Match Reports - 2009 Season
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15/09/09: U14s Grand Final: Northern Tigers vs. Dulwich Hill
15/09/09: U12s Grand Final: Northern Tigers vs. Sutherland
14/09/09: U20s Grand Final: Northern Tigers vs. Spirit FC
08/09/09: U12s Semi Final: Northern Tigers vs. Central Coast
17/08/09: U15s Rd 22: Northern Tigers vs. Spirit
17/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Sutherland - 16 August 2009
14/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs St George - 9 August 2009
14/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Bankstown - 7 August 2009
10/08/09: U15s Rd 16: Vs Granville Rage + Rd 18: Vs Blacktown Spartans
05/08/09: U12s: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Districts
04/08/09: U15s Rd 20: Vs Sydney Wanderers + Rd 18: Vs Schofield Scorpions
03/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Districts - 6 August 2009
15/09/09: U14s Grand Final: Northern Tigers vs. Dulwich Hill
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AFTER NARROW DEFEAT IN GRAND FINAL
Undefeated this season, The Northern Tigers under 14's Super Youth League Boys side faced off against Dulwich Hill last Saturday in the Grand Final at Melita Stadium.
The NTFC 2009 Under 14's were a predominantly unseen outfit when the KDSA representative side and 'vintage crop' was finally selected at Mills Park with nine new signings this season.
Coach Steve Finch said "coaching staff were extremely pleased with the quality of players that turned up for trialling and were very confident with the players selected. The weight of expectation was upon us as a team already before the season began".
In what was hoped to be an omen last Saturday, after the Team opened their account in round one against this week's Final opponent Tigers, where on that occasion walked away victors outplaying Dulwich Hill 3-2.
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But that wasn't to be the case last Saturday, with one goal proving the difference this time favouring the Dulwich Hill side. The Dully boys commenced strongly scoring ten minutes into the match.
Finch praised the boys for an outstanding season saying "The team went through the comp undefeated becoming minor premiers.
It was a major feat, being the only boy's youth team in the whole of the FNSW Youth Leagues to achieve this. Well done to the boys for their discipline and commitment."
The Team rose to the occasion week in week out and with their entertaining brand of Football.
Under 14's Boys SYL Statistics after end of normal comp:
:: 22 rounds - 22 games played 15 wins 7 draws 0 losses
:: 2nd highest goal scoring at 46 goals
:: 2nd best defence record with only 17 goals scored against
Grand Final Match Details:
Football NSW Super Youth League Comp under 14's
Saturday 12th September, 2009
Melita Stadium, South Granville, kick off 10.30am.
Dulwich Hill 1 defeated Northern Tigers FC 0.
15/09/09: U12s Grand Final: Northern Tigers vs. Sutherland
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Sutherland went into the match as hot favourites, having won the previous two encounters between the teams, including an emphatic 4 - 0 win in the major semi, however as they say in boxing, what's important is not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up, and the Tigers certainly did that.
It is also often said that you have to lose a Grand Final to earn the right to win one, and the experience the Tigers had in being beaten in last year's Grand Final was a powerful motivator for them in the lead up this match. They arrived at the ground in the team bus after a perfectly planned preparation, with a look of steely resolve and calm determination - and it was obvious then that it was going to be very very hard to beat them.
The start of the match was in stark contrast to the semi final. The Tigers rather than passing back as they had done in the semi went onto the attack at the kick-off, sending a long ball to Aiden on the left which put Sutherland under immediate pressure and showed that the Tigers were not going to be intimidated by the occasion. Shortly afterwards, Aiden who had a huge game for the Tigers, got away a good low shot which was well saved by the big Sutherland keeper.
Sutherland then had two very good opportunities, the first when a header from a corner went narrowly over the crossbar, and a second where the Sutherland striker just missed to the right. If one of those shots had gone in, the game would have been very different, particularly when the Tigers were awarded a corner shortly afterwards and Zac curled a superb ball to the back post over the keeper to an unmarked George who somehow managed to get the chest high ball over the line. 1-0 Tigers and the supporters were in full voice. It was a just reward for George who was playing his third year in the Metro League, having played his first season as a youngster in the u/11's in 2007.
It was then the turn of Fergie and Chopper, and boys at the back, to do their bit. Fergie played the game of his life and showed again that he is the best keeper in the competition. One save where he dived full length to his left and saved a certain goal was a cracker, and you could see that it lifted the whole Tigers team. He was calm and assured in everything he did, just what was needed in a big match like this.
Chopper was also at his unflappable best, with Seb and Buddle muscling up in the middle, intercepting passes and putting a ton of pressure on the Sutherland attackers. Ryan also had an outstanding match, showcasing his pace and skills but more importantly showing great patience and discipline in keeping the dangerous Sutherland winger wide and under constant pressure.
Still Sutherland were coming though, and the Tigers supporters hearts were in their mouths as a superb corner came in from the right which looked to be going straight in, before Aiden headed it off the line saving a certain goal.
The ref blew half time and the Tigers were one nil up and looking strong, all over the park. Sutherland on the other hand looked a bit shell-shocked, and would have well been wondering whether it was going to be their day as they must have thought they had scored at least a couple of times only to be denied by the desperate Tigers defence. What a difference from the semi final only two weeks before.
The second half started with Sutherland having the initiative and territorial advantage, but Fergie and Chopper and the back men withstood the assault and the Tigers then started getting some good possession from the midfield going forward, and were unlucky not to go 2 nil up. Alessi, Will and Mo were working hard in putting pressure on the tall Sutherland playmaker and otherwise feeding the ball out to Beast, Zac, and Aiden who were finding space out wide. The Tigers were looking composed and George was working hard up front. They were playing like the Premiers.
It was at about this time that Anthony imposed himself on the game. Although he had worked hard in both attack and defence throughout the game, and in very hot conditions, in the final few minutes he demoralised the opposition, and inspired his team mates, with some trademark moves on the ball. There was not a person at the ground who would not have been impressed with his pace and skill. It was wonderful to watch, and he was unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal for his efforts.
Sutherland then came at the Tigers one last time with a series of raids up the left wing, but Josh was fantastic and showed great athleticism in not letting the Sutherland winger get around him, and with a powerful contribution in the air from Buddle, the Tigers defence held firm.
Alessi then took control of the midfield and saw the Tigers home, and a mighty effort it had been from Lloyd and Danny's boys.
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The team also probably had fate on its side. Maybe it was losing the Grand Final last year, maybe the fact that Lloyd himself as a player had followed a loss in the u/11 Metro League Final with a win the following year in the u/12's, maybe the unbridled enthusiasm of DH7, maybe the DVD Danny had put together and shown the boys on Saturday afternoon, maybe the Tigers ties which Lloyd and Danny wore, or the team Bus which was organised, maybe the cheering of the parents which seemed to fill the stadium, or the postponement of the Brazil trip, maybe the wonderful week spent by the team in Corrimal which bonded both players and parents together, or maybe a recognition by the boys that they would be moving on and would not be playing together as a team next year, but whatever it was, there was certainly a sense that this was their destiny and the boys made sure that a fairytale finish was achieved, and all credit to them for that.
It was also fitting that the Parents showed a similar level of commitment at the post match BBQ which carried on well into the night. In a way it seemed that people did not want to let go of the moment, which had been two years in the making, and was a wonderful achievement for players and coaches alike.
There is little doubt that all involved with the team will not quickly forget the game, or their years with Danny and Lloyd, but it would be nice to think that we might all get together once in a while in the years ahead to see what the boys are up to, and to remember a wonderful spring day at CUA Stadium and a wonderful season for the U/12 Tigers, the 2009 Metro Champions.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
14/09/09: U20s Grand Final: Northern Tigers vs. Spirit FC
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IN DYING SECONDS
The English style long ball tactic and closing in from the side's tactic of Spirit FC finally lead to their undoing in Saturday's Under 20's FNSW Super League Grand Final at Canterbury Sports Ground.
Northern Tigers FC's First Grade 'under studies' for Season 2010 did their Club proud with a number of players taking home the Grand Final Winners medal for two years running.
In sultry conditions, with temperatures way above average for this time of year, players went to the change rooms at half time with no goals recorded on the official sheets.
This was also to prove the case after the water break in the second half and into the last minute of injury time as goalkeeper's minds turned to the penalty shootout.
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The Tigers striker left nothing to chance and sensing victory rocketed the ball through to the back of the net.
With Spirit FC feeling the sense of a loss at the hands of their arch rivals a quick restart saw the ball shot long and into the Tigers box.
Tiger's fans once again had that penalty shootout sinking feeling as Spirit made one last attempt to even up.
The strike on goal at point blank range was deflected off the legs by Tigers 'keeper Marc Messina, with razor sharp reflexes. The ball resumed play but only to be halted by the referee's final whistle.
The Tigers had won the derby of all derbies and the minor premiers had stamped their authority on season 2009.
Jim Forrest President and Chairman of Football NSW presented the winner's trophy and medals to the team.
08/09/09: U12s Semi Final: Northern Tigers vs. Central Coast
The former Liverpool Manager Bill Shankly famously once said "Some people think that Football is a matter of life and death... I can assure you, it is much more serious than that"; and so it was that on Sunday 6 September 2009 the Under 12 Tigers, their families and supporters, headed to Cook Park, in one of the northern suburbs of Canberra, for the preliminary final against the Central Coast. Only one of the teams would be playing the following week, and for the other the dream of a grand final would be over for another year.
The game was always going to be close. The teams had played a very tight 1-1 draw at Pluim Park in their first match of the year, had again drawn in the Wollongong tournament with the Tigers only going through after a penalty shoot out (thanks Ryan) and while the Tigers had got the better of the Lightning at Mills Park later in the season, Central Coast had finished the season very strongly and were in good form with two semi final wins. The Tigers on the other hand were coming off a disappointing loss to Sutherland, so the character of the Tigers would be fully tested to see if they could bounce back and take their rightful place in next week's Grand Final.
The start was delayed after a thrilling semi final in the u/11's where Gladesville/Hornsby prevailed after a penalty shoot out, but Lloyd and Danny's boys were looking calm and focused in the warm up and eventually took the field looking confident and ready to do the business.
The game started fairly evenly with the Tigers then getting some good possession in the middle through Mo, Alessi and Anthony, with George, Zac and Aiden looking dangerous up front. The Lightning weathered the early storm and then began working their way into the game, with Choppers boys starting to see some early action. Seb and Buddle continued their good form, attacking the ball at every opportunity, and Ryan was showing his pace out wide. Chopper and Fergie were as solid as ever in the middle, and the Central Coast were having difficulties getting within range to shoot.
The defence from both teams was strong and good shots were hard to come by, but just after Will had come on he found Aiden with some space on the edge of the box and Aiden did very well to get around one defender and slam the ball into the roof of the net. Tigers 1-0 and a huge sigh of relief from the supporters.
There was about ten minutes left in the first half and the Central Coast upped the work rate and started getting the territorial advantage. In what turned out to be a crucial few minutes of the match Choppers boys had to defend about half a dozen corners, and did so in style, with Fergie, Alessi and the back men all doing very well in the air.
By holding firm over that few minutes, the Tigers were able to go the sheds 1-0 and start the 2nd half with an important lead.
As it turned out the Central Coast came out firing and dominated the first 10 minutes or so of the second half, but Fergie and Choppers crew were magnificent, and you got the sense that as the minutes ticked by Central Coast were starting to believe that it wasn't their day. The Tigers then began creating some good opportunities of their own, with Beast and Ryan doing very well up the left and Zac and Josh the same up the right. George fought hard without luck, and Alessi nearly sealed the match when he hit the crossbar after a lovely corner from Anthony, with Beast then nearly picking up the rebound.
In the end 1-0 was enough and when the final whistle blew you could tell that the boys were already thinking about the bigger fish waiting for them next week. They had finished strongly and were deserved winners over the gallant Central Coast outfit, and it was an ideal lead in to the Grand Final. Special mention also to Anthony, who played his heart out after a tiring week playing for the State PSSA team in Adelaide.
For those that played in the Grand Final last year, a chance for redemption. For those that didn't, maybe a once in a lifetime opportunity. For the boys and parents, and the coaches, the culmination of a wonderful journey through the Metro League.
The improvement in the boys football skills has been amazing, but more importantly they have learnt from Danny and Lloyd about sportsmanship and being a team, and the way that the game should be played.
This should shine through on Sunday.
Go the Tigers!
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
U15s Rd 22: Northern Tigers vs. Spirit
Thanks to James for staying back to support the U15's
Match Report: First Half:
This was our last game of the season and a win would have secured us 6th place in the table just outside the semis. Both teams were pumped for the local derby but it sounded like Spirit was more fired up before the start.
We won the toss and took the kick off and sent the team on attack, however, Spirit regained the ball pretty quickly and held us in our half as we were subjected to repeated attacks and charging runs, one of which lead to an early goal after a mix up in defence.
We rallied back into the game but struggled to find feet as our engine room in midfield battled to retain possession giving away numerous balls to the opposition. We had the odd break and a few shots on goal with a header from Dela being cleared from the line.
Spirit soon scored again after a carving run through our defence as we didn't contest the ball and stood ball watching. We went into the break 2-0 down with an uphill battle in the second half.
Second Half:
Spirit came out and were immediately on the attack missing an open chance on goal. We started to crawl back into the game but we gave Spirit far too much time on the ball and didn't string too many sets of passes together. We just couldn't find the rhythm and movement we showed the previous week.
The boys didn't give up and the second half was a more even contest. Shortly into the half Millsy sets-up, Pliskin who passes onto Mav to score at point blank range to make it 2-1.
We had a few more chances in the half but it wasn't our day as Spirit scored from a goal kick, which caught our defence off guard. Spirit got behind our formation and passed a square ball across goal for a text book finish to make it 3-1, as we approached full time.
In summary we didn't get out of first gear today, but credit to Spirit as they didn't let us. A disappointing finish to our run of games, which places us 9th overall, but a great effort from what was an essentially a new team at the start of the season, that can only improve next year, so well done to all.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
17/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Sutherland
- 16 August 2009
With the season drawing to a close, and the finals not reachable, the 11's set their minds on finishing the season admirably against the number 2 team in the Metro 11's competition, Sutherland, at their home ground at Harrie Dening Centre at Kareela.
The boys donned their 'all white' kit for the day and with the sun shining brightly, warmed up to meet a formidable foe. Sutherland has only lost one game this season, and has only let 7 goals through their defense over 21 games.
The whistle started the game with both sides wanting to show off their talent. Sutherland made a number of attacking runs down the right hand side, only to have the likes of the Gangster, Pat, and TVK thwart their plans. Our midfield held their own against a very talented Sutherland pack, with Masa, Brad, Sam, Will and Crispy working together to frustrate a team that was used to having a free running and passing game.
The ever solid Josh in front of the goals continued to keep the ball on the right side of the goal line and thump it back up field throughout the half. Again, the Ditch stepped up to the mark this game to challenge his opponents up front, with the fast running AP, Cal and Jos pushing the Sutherland defense back throughout the game as they continued to push for a goal.
The spirit in the team was high, and this was no more evident than having Fish sitting on the bench with his arm in a sling, but determined not to let his mates down. The first half could have gone either way, however, the winner was the Ref when he blew half time on an entertaining, but scoreless first half.
The second half exploded from the start with a searching kick deep into the Sutherland territory. However, not only did Sutherland start to find their team members through quick passing, so did the Tigers boys. Our team certainly lifted the pace when it was called for, and the ball continued to be played up and down, as well as across the pitch at a frantic rate.
At about the 7th minute, the ball was found on the left side of the pitch some 15 metres inside the Sutherland territory. AP took on his man and stripped the ball cleanly from his feet and headed for the goal. Now those who have read these match reports before are well aware of the destructive nature of AP's left boot, and there was no exception today as he cracked it across the face of the goal and landed it into the top right hand corner to give the Tigers a 1 nil lead.
But to play a team the quality of Sutherland, you cannot rest on your laurels, and whilst a number of further raids occurred, the Sutherland attacks were also becoming more frequent, with Josh being called upon again and again to defend the line. With about 4 minutes to go, which is usually the most vulnerable time for the Tigers boys, Sutherland pumped up a high arcing kick, which grazed the bottom of the cross bar, well out of the reach of a leaping Josh, to claim an equalizer.
With the final few minutes to go, both teams did what they could to break each other's line, but to no avail. The final score of 1 all brought to a close a fine season for the Metro 11's Northern Tigers team.
Whilst not a top 5 place getter this season, it should be noted that in the 8 games that they played against the top 5 teams, the record was 2 wins, 5 draws and a single loss. No doubt, they will be a force to reckon with in 2010.
Many thanks to the coaching staff of Danny and Paul for their dedication throughout the season.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
14/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs St George
- 9 August 2009
The Metro 11's game today against St George was the penultimate for the season, and the last home game for 2009.
Having been stung by Bankstown two days prior, the Tigers were desperate for a win against an old foe. In the Metro 11's 2008 season, St George beat the Tigers in the Final, and whilst these were two different teams, the rivalry was no less diluted.
The Tigers hit the ground running from the opening whistle with an attacking raid down the left side. After opening pressure, a corner ensued, which AP floated beautifully to the back post. There, as always, Cal was lurking and opened up the Tiger's account with a quick goal in the opening 5 minutes.
However, St George has a proud tradition, and not too many minutes after this, a long shot came from St George. This shot was comparable to a mortar shell, having enormous height, arc, and accuracy, and found its way into the very top of the goal, well out of reach, to level the score.
From hereon it was 'game on' for both sides, with the two teams playing some good football both in attack and defence. And whilst there were a few good runs, the score remained one all when the oranges were produced at half time.
With the second half underway, St George picked up their intensity and took it up to the Tigers boys. This onslaught resulted in a goal against the run of play by St George at around the 7 minute mark. Time and again, the Tigers made forward progress, only to be foiled by the St George defence.
The game however was sealed when a wobbly kick was taken by St George. Although Josh had it covered, the bounce of the ball was irregular resulting in it finding the back of the Tigers goal to take St George to 3-1 up.
This was how the score remained, which didn't reflect the die hard effort from the Tigers boys. With one game left to play, and the prospects of the finals now out of reach for 2009, the Tigers will be looking to finish the season with success in seven days time.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
14/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Bankstown
- 7 August 2009
Have you ever woken up in the morning knowing that you were going to have a bad day? The Northern Tigers 11's had one of those days against Bankstown.
This game had originally been a home game for the Tigers, however, due to rain, was postponed. Then due to illness, was further postponed. Then, the rescheduled game was at 6.30pm on a Friday night at Jim Ring Reserve at Birrong. Not the easiest location to get to on a Friday night. Game time was 6.30 pm. We had about 8 players there by 6.15pm. Bankstown graciously delayed the game for us and at the new time of 6.45 pm, a couple of our players had only recently arrived. Accordingly, the team was not as relaxed as they could have been.
From the opening whistle, the Tigers knew that they would be in for a game against tough opposition. The Bankstown team took it up to the Tigers boys and were hassling them on and off the ball. Passing was grim, and defense was the name of the game. A raid by Bankstown in the first 5 minutes saw a free kick given, and their striker taking full advantage giving Bankstown first blood.
However, you can't keep a good Tiger down, and five minutes later, the Ditch found the ball at his feet just outside the box and calmly drove it through the goalie's defence to even the score. Opportunities on both sides came and went until just before half time where again Bankstown got through our defence to go to the break 2-1 up.
The second half started badly with another Bankstown goal occurring minutes after the whistle. This time, a strike came from the right hand side of the field and just caught the bottom edge of the cross bar and went in.
The Tigers tried to rally the troops and finally, after numerous attempts, a goal was scored at around the 17 minute mark. Cal had been fighting a solo battle up front for most of the game and his determination finally paid off with a great individual effort getting the Tigers back to one behind.
This, however, was where it remained. The full time score of 2-3 to the Bankstown team making the run to the finals all but out of reach for the Tigers for season 2009.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
U15's Round 16: Granville Rage (Rage) vs. Northern Tigers
Thanks to James, Morio & Rob for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
We finally played our washed out game at Garside Park last Wednesday evening 5th Aug.
Tigers took the kick off and applied some intense pressure on the Rage defence, with Hatzi's shot going wide, TV's shot saved by the keeper and Millsy's strike hitting the post.
We dominated possession and kept Rage out of the game in the first half but were unable to capitalise on our chances with the score nil all at half time.
Second Half:
The second half continued in the same fashion with Tigers having the majority of the ball as Rage had little to offer. Against the run of play we lost the ball from our feet and Rage took the opportunity to make it 1-0.
We continued with some good Football and maintained the pressure in their half. Jackson was moved up front to push the Rage defence further back, although it was the Skunk our defender who made an unfamiliar, inspirational run forward, showing true determination to never give up the ball, that provided Millsy the opportunity to volley the ball home for the equaliser after a flick on pass from Jackson.
In summary, it was a game where we showed total domination and should have won.
U15's Round 18: Northern Tigers vs. Blacktown Spartans (Spartans)
Match Report: First Half:
As myth would lead us to believe, there were supposably 300 Spartans present at the defence of Thermopylae in 480 BC, there were at least 4000 allies involved on the first two days and 1500 men involved in the fatal last stand where all but one Spartan survived.
Last Saturday our "Tigers Team" went into battle once more against the Spartans, hungry to erase the memories of the first round defeat, to annihilate the Spartans and hail victory. What transpired was an epic fight on the Asquith battle field.
We lead from the kick off and showed the Spartans we were hungry for revenge. We looked solid across the field, with Hatzi the enforcer, Skunk, Sniper and Jackson a fortress in defence. Pliskin, Chapman and Dogman controlling midfield and Mav, Millsy and Taka on the front line.
Just nine minutes into the half we launched our first assault after an attacking run by Millsy to Japan who floats in a beautiful cross to find Mav on the far post, heading the ball home to make it 1-0. The Spartans looked to retreat as we maintained the intensity and forced them back into their territory.
Three minutes later Sniper made a charging run and attempted a cross, which was deflected off a Spartan who shot himself in the foot and scored an own goal. Shortly after, Mav made a great run down the line and crossed the ball for Japan who scored, but was ruled offside. The Spartans were playing kick and chase Football that forced Zac into making some crucial saves just before the break.
Second Half:
We were on fire and it was great to see the free flowing Football continue into the second half. TV came on and created some good balls before Mav was brought down and won a penalty. Jake stepped up and hit the post, but the keeper was sighted off his line and Jake did not miss the second time, as we went up 3-0.
The Spartans looked in shock and had a player sent from the field for his second yellow as tempers flared and their semis hopes diminished. Dela came on and had an immediate impact beating the keeper from a one on one after a through ball from Mav.
It was a great display of Football as we kept the ball low, played feet and were justified victors on the day, whilst the 10 remaining Spartans walked wearily from the Asquith battle field, having suffered a brutal loss.
An excellent team effort from all the boys. Well done Tigers.
Reports by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
05/08/09: U12s: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Districts
On 2 August 2009 the Tigers travelled to Hajduk Stadium to tackle Southern Districts, one of the strongest sides in the Southern Division and sitting third on the table. It promised to be a good test for the boys leading into the business end of the season.
The Tigers started well with the midfield of Mo and Will controlling possession well in the centre, and finding some early space for Alessi who was looking dangerous on the right. He created the first good opportunity with a nice cross to George who found Anthony who only just missed.
The home team then started to challenge in the middle and the Tigers defence was called into action. Seb and Buddle continued where they left off last week and did a great job in attacking the bouncing ball, and Ryan was seeing plenty of action on the left and making the extra man coming forward. Chopper and Fergie were as cool as cucumbers at the back directing traffic and the defence was looking solid.
Anthony then created the first goal by muscling his way through a couple of Southern defenders and chipping for George who won a foot race with the keeper and headed the ball home. Tigers 1-0.
The enemy then came roaring back, and after a corner, first a save off the line by Chopper and then a mighty tackle by Seb saved the day. Zac was then unlucky to miss, but soon after the goal of the day was scored after some sensational lead up work by George who bamboozled one the defenders and laid a perfect ball on the penalty spot for Daniel who made no mistake. Tigers 2-0 at half time and the last goal could have been on a highlights reel for the Premier League.
Southern then came back and scored shortly after half time with a long shot that Fergie managed to knock into the cross-bar, but which was unluckily adjudged to have crossed the line. A great effort by him all the same.
The game was then in the balance but the class of the Tigers shone through with Mo upping the work rate in the middle, Beast looking dangerous on the left and combining with Daniel and Zac who just missed with a good shot.
Will then passed to Aiden on the left who passed to Daniel who also narrowly missed. Even Chopper then went for a big run and it looked like a matter of time before the goal would come. Eventually George played a great ball to Anthony who made no mistake. Tigers 3-1.
Then Will sent a through ball to George who found Aiden who rammed home the Tigers 4th, and then Daniel again found Zac on the right who this time found the back of the net and the supporters could sit back and relax. A dominating 10 minutes of football from the Tigers which really blew the opposition away.
Despite a mighty effort towards the end from Beast and Chopper, who played his best game of the season, Southern managed to pull one back towards the end, but the job was well and truly done by then.
A strong effort from Lloyd's boys against a quality side, and plenty to like about both the attack and defence. All attention now onto this weekend, with a make up game and then the big match against St George where there are some old scores to settle. Bring it on.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
04/08/09: U15's Round 20: Sydney Wanderers (SW) vs. Northern Tigers
Thanks to James, & Rob for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
SW took the kick off but Tigers were quick to recover the ball and started to hold possession and keep SW out of the game. The boys looked focussed and on a mission as we created some good early shots on goal with passes from Mav to Dela just clearing the bar.
Our defence line of Hatzi, Skunk, Sniper and Jackson looked solid throughout the game. Taka, Pliskin, Chapman and Dogman were moving the ball around the park to Mav, Dela, TV and Millsy.
Second Half:
We came out in the second half and took control of the game once more dominating the play, However, SW did look dangerous on the odd break and forced us back to recover.
The second half continued with relentless pressure from the boys but we were unable to hit the target. Millsy found the back of the net only to be ruled offside which proved incorrect on the video replay, so we felt robbed of another 3 points as both sides finished the game scoreless.
04/08/09: U15's Round 18: Schofield Scorpions (SS) vs. Northern Tigers
Match Report: First Half:
The boys pulled up well after Saturday's game and were ready to battle. SS took the kick off and came out charged, applying the pressure in our half.
SS looked hungry for a result after we sustained a barrage of attacks. We were unlucky to concede an early goal after a clear hand ball giving the opposition the advantage to find the net.
The boys didn't give up and won a few free kicks on the edge of the box but couldn't hit the target. Just before half time Jackson lauched himself into the air on the near post and flicked on a ball off his head for Millsy to equalise.
Second Half:
The second half was an even tussle with both teams looking for an early goal to try and seal the match. Unfortunately it was SS who found the net again from a well placed header.
We showed stamina and determination and fought back to try and find that equaliser, but once again left our charge too late and went down 2-1.
A game we had to win to keep our finals hopes alive, so it's onto the last three games of the season where all we have to play for is pride.
All the boys put in a great effort over the weekend, so well done to all.
Reports by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
03/08/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Districts
- 6 August 2009
Today was the biggest hurdle our boys have had to face during this competition. Today was the game against the number 1 team in the 11's Metro competition, Southern Districts, at their home ground at Hajduk Stadium, St Johns Park.
Southern Districts is a formidable team, having won the Frank Broughton Trophy in June, and dominating the 11's Metro competition. In looking at the statistics, they have never been beaten at their home ground this season. To make matters worse, due to absences and injuries, the Tigers team was down to the bare 11 players against a fully fit and functioning opponent. This was not going to be a pretty encounter.
The whistle blew and Southern Districts started to take full control of the possession. However, I don't think anybody told the Tigers boys that they were supposed to be intimidated by this team. The boys took it up to the Southern District players both in physical and mental play, crowding their players, pushing the ball hard into their opponent's half, raiding their goal box.
To the credit of the Southern District team, their scrambling defense was up to the task, and their attack was somewhat subdued due to both the containment of their main player by Sam, as well as the 'can do' attitude of the overall team. Half time came around, and whilst there was no score, there was certainly a fair bit of respect shown by both teams against their respective opponents.
Southern Districts certainly got a wakeup call and, after a stern talking to by their coach in the sheds, came out with the game plan that they had probably wanted to do in the first half. A containment of the ball saw an attacking raid down the left side, with the Tiger's defense stretched a little too far, giving them a striking chance, which they accepted, and went 1 nil up in the first couple of minutes. At this stage, Southern Districts must have thought that the flood gates will open, and that a few more goals will give them an easy victory.
Again, they didn't count on the tenacity of the Tiger's team. More pushing and shoving saw the ball to the left side of half way at AP's feet. At the same time, Masa was making a run up the centre of the pitch. AP cracked a beauty over the heads of the other players and caught Masa running hard. Confirming that he was onside by a couple of pensive looks at the assistant ref, he raced forward and punched the ball through the keeper's defense, and leveled the score, 1 all, in about the 10th minute.
Now, the last 15 minutes was a very testing time for these Tiger boys, having given their all up until this point. The constant substitutions by Southern District ensured that fresh legs were being replenished at regular intervals. Two particular attacking raids by Southern Districts saw the first one stopped with a brilliant save by Josh after a frighteningly hard strike, and the second one snuffed out by a never-say-die run by the Gangster that saw the ball stripped from their striker some 5 yards from the net.
A couple of attacking runs by the Tigers also saw the ball do everything but go in the net, with the Southern Districts goalie doing his best to grab the ball, only to have it buck and swerve in the goal box before finally being cleared.
The full time whistle was barely heard over the encouragement by the Tiger's parents in the stadium, however, it drew to a close a very memorable game in which the Tigers boys can hold their heads high. Whilst grabbing a point from the No. 1 team, it also gave the other teams in the competition no doubt that the Tigers are coming to get them!
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
