South Wonston 2 Michelmersh and Timsbury 3
Report by manager Mark Sills.
Two seasons ago M & T U10s were playing their first ever match with no match experience between the whole team. South Wonston Swifts on the other hand had been together for two seasons already, used to being top or second in the league.
Whilst the Tigers went on to record a creditable 4th place in Division 2, the Swifts achieved a double of league runners up and cup winners.
Just 18 months later the two teams lined up for the return match after a cracking game back in October in which Tigers deserved better than the 3-1 defeat they finished up with.
With that game in mind, Mark changed the formation to 3-5-2, a more attack-minded set up that aimed to dominate midfield and provide more ammo for the forwards.
Early signs were very positive. Sillsy’s interception from the kick-off back pass set the tone as Tigers enjoyed the lion’s share of the territory. Findlay, Adam and Nick linked brilliantly to set up a chance for Sillsy which went narrowly wide. Several times half chances were created only for last ditch Swifts tackles to thwart the strike. Tigers dominance was underlined by the opening goal, a strong shot from outside the box from James that bounced high and straight through the stand-in keeper’s hands.
The goal jolted South Wonston into life and at last they began to make Tigers defend. Lewis and Nick Evans stood strong in the middle, with Hogey, Scott and Jacob mopping up anything that did get through. A rare mistake from Scott allowed a half chance, which Rob saved competently. Moments later and Swifts were level, another Scott slip allowing a shot which was just too hot for Rob to handle, despite a fine attempt to save. To his credit Scott shook off his disappointment and continued to organise the new look defence. Will G and Sam gave Lewis and James a breather, with Sam doing a fine man to man marking job on the Swifts captain.
Then the move of the match. Scott dribbled out from a position of danger, beat two men and flicked the ball down the line to Findlay. His perfectly weighted pass found Adam, whose powerful run and shot was well saved at the near post. A few minutes later another inch-perfect pass from Findlay sent Sillsy clear, who finished coolly under pressure from defender and advancing keeper. Great persistence from Jacob forced the forward wide in the dying seconds of the half, resulting in a high shot which whistled back off the crossbar. Phew! A much deserved 2-1 lead at half time.
The second half was much more evenly matched as Swifts responded to their manager’s inspirational half time talk and took the game to Tigers. Despite their left midfielder (surely the most skilful player in the league) running rings round them at times, Tigers stood strong until ten minutes in when hesitant defending allowed the maraudering captain to toe poke home for the equaliser. Then a fine run from their central midfielder (surely the fastest player in the league!) brought out another fine save from Rob. Tigers looked to be on the ropes as momentum swung towards the Swifts. Fortunately Jacob saved the day by having an asthma attack which delayed the game by five minutes. The momentum was lost and Tigers began to find their teeth again. Roared on by fantastic away support again, they found their self-belief again. Adam had a near post thunderbolt turned away for a corner; Sillsy nearly raced through on two occasions. Finally, a real goalmouth scramble resulted in a good strike from Nick Evans hitting a defender’s hand. Penalty! Captain Cool stepped up with three minutes to go to dispatch the winner – not his best but enough to do the job. Despite six minutes of injury time, Swifts never really threatened again, even though the supporter’s hearts were in their mouths!
A fantastic win – albeit against ten men – marking just how far the Tigers have progressed in their first two and a half seasons. Now they need to make this result count by beating the teams around them and who knows how high they could end up.
James was man of the match for a superb battling performance in a new position, despite stand out performances from Findlay and Adam. But the whole team played well for the second game running, so well done y’all!