| 30/10/10 |
HOME |
Cottenham United U11 |
W 5 - 0 |
Its unofficially official!!! we are the best team in our league by far. The only team left unbeaten and with a huge goal difference, and on Saturday we faced a team who considered themselves one of the strongest teams in the league and with some justification having won the cup last season. Tigers faced Cottenham in the last of the big three back to back games between the three teams eyeing the top spot -unofficially of course, as we're not allowed to have a competitive league!!!
Cottenham arrived at Swaffham Prior wanting revenge for our 3-0 demolition of them at their place only two weeks earlier. The lads expected a physical game and were equal to it and still managed to out-pass out-run and out-think a widely regarded Cottenham team - 5-nil speaks for itself.
Tigers were two men short for the match Fraser and Joe and we all wondered how that would affect the team, Fraser like a rock in midfield and Joe, easily our most creative player and the engine of the team.
The game started fast and furiously with both teams trying to attack but after only a few minutes Tigers began to press higher and higher up the pitch. Striker Joshua was making his presence felt and was perfectly positioned to fire a snap shot with power and precision from a dangerous into the box ball from Captain Matty E beyond the Cottenham keeper and into the net for Tigers to take the lead. Within two minutes it was 2-0 when centre midfielder Timmy burst into the box and his powerful shot found the back of the net, via the crossbar. Five minutes later we went 3-nil up with Josh firing home from close range from yet another dangerous ball in from Ben, and it was practically game over. Tigers were playing with tremendous skill and were passing the ball across the whole width of the pitch - 3 out of the 5 goals came from dangerous balls into the box from the wide players. With JJ and Ben linking up well on the right, Max combining with Matty E and Timmy in the middle and Noah and Elliot on the left Tigers were controlling the game. It was becoming a very physical game however. Josh went off immediately after his second and Keiron came on and was unlucky not to make it 4 nil moments later. His pace and tireless running and never say die attitude made it a difficult period of the Cottenham defence. Owen and Lewis both came on Owen up front and Lewis on the Right of midfield. Lewis's pace immediately caused problems for the Cottenham defence and they had to work hard to stop him from getting on the score sheet. Owen led the line very well and his hold up play was tremendous.
Frustrated at finding themselves outplayed and 3-0 down, the second half started with Cottenham trying to back into the match by being quicker to the ball and also even more physical too. Football is a physical game after all but its not something we like to see or encourage in the boys and the Ref had a tough time trying to keep an eye on it all. A few seasons ago the lads would have found themselves muscled out of the game but this is no longer the case. They had to stand up and be counted and they matched Cottenham tackle for tackle. it didn't put the lads off their stride and after 15 mins Elliot latched onto a thru ball from Timmy to calmly control it and slot it over the keeper and into the net. Elliot popped up to score the Tigers 5th - pouncing on a loose ball after the Cottenham keeper had saved a shot from Ben who had been causing them problems all match. Two goal assists shows what an important player Ben is to this Tigers team. Tigers played out the last five minutes looking for the 6th and finished the match deserved winners.
With Joe missing Timmy - who had been moved back into midfield with Matty E - proved what a tremendous all rounder he is with a tigerish display in the heart of the team. Both he and Matty E dominated the midfield. In order for Tigers to play like they do we need players who can win the ball and stop opposition attacks before they have started in Matty E and Tim we have those players. Matty E was simply everywhere with yet another assured and commanding performance!
Quite often the attacking force of Tigers gets the majority of the write up - everyone wants to read about the goals after all. On Saturday at the Tigers defence were simply superb. They made it possible for the midfield to play high up the pitch putting Cottenham under pressure from the start. Centre back Max didn't put a foot wrong with an incredibly confident display and swept up every cottenham break away with precise and perfectly timed tackles. I dont remember an occasion during the match when max - one on one - didn't get the ball!!!! Left back Noah had his usual great game on the left, like a terrier he let very little get passed him, and was quick to turn defence into attack with some great passing play. Right back JJ had the pace to keep up with the Cottenham players and his tackling was precise and always played the safety option first. Goalie Alex had long periods with little to do and its easy to lose concentration but he had a great performance even by his high standards reminding players of their roles, marshalling at set pieces, warning of danergous situations and finally making three top draw saves to stop absolutely certain goals and distributing the ball very very effectively. Its a mark of how well all the boys are playing that when the team was shuffled around the style and quality of play didn't change Matty M came on and played both as left back and later as right back and was as strong in defence as the players he replaced you wouldn't know he's only played for the team for this season such is his confidence on the ball.
Overall this was the third of three tough matches against good opposition who would challenge Tigers deserved position as the team to beat and we have come away from them all deserved winners scoring 11 goals and conceding just 2 with a multitude of scorers. These matches have shown that Tigers are no longer muscled off the ball by the more physical teams and are able to play their passing game regardless of whether the opposite team are trying to stop them. Lastly a big thank you to Quentin who refs all our home games. It should be remembered that Quentin is merely an interested parent doing the best he can and not a professional ref and he should be applauded for getting involved as he does.
| 02/10/10 |
HOME |
Ely Crusaders U11 |
W 3 - 2 |
The late start for another home game provided players, coaches and supporters greater anticipation of a tight game against strong opposition. Everybody soon appreciated there would be less space and time on the ball against skilful opposition. However, the home team, after a tentative start, had a great lift with an early goal from Matthew Edwards.
Neither side were creating many clear chances but from a break away the Ely centre forward scored the first of two similar goals either side of half time placing the first in the bottom corner, then the second into the top corner, giving Alex Coles little chance.
With Tigers now trailing for the first time in many matches, how would they respond? - with character and skill. With the defence breaking forward and the mid field wining the battle, this provided more possession and shooting opportunities which started to put pressure on the Ely defence.
From one such attack, Tim King had a ‘Lampard’ moment – did it or did it not cross the line having hit the cross bar – goal awarded. 2-2 and time for each team to score a winner but it was Tigers who built up the pressure and from a great through ball from midfield, Elliot Webb controlled the ball, swivelled and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. A fantastic comeback with a 3-2 win for Tigers and a great game by all the squad having been put to the test in all areas of the pitch.
| 25/09/10 |
HOME |
Stretham Sporting U11 |
W 5 - 0 |
They say “titles are never won in September”, but after an impressive collective display of control and passing of the ball by the Burwell Tigers under 11 s squad they are getting off to a good solid start. With solid defending great midfield play and precision strikers cutting down the opposition defence.
The match kicked off on Saturday at 10.00 against Stretham who were looking like strong contenders for the first 20 minutes, until Ben Cook received the ball from inside his own half with few options eased his way along the right wing with a stunning long range shot lobs the keeper from 20 yards to open up the scoring 1-0.
Stretham’s desperate fight ensued only to be put out by Joe Howe 5 minutes later by a pass from Matt Edwards. Joe surges forward in a stunning solo performance unchallenged, his speed and guile causing scared Streatham defence to back off before clinically slotting the ball home from the edge of the area. Joe gets 2 more in the second half to complete his hat trick.
Elliot Webb pounced like a true tiger to score from a cross from Joe Howe at close range to put Burwell tigers in command at 3-0. Shots were raining down on the opposition keeper who kept out shots from Josh Bonizzi, Owen James, JJ Lankfer and Noah Cobble who was denied by the cross bar 3 times great play by all. Barring an outstanding display from the opposition keeper the score could have been much higher.
The happy Burwell supporters left with having watched a fantastic display of football by gutsy and determined young boys. Who had put into practice the lessons the coaches instil in them every Wednesday evening. Well done boys and coaches for yet another win.
Burwell Tigers 5-0.
| 18/09/10 |
AWAY |
Witchford Colts U11 |
W 2 - 11 |
Your roving reporter followed the 2nd league match for Tigers which was away to Witchford - a team we'd not met before. With both Owen and Josh away we took 13 players.
The game started brightly with Tigers dominant from the start and it was no surprise when after 4 minutes a nice move through mid field led to the ball being fed out to Elliot on the left who crossed an inch perfect ball to JJ with a perfectly timed slide at the back post!. It really was a superb passing move and a great finish - real attacking wingback stuff from JJ ghosting in unnoticed!!!
For a while it was pretty much one-way traffic and it wasn't long before Tigers were 4 nil up with goals from Elliot slotting home from close range, Timmy who scored with a backwards header over the keeper and Kieran lashing one into the net after latching onto the nice through ball from Matty E. Matt M came on for his first away game for Tigers and showed how quickly he is fitting in with the team, showing great positonal awareness as a defender with some nice tackling and passing out of defence. Lewis very nearly got on the score sheet when one on one - through sheer pace - with the keeper who very bravely dived at Lewis' feet injuring himself in the process. Witchford then pulled one back just before half time.
The goal right at the end of the first half must have given witchford hope as they came out a much revived team for the second half and took the game to Tigers. Kieran then got his second and Tigers fifth before Witchford then scored again to make it 2-5. Witchford began to attack very strongly looking to get back into the game, and had they scored it could have been a very different story. However Tigers remained strong at the back during this period with Max having his usual superb dependable game and with the reliable Noah and JJ clearing up almost everything Witchford had to offer. Fraser was once again a defensive rock in midfield, stopping many witchford attacks before theyd had time to build and feeding the ball out to joe to counter attack. Witchford did get quite a few shots on target during that period but the commanding figure of Alex was equal to them pulling off some lovely saves, although he could do little about Witchfords two goals earlier in the game - both good finishes.
Towards the latter part of the game Tigers began to dominate once again and Joe who had been causing problems all game for the WItchford defence finally got on the score sheet himself followed swiftly by his second. Matty E who again had a superb game in midfield scored with a strong finish after collecting the ball on the right and beating several defenders. Joe then completed his well deserved hat trick followed by more goals for both Timmy and Elliot.
Witchford are no pushovers and will cause many teams problems this season however Tigers sheer passing ability was the difference between the two sides the combination of ben and JJ on the right and Noah and Elliot on the left - both natural left sided players gave the tigers real width with the well established combination of Matty E and Joe in the centre. Building on the confidence of a couple of early goals it was a pleasure to watch some of the interplay as the ball moved between both left and right sides of the field as the Tigers attacking players bombed forward almost laying siege to the witchford goal at times. Of course its not all about attcking play and Tigers defence really played their part too in stopping almost all the witchford attacks, keeping their shape and positions and not paniking when under presure a very assured performance all round. We now have a goal difference of +30 and after two games are very much established at the top of the U11s 9V9 A league.
Well done lads.
| 04/09/10 |
HOME |
Milton Colts U11 B |
W 21 - 0 |
Tigers is back, the boys are back – Saturday’s are as you expect them to be, but this time they are under 11’s. Alex, Jon, Max, Noah, Matt, Joe, Elliot, Ben, Tim, Josh, Owen, Fraser, Kieran and Lewis returned and we welcome Matthew Maulder to the squad for the new season ahead. Matthew is not the only new thing regarding Tigers this season – we are now playing 9 a-side and we now play at Swaffham Prior. We also have new captains – Joe as Captain and Matt as Vice-Captain.
Having had a tough pre-season of training focussed on fitness for the new, much larger pitch and formation play for 9 a-side, the boys were ready for the challenge ahead. Tigers started the season with a home game against Milton B. The boys were excited, the parents were excited and the coaches were apprehensive. We had no reason to be, because it turned out that the game was not as challenging as we had anticipated, as Milton were a new team, having not played together before, with some boys who were learning the art of football. Tigers ended up winning 21 nil.
Although the game was not the footballing challenge we were hoping for, it did give us the opportunity to practice closing down, winning the tackle, head up, make a pass and move into space, which we did well. It also gave the boys the chance to get comfortable with the new formation and learning to pass the ball around within that formation. The coaches had decided to play 3 at the back, 4 within midfield and 1 up front – and all in all, it went very well.
The Tigers came of the pitch very happy, having scored 21 goals and passed the ball very well. However, our next game will be completely different and the coaches made that point very clear to the boys that when we next play, we are playing a team more then capable of winning and a game where we will need to be at our best.
Great to be back, super passing, some great goals, good team work – well done boys. TIGER, TIGER, TIGER – ROAR!
SCORERS: Tim 5, Josh 4, Matt 3, Elliot, Joe and Ben 2 each, Noah, Max and Kieran.
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