Capt: D S
A very wet morning at Southwood Playing Fields, Farnborough was not enough to dampen the Tigers and stop them winning for the second successive week, this time against Rushmoor Community Vipers.
Right from the start, the players pressured their opposition, giving them no time on the ball, as well as stringing their own passing game together. Also very pleasing for the management was the lack of need to hassle the players to talk to each other. Good communication throughout the team, including nice prompts from B W in goal to his last man to mark a loose attacker. It was no surprise that the Tigers were 2 up at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw much of the same by way of Tigers performance, although a couple of goals were conceded through lapse in concentration and allowing the opponents to make their way through unchallenged.
The second half was quite a different game. The pitch was very heavy, the rain had not eased throughout the first half, and the players started to look tired. To their credit, they tried hard to keep pushing forward, the midfield, especially B E, worked hard to help cover the last man, and there was a superb effort from the captain from about 15 yards that looked like it was going in before it finished a little wide of the right hand post.
B W - Looked commanding in goal in the first half with some good cover play and very quick distribution to start counter-attacks. On pitch in the second half, he worked tirelessly down the wing to keep the pressure on Rushmoor before he came off injured for the last 5 minutes.
O M - A strong performance as the last man, cutting out numerous Rushmoor attacks and working well to move the ball out to the wings. Looked a threat at the edge of the box for corners.
L C - Kept his goal-scoring run going with 2 well taken chances. This week he was very much involved in good passing distribution and was well involved in team moves both in midfield and as last man. A good performance.
A D - Amazing energy in the first half as he won the ball countless times. His passing got better as the half went on and created the first goal. His second half goalkeeping was solid, again. More confident to come off his line and take the ball from the closing attackers.
D S - A captain's performance as he led the charge in midfield in the first half, winning a number of tackles and doggedly moving the ball forward to get the attacks going. A solid performance as last man, he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
G G - Always a threat in the middle of the pitch with a strong physical presence that allows him to win the ball and push through defensive lines. Some nice link-up play with B W and B E in the second half, deserved his goal in the first.
J R - Was his usual reliable self as he busied himself on the wing. With some good defensive cover play and some nice attacking runs, he was unlucky not to get on the score sheet again this week.
B E - Had to wait a while to get on the pitch but made a good impact. Earned a place amongst the goals and, like others, could have had more. Very threatening in the attack he is one of the first to get back to help the last man.
Overall, a lovely team performance and a well-deserved win from the rather cold and wet Tigers. Roll on next week.
