Match Reports - July 09
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29/07/09: U15's: Round 18: Western Panthers vs. Northern Tigers
28/07/09: Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Branch - 26 July 2009
28/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Branch - 26 July 2009
21/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Gladesville - 19 July 2009
20/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Illawarra - 12 July 2009
15/07/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Illawarra - 12 July 2009
12/07/09: U15's: Round 17: Northern Tigers vs. Southern NSW
08/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Macarthur - 5 July 2009
06/07/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Macarthur - 5 July 2009
29/07/09: U15's: Round 18: Western Panthers (WP) vs. Northern Tigers
Thanks to James, Max and Morio for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
Tigers took the kick off and started with some good intensity and positional play. We had several shots on goal with near misses as we dominated the first twenty minutes of the game.
WP had a break and hit the woodwork and shortly after scored a soft goal from a goal kick, which beat our defensive cover. The surprise goal went against the run of play as we went into the break one goal down.
Second Half:
After some positive words of encouragement from the coaches at half time the boys knew they needed a win today to keep their hopes alive for the semis.
It was WP that came out fired up and penetrated our defence with some smart Football, forcing Zac into making some great saves. We were unfortunate to concede an own goal from a mix up in defence and went two nil down.
The boys didn't give up and we were rewarded with a great goal from Taka's left boot mid way through the half. We lifted in intensity and put together some good combination passes but couldn't find that equaliser on the day.
We were on the receiving end of some poor Refereeing. A dropped ball by the keeper which should have been an indirect free kick inside the box and a deliberate push and trip in the box which went unnoticed.
All in all a good effort from the boys.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
Metro League 11s: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Branch - 26 July 2009
After an ever changing location for ground availability, it was settled on Berowra Oval for the clash against Southern Branch. These teams that are 'cellar-dwellers' can be quite tricky to play against and Southern Branch were no exception. The ground was more dirt than grass, and with the sun shining, it would mean that the ball was going to be quick across the park. Given that Jos was away, and Fisher had broken his arm the day before, this meant that the boys would need to dig deep for the full 50 minutes.
From the opening whistle, the boys were taking it up to the Southern Branch team, and for most of the half, camped inside their opponents half. Opportunities were made with very good breaks and through balls, however, missed shots, good keeping and the metal arms of the goal posts kept them scoreless.
At the 10th minute, in one of the rare times Southern Branch were in the Tiger's half, a corner was taken which saw the ball enter the box. Due more to confusion than good play, the ball found its way into the net and gave Southern Branch the opening score, and left the Tigers boys standing in shock.
A more determined restart saw the boys peppering the Southern goal with no results. The Southern defense had sagged back to try and combat the various attacking runs.
At about the 20 minute mark, Brad had obviously had enough of this and took on the Southern defense taking the ball down the right side. With little room and pinpoint accuracy, Brad crossed the ball to a waiting AP who one-touched it in for an equalizer. Soon after, the ref saw that Les was needing a rest from his side line duties and called a halt to the first half.
Again, the second half saw the Tigers in their opponent's half with little paint left on the goal posts due to the pounding from the ball. The Southern goalie was up to the task, and was called upon to save a number of attempts. At the 20 minute mark, it looked like the run of draws would be extended.
At this point, Sam, who had been strong through the centre all game, loaded up his right foot and gave the ball an almighty crack, which saw it fly like a rocket towards the waiting arms of the goalie. However at the last second a flying boot from Cal in mid air changed the direction of the ball, causing it to fly past the goalie and into the back of the net to go 2-1 up.
With 5 minutes to go, the Tigers continued to put their stamp on the game, however, were unable to change the score any further by the sound of the whistle. This was a much needed win, which confirmed to the waiting parents that the boys hadn't forgotten the team song as it echoed from the changeroom.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
28/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Southern Branch - 26 July 2009
It was to Berowra, the heart of Blackwood country, that the Tigers travelled at the unfamiliar time of 1pm for the clash against Southern Branch on Sunday 26/7/09. With Conner and Zac back from their travels the squad was at full strength, and much was expected after the goalfest against our friends from Gladesville/Hornsby the previous week.
The game commenced with the Tigers midfield of Mo and Will controlling possession beautifully in the middle and probing for Alessi on the right, Aiden on the left and Anthony in the middle. Lloyd's boys were looking sleek and composed, and the attack was ready to unleash.
The first opportunity came with a header from Alessi being well saved by the Southern goalie. Southern then starting finding some space on the right but Josh was too quick and shut down two or three enterprising raids with good anticipation.
Anthony then put a through ball to George was got his first, beating the goalie with a nice header. A second was to come soon after with a nice ball from Alessi. Tigers 2-0 and looking good.
The next was probably the goal of the game (apologies Will), as Aiden after some lovely lead up work by Will and then Ryan made a sensational run down the left, twinkletoeing past two or three defenders, and crossing to Mo who made no mistake. Tigers 3-0 as they went to half time.
The Tigers defence was required to step up in the 2nd half as Southern came out firing, but Buddle and Seb each imposed themselves on the game with great anticipation and athleticism, showing that the best way to defend the bouncing ball is to attack it. A mighty effort from those two, and you could see that Chopper liked what he saw. The only problem was at one stage Seb got a head of steam up and found himself with the ball at his feet approaching the enemy's penalty box, but thankfully he saw the error of his ways, passed the ball to one of the attacking show ponies, and headed back to Chopper and his gang at the back.
Zac and Ryan were working well on the left, and Conner finding his feet, before a clinical finish from Anthony saw his first for the day. Tigers 4-0.
George then received a penalty and unselfishly called on the man at the back Fergie to have a crack at it. What the boys did not appreciate was Fergie's loyalty to the other keeper, obviously thinking that he had to at least give him a chance to make the save, which he of course did. For Fergie it was then the long run back, but as usual he acquitted himself well with another clean sheet.
It then came to Will to score the Tigers fifth and last goal of the day, and his first in the Tigers colours. He claims he chipped the keeper from inside his own half with what must have been the goal of the year, but in truth it was a pretty useful left footer from outside the box, so a good reward to him particularly after taking the responsibility for doing the match reports for the last couple of weeks, something enjoyed by everyone with a players perspective on the games.
A solid day out for Lloyds boys, with the season now entering the business end with one make up game and three tough games against the best that the shire has to offer coming up to finish the home and away rounds. Will be a good test for the team.
After the game the team headed back to Club Blackwood, and with Dennis on the BBQ it was almost as though we were all back in Corrimal Caravan Park. The mothers couldn't help themselves and even did a sock wash in celebration.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
21/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Gladesville - 19 July 2009
The Tigers U12s make their way onto the field determined to come out on top as Gladesville are the only team to have beaten us in the competition and it is a local derby.
Fergie sees some early action as Gladesville have come out of the blocks all guns blazing and asking some real questions of Chopper and the backs. A few minutes in we find our feet and start making some good opportunities such as the passage of play that lead to the first goal where Anthony plays across to Mo who finds the capable feet of Aiden who then puts a great ball in to George who expertly slots it into the corner of the net and we’re away 1-0.
Gladesville are quick to reply raising the tempo and forcing a few defensive mistakes in crucial areas giving them an opportunity to level the score which they make no mistake in doing and it's 1-1.
Our team is used to rising to the occasion and Ryan shows how it's done sending a near perfect through ball to Aiden who takes off towards the goal out-running the Gladesville defence before slamming the ball through the goal mouth. 2-1.
The blistering sun is pounding down on the boys increasing the levels of exhaustion but the back line of Buddle, Seb, Josh, Ryan and Chopper are looking as solid as ever winning the ball and getting it cleanly away from harm. Mo's having a great game in the middle of the park acting as an extra line of defence and getting the ball out wide to Alessi and Aiden.
Anthony playing like a champion in the middle is taking long range shots and creating great plays, for instance, after winning the ball Anthony finds the feet of Aiden who plays on to George who holds the ball up and looks around before playing Alessi who strikes just wide of the post.
An accidental handball in the Tigers box gives Gladesville a penalty which takes the score to two goals apiece.
The Gladesville keeper is working hard to keep out some terrific shots from an in-form Tigers attack.
George looking dangerous especially when he takes on the back four and takes a shot on goal which was well saved but an even better follow up from George securing the score line at 3-2 to the Tigers as we go to half time.
The second half kicks off with Tigers putting early pressure on the Gladesville goal, with a good shot from Anthony, great corners from Aiden and exceptional opportunities being made from Alessi, Hugh (who we are glad to have with us again), George and Mo.
The first goal of the half was scored by the Tigers. It was created by none other than Mr Kalik with his trademark 'Maradona Twist' before teeing it up for George who curved it into the back of the net. 4-2.
Tigers are starting to dominate the play cleaning up the loose balls finding the feet of George and Anthony who are making great use of it.
Seb plays to Anthony who makes a spectacular full field run and before smashing it in the corner of goal to move the score along to 5-2.
The Tigers momentum levels are still at rapid speeds and are killing the spirit of Gladesville and at this late stage in the game are still creating chances like, Anthony to Aiden who puts in a great left footed cross to Alessi then to Anthony, GOAL putting the score at 6-2 in front.
Aiden's contribution to the game today was phenomenal and one of his best moments was a sensational cross that was firmly headed by Alessi, nearly breaking the net. It's Tigers 7-2 and full time. Gladesville would have been pretty happy to hear the final whistle.
For some photos of the match, see: » Photo Gallery
Report by: Will Gyles
20/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Illawarra - 12 July 2009
An in form Tigers team head to Wollongong for what is expected to be a tough match against Illawarra. The sides take the field and the Tigers win the toss after an inspirational speech from none other than DH7 (who we will hugely miss while he is in America).
The whistle blows and the match was underway. Within the first five minutes I've rolled on my ankle and gone off. Alessi comes into the midfield and we welcome Hugh back again who takes over on the right wing. Alessi soon after sends a long ball into the box to Anthony who puts it just wide.
Mo was working hard in the middle creating good options for George, Hugh and Aiden. Seb was handy at the back covering well and clearing nicely. Buddle came on and was straight into the action. An Illawarra breakaway was looking dangerous and everyone was relieved to see Alessi swoop across and safely clear the ball.
Meanwhile, I was receiving much appreciated attention on the sideline from Marlisa and was keen to get back into the action. Good passages of play followed such as Mo to Anthony to George and a great ball to Hugh followed by an excellent shot on goal. Josh and Hugh were working well together up the right wing and the backline of Ryan, Chopper, Buddle and Josh were solid and a good support for each other.
Just before the end of the first half Anthony sends a ball out wide to George who makes an excellent run before expertly crossing to Aiden who slams the ball into the back of the net and we go to half time 1-0 up.
The second half started at a really fast pace. Illawarra created a few chances and had a shot which went just wide which put the Tigers on the back foot. Fergie pulled off many good saves and his kicks were consistently up near the half way line.
Composed play and good passing see the Tigers mount an attack on the Illawarra goal and their keeper pulls off some sensational saves such as when Aiden breaks away and charges towards the goal and somehow their keeper manages to save it.
With time running out for Illawarra Mo receives the ball on the outer edge of the 18 yard box. After a tussle and good use of the body Mo gains control of the ball and plays in to Alessi who sends it on to Aiden who makes no mistake in planting it securely through the goal mouth.
Tigers 2-0 and game over.
Report by: Will Gyles
15/07/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Illawarra - 12 July 2009
Given our current state of unhealthiness in the team, it was with trepidation that we drove the long road down to Balls Paddock, Woonona in the clash with Illawarra. The weather was fine and ground in good order, which is more than can be said for the team, which has been plagued with sickness over the past few weeks.
Whilst 12 of the 14 took the field, the majority had been touched with the dreaded "lurgy", and with our illustrious goal keeper Josh being away as well, Brad was given the unenviable task of keeping the ball out of the net.
The game started well, although the seasoned spectators could see that the boys were not running at full pace. This didn't stop the Illawarra side from pushing forward against the defense, and scoring the first goal within the opening 4 minutes of the game. Our boys bounced back with some dogged play, however, a free kick just outside the box saw Illawarra forge ahead 2 nil.
Now, against any other team, that would be enough to break their spirits, especially with the health of the side in tatters, but not our Tigers. Out of the blocks on the restart of play, they pushed the ball hard down to the opponent's goal and continued to pressure them.
With about 2 minutes to run in the second half, a lovely ball was put through to the feet of a flying Pat. Pat, who usually plays at the other end of the paddock, was now put in a position that he hasn't been accustomed to for quite some time. However, with determination and skill, put the ball to the left of the waiting goalie and watched it bounce off the inside of the post into the back of the net. Half time score was 2-1 to Illawarra.
The goal in the first half stirred up the fire in the Tigers bellies, and the second half started with more of where the first left off. In saying this, the exhausted players were showing early signs of fatigue, with passing not as crisp, and running a little laboured.
The Illawarra team gave no quarter, with frequent substitutions of fresh legs and long balls back into the Tigers half making the boys have to run back and forth around the park. With about 5 minutes to go, it was looking like an Illawarra win, as the boys were dead on their feet.
Brad had saved a number of shots, Fish, HQ, Sam and TVK had perpetually stopped a number of attacking runs, Masa, the Ditch, Jos and AP had continually run up and down the length of the pitch all game, and Cal, Pat and Will had been hammered by tough Illawarra defense. But as they say in the classics, "the Fat Lady hadn't sung!"
A ball came to AP on the left wing as he was being marked by two Illawarra defenders. All day, he had been pumping long shots to the goalie's arms, but this time, he decided to take the defense on. After chopping between the two defenders, he pushed across the mouth of the goal, and giving his always reliable left boot a well earned rest, cracked a right-footer out of the reach of the diving goalkeeper and off the post into the back of the net.
The tiredness of the team clearly showed, as their celebration was more of a "let's help each other stand up" type of team hug than a "jump for joy". Whilst there was a little spark given to the boys for the last few minutes, the referee put the Tigers boys out of their pain and called it quits with a memorable 2 all draw and a competition point.
Four of the boys now have to turn around and compete all next week in the State Titles competition in Bathurst, and we all wish Brad, Pat, Will and Masafumi both our congratulations on being chosen for the Far Met North team, and our best wishes for a great tournament.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
12/07/09: U15's: Round 17: Northern Tigers vs. Southern NSW
With Mills Park ground a wash out we had to travel to South Nowra for the second time this season which made us more hungry for a win.
Thanks to James, Mitchell and Morio for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
We won the toss and forced Southern to retreat. It was all Tigers as we dominated possession and had Southern pinned in their half. With five minutes gone Millsy breaks away down the right flank beats his opponents and cuts back a ball for Dela to tap home and make it 1-0. Congratulations to Dela on his first goal of the season.
We continued to apply the pressure from the back line. Hatzi was a concrete wall and enjoying winding up the opposition, with Jack, Sameer and Kai holding the line. There was Dogman, Captain Slow and Pliskin moving the ball across the park and Taka, Millsy and Dela up front.
Taka was on fire beating his opponents and crossing balls in to the box. Mav and Morio came on and made some darting runs down the line. It was a pass from Jackson to Mav that lead to another close range goal by Morio our U14's supersub. We went into the break 2-0 with little contest from the opposition.
Second Half:
Southern reformed and piled on the attack, but our defence was too solid and Zac our keeper had little work to do. We regained possession and kept applying the pressure as Southern had little to offer. After a confident first half performance we became a shade too complacent, looked a bit tired and dropped off the intensity.
Southern certainly crawled back in the second half but couldn't penetrate our formation and Zac finished the game with a well deserved clean sheet. We didn't win many calls, as expected and were denied a penalty in the last minute of the game when Millsy on his way to score was brought down inside the box.
In summary we dominated the game and held the opposition in their territory for the majority of the game. The opposition poised little threat and we could easily have had 4 or 5 goals on the day, but were happy to settle for a 2-0 win.
Well done boys - keep up the good work.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
08/07/09: U12's: Northern Tigers Vs Macarthur - 5 July 2009
The clash of the Northern Conference winners against the 2nd ranked Southern team promised much on paper, but as it turned out the combined effects of flu and school holidays saw two depleted sides arrive at Mills Park for the match on Sunday 5 July 2009.
The Tigers were missing Conner, Zac, Chopper and Buddle, with Will and others also struggling with illness - and the enemy apparently in much the same boat. It therefore became as much a test of the depth of the teams as anything else. In that regard the Tigers welcomed Hugh back who had joined the team for the Wollongong tournament earlier in the season and it was great to see him back and fully fit. Three of the u/11's made up the bench.
The Tigers did not take long to find their feet, with Anthony finding the back of the net after some good Tigers pressure early on. Tigers 1-0.
Shortly afterwards Anthony pulled off the play of the day, dispossessing one of the Macarthur midfielders in the Tigers half, then taking the ball forward before delivering a beautiful ball to George who got his first. Tigers 2-0.
The Macarthur team were then spurred into action and started finding some space with some good opportunities being created by the elusive no 3, but Josh, Ryan, Will and Seb stood firm at the back, and Fergie was brilliant as usual behind. It was a big test for the backmen, and Chopper would have been proud of their work. You could see the Macarthur heads drop when they were repelled time after time, and that defensive effort went a long way towards winning the game for the Tigers.
The goal of the game followed with Anthony again finding George on the right who sent the ball across to Aiden who scored. Tigers 3-0 at half time. Good performances from the Tigers all over the Park, with Mo picking up where he left off last week, Ryan working his way back into some good form and Hugh with some nice touches out wide.
The Tigers then dominated the early part of the second half, with an own goal off an Anthony free kick to make in 4 nil. Josh then had his turn up forward and blasted a ball towards goal for it to bounce up onto the back of Daniel's head and over the hapless keeper, who played without luck all day. Tigers 5-0.
George then curled one past the keeper and the Tigers found themselves 6-0 up.
Macarthur then fought back and scored a well deserved goal, although their second shortly after looked very dubious as Fergie looked to be taken out by the opposing striker. Still he showed his toughness by bouncing back and holding the line until the end of the game. He has really made an outstanding contribution to the success of the team so far this season.
In the end a 6-2 victory over one of the tougher teams speaks for itself. All credit to the backmen for holding firm in the 1st half, and to the attack of Anthony, George and Aiden who were all class as ever. A good day at the office for Lloyd's boys, and the 6 goals will not have escaped the attention of some of the teams from the south.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
06/07/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Macarthur - 5 July 2009
Another home game at Mills for the clash against Macarthur. Although the sun was shining, there was a distinct chill in the air. This same chill had brought down a couple of the players leaving the minimum 11 to take the field, and Alex D, not feeling 100%, but still on the bench just in case.
The game started at a frenetic pace with the boys pushing forward and playing the game in the opponent's half. A number of opportunities saw close misses and great saving by the Macarthur goalie.
At about the 10th minute, the ball was found outside the box at the feet of Brad. At this, he launched a high flying missile which landed directly on target just out of reach of a leaping goalie, to take the score to 1-0.
Further great runs and positive play weren't rewarded with a score, and the team closed the half one ahead.
The whistle for the second half saw our boys revert back to their tentative play, which has been dogging them for a few games. It was this half that Macarthur became the dominant team and forced their way into the Tiger's half.
Whilst the boys did all they could to defend, it was 5 minutes into the half when the equalizer came. At 1 all, the boys still looked a bit shaky, but managed to string a few good moves together, again without the fruits of a goal to be shown for the efforts.
The game could have swung either way with these two evenly matched teams, however, the whistle called a truce to the battle giving each side both a goal, and a single competition point.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
