finish from Joe Wood, yes I did say JOE WOOD, who scored his first goal in open play since the days of the under 7’s at Mackworth some 5 years ago!!!
Not as good a team performance this week from Tigers but a better result keeps Tigers in the position they have sat in all season at 3rd and keeping ground on the leaders.
Man of the match today, perhaps not as many to choose from this week but very good performances from Harry, who wore the captains armband with pride, back to his best and seems to have found a position he relishes. Freddie, who may be new to the centre-half position, but has the thoughtfulness to offer excellent covering defensive play. Man of the match today outright must go to Chris who joined the team at the beginning of the season and has fitted in a treat. He sees things that most players don’t and can turn the game with his wizardry. Two great goals to top of a first class performance today. All he needs now is an alarm clock off Santa and a road atlas!
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