Match Reports - March 09
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31/03/09: SYL Round 3 - U16s Macarthur Rams v Northern Tigers
31/03/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Nepean - 29 March
31/03/09: U15s Round 3 - Macarthur Rams (MR) vs. Northern Tigers
26/03/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Manly - 22 March
24/03/09: U15s Round 2 - Northern Tigers vs. Central Coast Lightning (CCL)
17/03/09: U15s Round 1 - Dulwich Hill vs. Northern Tigers
17/03/09: Metro League 11s - March 1, 8, 15th
31/03/09: SYL Round 3 - U16s Macarthur Rams v Northern Tigers
This week, Round 3 of the competition, the Tigers U16's played away at Lynwood Park, home of the Macarthur Rams and although being dominant for so much of the match, the final result was a 4-3 loss.
On the day, the Tigers were the better team in open play, but the Rams took the opportunity to convert from two set plays, one penalty and one free kick. The day, not the just the game was full of frustrations... DP got a straight red for abusive language, our Assistant Coach was banished from the touch-line for questioning the Referees decision making skills, words were exchanged on the field and in the stands... not a good day.
The play on the field was tough, at times brutal and we were lucky not to incur any additional injuries. As for the football, our forwards are scoring goals plus hitting the upright and cross bar - we are generally on target although again this week there was another spectacular miss from right in front of goal.
The midfield provided some moments of brilliance / through balls, but too few, we need to be stronger, challenge harder and release the ball sooner to ensure our passes reach their intended target.
With our regular keeper out of action for another week, a big THANKS to the U15's keeper for again stepping up. It is still in defence that we need to improve the most, the first Rams goal being a perfect example.
Yes we had a man down and the ref should have blown but he allowed play to continue (play the whistle boys!) and we watched the Rams forward 'waltz' from left to right and afforded him the time to find the reverse angle to slot the ball into the back of the net - he should have been challenged!
Playing the ball out of defence is fine as long as we are moving the ball down the field and not just holding onto it for too long concluding with loss of possession or a pass under pressure. If we are going to clear the ball then let's clear it, not just move it five - ten yards, give away possession and put ourselves back under pressure.
We need a win and some smiley faces... hopefully Round four is going to be the turning point.
Report by: Steve Lynch
31/03/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Nepean - 29 March
The scene resembled the beginning of the movie "Braveheart", as the mist hovered over the pitch at Benson's Lane, Richmond for the boy's clash against the highly fancied Nepean team. At one stage, you could hardly see the goal posts from one end of the pitch to the other. Undaunted, the boys ran on determined to do their best, regardless of whether they could see the ball or not.
The game was tight with both sides playing a tough style of football with plenty of push and shove. A couple of attacking runs from each team resulted in missed shots or the defense getting the better of the attack, and at the half time whistle, neither side had been successful in opening the score.
The second half commenced with the last of the mist finally lifting, and the boys being able to see the entire pitch. This must have done the trick as a lovely guided ball from Masafumi caught the feet of a fast running Cal as he sprinted about 20-30 metres to pump it into the right side of the goal.
Nepean was not going to let this lie and continued to push into the Tigers end of the park, and eventually the ball somehow slipped into the net for an equaliser.
Near the end of the game, both teams were taking no prisoners when, for some unknown reason, the ref called full time with two minutes to play. The final score of 1-1 with two minutes to go left all supporters with the question, "What if...?" This question will no doubt be answered on their return match in round 12.
Stay tuned!
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
31/03/09: U15s Round 3 - Macarthur Rams (MR) vs. Northern Tigers
Firstly, thanks to James Whitty the U14's keeper for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
The game started with a kick and chase ball to the MR striker who was very quick to the ball, but our solid defensive line of Hatzi, Skunk, MCB and Jack were quick to react and shut down the play before we were in any danger. Kai was man marking their dangerous striker and held him at bay throughout the first half.
Our midfield of Pliskin, Power Ranger, Dog Man & TV had their work cut out as the opposition were going in hard and we soon realised we were in for a physical game. A good build up from Dela to Millsy to Michael who was shut down in the box. Pliskin and TV were working hard in the centre of the park and there were some fierce tackles from both teams and plenty free kicks being awarded.
It was end-to-end football with the whole team working well together as a unit. Dog Man was making some good runs and was laying off some good balls, but we never really took control of the game as many passes went astray. Michael and Millsy had a few chances on goal but were unable to make any count.
Our 'keeper Zac had a few saves to make but all credit to our defence, as he didn't get much of a work out. Zac Hicks came on midway through the half for his debut game and made some darting runs through their defence and tried to bury a few shots. The half ended 0-0 with both teams having equal opportunities on goal.
Second Half:
After the coaches debrief and a change in game plan we came out on the attack but it didn't take long for MR to react and pile on the pressure, with Zac making some good saves. We made a good break starting with Pliskin to MCB to Zac Hicks who cracks one over the bar.
Our new recruit, Sniper (Sameer), was introduced into the game in the second half and always looked in control of his territory. It was a hot day on and off the field and both sides were starting to get a bit charged. The tempers flared after a late tackle resulting in a slight altercation in the centre of the park. Michael stepped in to try and help separate the feud and received a yellow for his efforts.
We started to control the game and had more chances on goal from free kicks and corners but to no avail. Nearing full time Millsy received a pass in front of goal from Zac but couldn't get enough grunt behind the ball to get a result.
It was a very physical game that could have gone either way and ended up a scoreless draw. This result places us in equal fourth, undefeated and going into Round four next week against PCYC.
Bring it On!
Good to see that Nick Chapman is making his way back from an injury. Although he didn't get the opportunity to get on the field during the game, he has managed to make an important step forward with his recovery to full match fitness.
The team would like to wish MCB (Ciaran Toner) & Family a safe and great holiday overseas.
Also, we have a special international guest who reads our 'Match Reports' from Spain.
A special "G'Day to Josh Tanner" who is following our progress via the Northern Tigers website.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
26/03/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Manly - 22 March
A sunny day greeted the boys at Cromer Park for their clash against Manly. Whilst the weather was fine, the ground was wet with dew and made the ball slippery and heavy.
This didn't stop both teams starting at a cracking pace with plenty of passes and attacking runs. Both teams exchanged shots at goal and at around the 10 minute mark a particularly hard shot was pumped towards our goal with Josh extending himself and gathering in the ball before a goal could be scored.
Tigers also had their fair share of shots just missing from various raids into the opponent's area. With around 10 mins to go in the first half, Masafumi (Masa) found a hole in the defence and drilled an excellent shot from outside the box to get to a 1 nil lead. Manly immediately counter attacked and found our goal just before half time.
The second half started where the first half left off. No quarter was given by either team and the ball continued to travel from one end of the field to the other. With around 5 minutes to go, an attacking raid by Tigers found the ball near the Manly right side corner. Masa was again involved with a beautiful cross to a waiting AP who finished the job taking the Tigers a goal ahead.
However, with less than two minutes to go, a further attacking run and frenzied pressure from Manly saw the equaliser slip into the back of our net. With seconds to go, a last desperate shot from AP shaved the cross bar, and the whistle soon followed. The final score from this physically exhausting game was a two all draw.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
24/03/09: U15s Round 2 - Northern Tigers vs. Central Coast Lightning (CCL)
Firstly, thanks to the U14 boys, (Morio, Todd, Dominic & James) for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
After a first round win the boys were pumped and ready for another challenge. This week we took the opposition by surprise and charged forward from the kick off placing intense pressure on CCL.
Some great work from Taka (Power Ranger) and Dela to Captain Jake (the Snake Pliskin) who makes a slippery move and hits a cracker from distance, the ball rebounding from the cross bar off the keeper and in front of goal. A gift for Millsy (the Burglar) who slots it home just 2 minutes into the game: 1-0.
Shortly after CCL made a break and were awarded a free kick just outside the 18 yard box. A well hit shot bounced off Zac's chest and into the path of an opponent, who blasts the ball home to make it 1-1, less than 5 minutes into the game.
Our heads were still high and we continued to maintain pressure in their half of the field. A good series of passes from Pliskin, TV and Dela lead to more shots on goal with some good saves by their keeper. The intense football continued with several corners and more chances on goal from Pliskin, Michael, Millsy and Dela keeping their keeper busy.
CCL didn't look too dangerous up front but Kia (Skunk), Hatzi, Ciaran (MCB) and Nick Fig (Dog Man) were always solid in defence and kept the opposition under control. Mid way through the half we were on the break again, TV's pass finds Millsy who lays off a ball to the Power Ranger running down the wing. The Power Ranger beats his opponent and crosses the ball, which the keeper fumbles and Michael is there to finish to make it 2-1.
CCL were back on the attack and were awarded a dubious free kick 20 yards out. CCL hit an unstoppable power shot into the top right to make it 2-2 going into half time.
Second Half:
Both teams came out fired up but it was the Tigers that were in control of the game. Jack looked strong on the ball and was dominating his opponents with some charging runs and good passes. We piled on the pressure and kept winning corner after corner, having plenty of opportunities on goal, until against the run of play CCL were awarded a penalty after the ball was deflected into Hatzi's arm. A nicely taken penalty saw Zac getting his finger tips to the ball, but he was unable to stop it making it 2-3.
With our solid defence of Jack, Skunk, Hatzi and Dog Man shutting down most attack's our midfield were able to pile on more pressure through some great work by Pliskin, the Power Ranger, Michael and Millsy. With not long left in the second half Millsy gets the ball in the box and flicks the ball into his opponents arm to win a penalty. The Power Ranger calmly steps up and strikes it over the keeper and into the middle of the net to even up the score, 3-3.
More attacking runs from Pliskin, Millsy and Dela lead to shots just wide. With only a couple of minutes remaining we landed the ball into the box, there was a scramble and Millsy dribbles the ball away from the keeper but is brought down and wins another penalty. Power Ranger steps up to score his second and a chance to win the game, but strikes it over the bar. It wasn't to be and we had to settle for a draw.
There were some inconsistent decisions by the officials, one of which went against us and allowed the opposition to score their second goal, however, putting this aside it was a spirited performance, a high scoring entertaining game and a great team effort from all the boys. This result places us equal second in the table but it's early days in the competition.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
17/03/09: U15s Round 1 - Dulwich Hill vs. Northern Tigers
Firstly, thanks to the U14 boys, (Erol, Morio, Luke & James) for staying back to support the U15's as we had three players (Jack, Zac H and Nick C) unavailable today.
Match Report: First Half:
After some good pre-season preparation we were ready for GAME ON!
Straight from the kick off we were under attack with DH looking for an early goal and holding us in our half for the first six minutes. Hatzi, Skunk (Kai), MCB (Ciaran) and Dog Man (Nicki Fig) managed to withstand the constant pressure until we gained some composure and gradually started to work our way back into the game.
Well done to Hatzi and Skunk who, after the initial onslaught, took control of our defensive shape which allowed our midfield to get into the game.
It did not take long until we were on the attack and DH was awarded their first goal kick. Our midfield of Pliskin (Jake) and TV were controlling the game, which saw a good build up from Michael to Millsy to Dela and a ball to Jake who had a shot that just clears the bar.
We were holding possession well with MCB passing to The Power Ranger (Taka) and on to Millsy who flicks the ball over his opponent and hits a volley, which ricochets off the upright and out of play. DH were back on the attack but our defensive line moved up quickly to catch them offside.
Before long we werea warded a corner, which Pliskin plants into the box to find Michael, a quick pass to Millsy and back saw Michael shut down in the box. Some great work from MCB and The Power Ranger won a free kick near the corner post. Power Ranger steps up and lofts a curling ball across the face of goal and finds Michael, who is sandwiched between two defenders to sweetly nod the ball in the net to make it 1-0. It was end-to-end football with both teams having further chances before the whistle brought an end to the first half.
Well done to Dela and the Power Ranger who also followed the coach's orders to swap sides during the first half.
Second Half:
The second half started with some intense football with DH desperate to score, changing their formation and pushing players up front. However, we were still in the game and there was a great run from Dela who had a shot deflected past goal. Pliskin then steps up to take the corner, a deflected ball rolls out towards TV who 'smokes' one from the top of the box but the shot was brilliantly saved by the keeper who palmed it over the cross bar.
We were still making some breaking runs and keeping the pressure at their end of the park in search of another goal. Shortly after a ball came loose from DH and straight to the feet of Millsy, who dribbled passed two players and hits a screamer from about 20 yards out into the top right pigeon hole to make it 2-0 and a day, which DH had wished they had stayed in bed!
The game continued with DH lifting in tempo and looking to crawl back into the game. We were under a barrage of attacks but managed to clear the ball from any real threats. We eventually conceded a goal after an initial save from Zac but their player sneaked it in behind our keeper to make it 2-1. DH threw everything they had at us bar the kitchen sink but we stayed composed, held firm and walked away victors on the day.
A great team result as we only started with 11 players from our squad. Every player deserves a mention, as it was a great team effort, a good result away from home and a great start to the season.
Thanks again to the U14's who sat on our bench as subs.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
17/03/09: Metro League 11s - March 1, 8, 15th
Northern Tigers Vs Eastern Suburbs - 01 March 2009
First game of the season, and the team was nervously excited at the prospect of showing their stuff. Uniforms were handed out in the sheds, and the boys were ready to go. Whilst this was scheduled as a Home Game, the venue was Christie Park, as Mills was not available.
The first half started with both teams showing nerves, a few passes going astray, and caution, rather than attack, being the main point on each team’s agenda. Opportunities were seen on both sides, and resulted in a goal each during the first half. Prior to the first period closing, an unfortunate penalty saw Eastern Suburbs go one ahead.
The second half also saw an early goal by Eastern Suburbs extend their lead by one further point, however, this only revved our boys up more, with better passing, great through balls, and attacking runs coming from all sides. On two occasions, the ball found its way into the oppositions net, only to be called back for eager off sides.
Unfortunately, the clock beat them in the end with Eastern Suburbs winning 3-1.
Northern Tigers Vs Central Coast - 08 March 2009
A beautiful morning greeted us at Pluim Park at the Central Coast for the second round against Central Coast. The boys were short of players due to flues, injuries and late withdrawals, however, the spirit was good and they were ready to have a run.
The game started at a ferocious pace with the ball being passed from side to side and end to end with speed and efficiency. The boys worked their magic and saw them go to the lead with a goal at the 10 minute mark. At about the 20 minute mark, a beautiful lead up from their own goal line saw a magnificent through ball to a flying striker and the boys went two nil in the lead.
With less than a minute to go in the first half, Central Coast received an unfortunate free kick just outside the box, and they were able to pilot it in to go to the sheds just one behind.
The second half was just as intense, with the boys giving everything they had. Central Coast, who were blessed with plenty of substitutes, continued to bring on fresh legs throughout the half, and this lead to their scoring the equaliser with about two minutes to go, when our boys were out on their feet.
Undeterred, they continued to rally, however, the referee blew the full time whistle and allowed the boys time to rest their weary bodies, with the final score of 2-2.
Northern Tigers Vs Granville - 15 March 2009
After a late change in venue, round 3 of the competition found the boys on Ray Marshall Oval for their clash against the northern conference leaders, Granville. This very good team demolished Blacktown 8-1 in the first round and were ready to forge further ahead.
However, our boys had other ideas. The game started, and already the crowd could see that the Tigers had improved over the past three weeks. We also noted that they were up against a very good opponent too.
At around the 15 minute mark, following continued pressure built up by the Tigers attack, a beautiful strike from just outside the box saw the Tigers go one up. But Granville is not a team you can write off. Five minutes before half time, a flying attack against the run of play saw Granville level and go to the half time break at one all.
The second half saw two sides battle for supremacy. Great attacking runs, dogged defence, and excellent individual skill made it an exciting game to watch. At the 12 minute mark, a loose ball from Granville saw a Tigers player pounce and sprint off to hammer one into the back of the net to take the Tigers to 2-1 ahead.
The next 13 minutes seemed to take an eternity, with Granville continuously making attacking runs, and our defence being tested again and again. However, at the 25th minute, the referee mercifully put us all out of our misery and gave the Tigers boys their first win of the season.
The team song being bellowed from the changing rooms gave everyone in a 1 kilometre radius of the ground no doubt as to how the boys were feeling.
