Match Reports - May 09
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03/06/09: U12s: Northern Tigers v Blacktown - 31/5/09
01/06/09: U15s Round 11: Spirit vs. Northern Tigers
01/06/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Blacktown - 31 May 2009
19/05/09: U12s - Northern Tigers v Manly - 17/5/09
19/05/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Manly - 17 May 2009
19/05/09: U15s Round 9: Northern Tigers vs. Sydney Wanderers
13/05/09: U15s Round 8: Northern Tigers vs. Western Panthers
11/05/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Granville - 10 May 2009
11/05/09: U12s - Northern Tigers v Granville - 10 May
08/05/09: U12s - Northern Tigers v Central Coast - 3 May
06/05/09: U15s Round 7 - Northern Tigers Vs Schofield Scorpions
06/05/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Central Coast - 3 May
03/06/09: U12s: Northern Tigers v Blacktown - 31/5/09
After torrential rain the previous night most people were setting themselves for a Sunday morning sleep in after the FA Cup final, but against all the odds Francis Park was open for play and the competition leaders headed west to tackle Blacktown, with Ryan back from injury.
The game started fairly evenly with the sodden pitch not really suiting the Tigers passing game, and both teams had some early opportunities.
The game opened up a little towards the end of the first half, and Connor and Daniel had an immediate impact when they came off the bench and started getting some quality possession for the Tigers in the midfield.
Connor found himself alone about 20 metres out, and after pulling a pitching wedge out of his bag neatly chipped the ball over the Goalie and into the net. Tigers 1-0 and Connor looking like he has a future on the PGA Tour when he finishes his football career.
Blacktown then worked hard to create some chances, and early in the 2nd half the Tigers failed to clear a ball quickly enough and an unmarked Blacktown forward found the corner of the net. One all, with the game up for grabs. The Tigers goal had been breached for the first time in a month, and Chopper did not look happy.
The Tigers then moved into top gear. Connor had his 2nd shortly afterwards, cleaning up a skidding cross on the back post, and then Daniel nearly scored but the Blacktown goalie pulled off a sensational save to deny him.
Eventually Zac put a corner right onto the penalty spot and George obliged with a beautiful header which gave the goalie no chance. Tigers 3-1.
Daniel then topped of a strong game with a half volley which crashed into the roof of the net, and the Tigers were home, 4-1.
All in all a successful trip west, and one of the parents (let's call her Stacy) was even good enough to give the linesman some tips on the off side rule. I'm sure that he appreciated the assistance.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
01/06/09: U15s Round 11: Spirit vs. Northern Tigers
This week saw us in our local derby against Spirit and the last game in the first round of the competition (barring the Spartans make-up game). Many thanks to James, Max and Erol for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
Spirit took the kick off and played some good possession football. It took us a few minutes to get into the game and win the ball back before we won the first corner. We stringed together some good passing moves, had several shots on goal and free kicks on the edge of the box but couldn't find the target. We turned over far too many balls, which allowed Spirit to maintain possession, and there were huge gaps in midfield, which left us looking short on the break. Spirit didn't look too threatening going into half time as we had four shots on goal compared to Spirit's two.
Second Half:
We came out on the attack and piled on lots of pressure creating more chances on goal. We started to get into a rhythm and took control of the game. Spirit looked dangerous on the break and hit a few screamers that were thankfully off target.
As the game progressed we were the team that looked like scoring with Michael and Dela putting some chances wide. Zac had little to do in goal and was always there to pick up loose balls. Hatzi looked solid in defence with Nick Chapman, Sniper and Jack in support, with TV, Dogman, Pliskin and Taka combining well in midfield. Michael and Dela were mixing things up and Millsy was the lone ranger up front. Nick Chapman was playing his first game of the season after a long injury and didn't put a foot wrong.
With less than 10 minutes from full time Spirit had a lucky break and managed to slot home a goal to make it 1-0. We lifted in intensity and dominated the play but ran out of time and left our charge too late.
In summary it was a game where a draw would have been a fair result, but we need to increase our intensity for the full game, not the last ten minutes, as we sit in seventh place on 11 points going into the second half of the season. Round 12 will be a tough fixture against Dulwich Hill at home next Saturday as we are the only team to have beaten them and they will be looking for revenge. We need to get more mongrel, be hungry from start to finish and maintain the intensity for the full game.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
01/06/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Blacktown
- 31 May 2009
Amazed as we all were that the game was to be played on such a wet weekend, our boys fronted up at Francis Park for their return clash against Blacktown. The oval was heavy and wet, with water pooling in various spots, despite the good work by Danny in trying to disperse the puddles by wielding the large squeegee around the ground just prior to kick-off.
On their last meeting, our boys had a five-nil win over Blacktown, however, in recent weeks, the Blacktown team have turned a corner with a win over Easts and an improved for and against, so the Tigers were not going to take this game lightly.
On the opening whistle, the Tigers had a very tentative start finding themselves hemmed against their goal line within the first minute of the game. The soft surface, heaviness of the ball and the slow run over the grass meant that any movement of the ball was not only difficult, but open for interception. This didn't stop the Tigers having full faith in their goal keeper Josh when passing the ball back to him on numerous occasions during the run of play for solid kicks up field. The first half was a frustrating affair with very few breaks, very few strikes at goal, and no annoyance to the scorekeeper, as the first half ended without score.
With the second half showing no change to the condition of the field, it required a change in the attitude and determination of the teams. Certainly, the Tigers boys improved their performance in the second half with a number of attacking runs and opportunities being presented to them, but still without any goals scored. Blacktown continued to frustrate the Tigers team with both dogged defense, as well as a number of runs themselves. The soggy field remained a critical factor in the game. This was confirmed at around the 5 minute mark when the ball seemed to fasten to a particularly sticky part of the field with both teams struggling to progress it either way. The very vocal coach for the Blacktown team was heard to yell "What the hell is going on out there?" to the amusement of all spectators on the opposite hill.
On a further attacking Tiger's run at around the 15 minute mark the ball was found on the left corner, which AP floated into the goal square for a 'free for all' between the two sides. During this frenzy, the ball found itself near Jos' feet, who spun around and drilled it into the back of the net for a very welcome goal. During the rest of the game, again, both teams never really had an advantage over the other, resulting in a final score of 1-nil to the Tigers team.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
19/05/09: U12s - Northern Tigers v Manly - 17/5/09
It was another beautiful Sunday morning at Mills Park on 17 May when the Tigers u/12's came up against the second placed Manly in what promised to be a tough top of the table clash.
The game got underway after a fighting victory from the u/11's, and Manly looked well organised with the no 9 playing well in the middle and looking to attack down the wings. Chopper's defensive unit were however up to the task, particularly Josh who was outstanding on the left, shutting down a number of Manly raids with his pace and anticipation.
The Tigers midfield then started to gain the ascendency as they had against Central Coast, and with Aiden starting to find some space on the right it looked to be only a matter of time before the Tigers attack would click into top gear.
A bit of individual brilliance from Anthony got things underway as he broke through the middle and casually stroked the ball past the Manly Keeper. Tigers 1-0.
Soon after, Aiden headed up the right and crossed the ball to George who unleashed a left foot cannon that the Manly keeper did very well to stop, but the rebound fell to the feet of the advancing Daniel who found the back of the net. Tigers 2-0.
Anthony then again managed to outsmart the Manly defence with a trademark move in the middle, and found himself one on one with the Manly keeper who had no chance. Tigers 3-0.
After another advance George thought he should get in on the party as well, and after getting the ball about 15 metres out dribbled around 2 Manly defenders and chipped the goalie to score. Tigers 4-0.
Manly re-grouped at half time and came out strongly in the second half as expected, but the Tigers defence held firm, with Seb playing strongly and Fergus pulling off one sensational save. Zac then started finding some space out wide and after Daniel had found Anthony in the middle, he passed to Zac who shot into the top corner from an acute angle. Tigers 5-0.
Anthony, trying not to let George get one up with his hatrick two weeks ago, then capped off a great day with his third goal. Tigers 6-0.
Seb and Buddle were then sent up front by Lloyd to show the attackers how it should be done, and even Chopper and Will were seen prowling on the edge of the opposing 6 yard box for a corner, but despite their best efforts the final score remained at 6-0.
It should be noted that it was the third clean sheet in a row for Fergus and Chopper's back men.
All in all it was an emphatic performance from the Tigers against their closest rivals, and a pleasure to watch.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
19/05/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Manly - 17 May 2009
A beautiful sunny day greeted our third straight home game in a row, this time against Manly. Last round, Manly snatched a draw in the dying seconds of the game. Was this to be the same?
The first half started with tentative play by our boys. Manly seemed more focused as they picked off passes and kept the ball moving from side to side. Our defence remained pretty solid with Josh being called on only periodically when a strike was put through by Manly. Conversely, our attack was severely restricted by great Manly defence too, resulting in an uninspiring first half without score to either side.
The second half started with little, if any, change from where the first half started. Again, our boys, whilst putting in the effort, were not being rewarded with the results. A couple of shots by both sides didn't cause too much distress for either goalie.
At around the ten minute mark, the ball was found on the right side of the middle of the field, with the Tigers boys pushing forward. Some good skills found the ball with Brad who, in seeing Will making a run forward, placed a through ball, which Australia Post couldn't deliver better, to Will's sprinting feet. Given some pressure from the right side, and a goalie in front, Will's composure was up to the task as he slammed the ball into the back of the net to bring the Tigers to a one nil lead.
Remembering the last game, where Manly came back in the last minute or two to grab a draw, the boys had to dig deep. A free kick awarded just outside the Tiger's box put pressure on all of them, however, the shot by Manly cleared the bar and brought a sigh of relief. Encouraged by the politically correct cheers from the Tiger's parents, who were now nearly hoarse with excitement, the boys managed to hold on to their slim lead as the final whistle blew.
Whilst it was not a game to be remembered as "one of their best", the three points will still be awarded and the history books will forever say a win today.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
19/05/09: U15s Round 9: Northern Tigers vs. Sydney Wanderers (SW)
This week we were plagued with a few injuries, however we were able to field a team of eleven players for kick off. So many thanks to James, Dominic, Luke, Morio and Mitch for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
The boys were pumped for the challenge and started the game with a high level of intensity. We started the game by holding possession and moving the ball across the park. Hatzi the general in defence was dictating the play as Kai, Taka and Jack responded well to clear any threats. The midfield of Dogman, Pliskin and TV were holding possession and switching play to open up the game. Michael was on the left flank and Dela on the right with Millsy upfront.
We created lots of opportunities, won several corners and had plenty shots on goal. Zac had little to do in this half as the opposition had minimal presence in our area. TV had a screamer of a shot that just cleared the bar after a great build up of play. Dominic came on and looked dangerous with some early shots on goal.
With minutes left in the half Pliskin crossed a ball for Michael who chased the ball into the penalty box and in challenging the ball had his shirt tugged and we were awarded a penalty. Millsy steps up and slots it away to make it 1-0 going into half time.
Second Half:
We came out and maintained the same intensity and dominance for the rest of the half having several chances on goal. We were so close to scoring on several occasions and it could easily have been four or five but we just couldn't find that edge to the ball.
Jack came off with cramps in both legs, Pliskin was taken out in a crunching tackle but they both showed stamina and determination to get back on their feet. Zac was still having a quiet game, covered any loose balls and finished with a clean sheet.
It was a dominating display of football with little threat from the opposition. A day that we proved how good this team can be when they move the ball around quickly, hold possession and pressurise the defence. The final whistle blew and we walked away with a satisfying 1-0 home win, our last home game in the first round of the season.
A special mention to Taka who played out of his skin, won every high ball and made a huge difference to the team effort, but the win was a credit to each and every player who gave 110% to earn those valuable 3 points.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
13/05/09: U15s Round 8: Northern Tigers vs. Western Panthers (WP)
Thanks to James who had a full game due to our injured keeper and to Erol, Morio and Rob for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
We started with some attacking football piling on the pressure and winning the first corner. Sameer, Hatzi, Kai and Jack were holding possession and we were moving the ball around well not letting WP have too much possession. Shortly into the game Dela made a run and was brought down just outside the 18-yard box for which the WP player received a red card.
WP were down to 10 men and our chances looked good. Jack came off after an ugly head clash, but recovered and returned in the second half. Pliskin, Dog Man, TV, Ciaran and Taka were up against some tough opponents and had to work hard to keep the momentum going forward.
The first quarter of the half was pretty much dominated by the Tigers controlling the play. WP looked dangerous on the break and caught our defence flat footed as we allowed their attacker to dribble past several players and slot the ball home to make it 1-0.
Second Half:
The boys knew they had to lift the intensity; play some good free flowing football, hold possession and create more chances on goal. However, the second half did not start off well and WP scored their second goal within 3 minutes of the restart.
We looked like the team that were playing with 10 men, as WP were first to the ball, won the high challenges, looked more determined to win and muscled us off the ball at every opportunity. Our ball control let us down along with lots of passes that either didn't find the player or we just gave it away.
WP were getting tired and we lifted our intensity for the last 20 minutes of football. We made some good runs down both flanks and controlled the football during this period, creating some chances. With about 10 mins remaining Pliskin once again took a long range shot which deflected off the underside of the crossbar. Millsy was there to pick up the loose ball and place it in the net to make it 2-1.
We continued to pile on the pressure but made our charge too late and ran out of time.
Saturday's home ground loss was frustrating, disappointing and a kick in the guts for all. Let's go into the next game with fire in our bellies, a hunger and passion to win and just prove to ourselves what a great team we have.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
11/05/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Granville - 10 May 2009
The weather hadn't made up its mind for the second home game in a row for the 11's, this time against the table leaders, Granville. The forecast was for scattered showers, and this was what both teams had to put up with throughout the game. Granville had been beaten by the Tigers in their last encounter, and they were all at Mills early and were ready to play.
The game started a little tentative for the Tigers, and Granville were not giving our boys any latitude at all. From the outset, Granville were attacking our goals with Josh being called upon to save shot after shot that came his way. In contrast, the Tigers were not on their game today and this allowed Granville to dictate the play and show why they are the team at the top of the ladder.
With fifteen minutes gone, the ball found its way up the Granville end of the park and at Brad's feet. His cross into the centre was much better than expected as it cleared a leaping goalie and found itself in the back of the net for first blood to the Tigers against the run of play.
Somewhat rocked by the goal against them, Granville put their foot to the floor and continued their bombardment against our goal. At one point, a well placed strike found the ball heading towards the top of the goal. A super human leap, somewhat similar to the famous Roy Cazaly, saw Josh manage to just tap the ball and forcing it straight up and preventing what would have been a goal against any other team in the league. Thankfully, the whistle blew up time at 1 nil up.
The second half was no different to the first half, with Granville getting the run of play with sharp passing, and pressure against all of our players, not allowing them any freedom.
With 20 minutes gone, it looked like the Tigers were going to keep the Granville boys out, however, a penalty on the outside edge of the box saw their striker step up to the spot. Whilst Josh correctly picked the side he struck for, I don't think that Mark Schwarzer could have prevented Granville getting the equalizer. The boys held their nerve and the game came to a close at a 1 all draw.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
11/05/09: U12s - Northern Tigers v Granville - 10 May
On 10 May 2009 the Tigers U/12 team played Granville at Mills Park. The teams had played a very exciting match in Round 1 where the Tigers had gone to a 4-0 lead only to see Granville come rattling home to score 3 goals late in the match and to almost snatch a draw.
Much was expected of the Tigers boys after a sensational performance against Central Coast last weekend, but as it turned out Granville had other ideas.
The first half was a bit like the first round of a boxing match with both sides working into the game and looking for any weaknesses on the other side. There were few with both teams playing a disciplined and well structured passing game and working hard on and off the ball. Buddle was strong for the Tigers at the back.
The best chance of a hard fought first half for the Tigers was a powerful strike from Anthony from about 30 metres which the 'keeper just managed to tip onto the crossbar, with Aiden narrowly missing the rebound.
At half time it was anyone's game, with Granville proving a very good test for the competition leaders.
Granville started the 2nd half well with Fergus called on to make some important saves, and Chopper's defensive unit being tested with 3 or 4 corners in quick succession, but once that onslaught had been repelled Granville appeared to lose a little intensity and the Tigers began taking control of the midfield and finding some space out wide, as they had last week.
Still the Granville back men were showing tons of determination and a draw was looking on the cards until the Tigers received a free kick about 35 metres out, and after the 'keeper looked to have George's powerful shot under control, it popped out into the path of the advancing Aiden who nearly rammed it (and himself) through the back net. Tigers 1-0.
Granville then received a free kick themselves shortly after from a similar position but Fergus managed to hang onto his, and the Tigers were home in a close one.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
08/05/09: U12s - Northern Tigers v Central Coast - 3 May
On 3 May 2009 the U/12 Tigers played Central Coast on a sunny morning at Mills Park. The teams had drawn their first round match at Gosford, and then in the Centenary Tournament at Wollongong the Tigers only prevailed after a penalty shootout where Ryan held his nerve and took the Tigers through to the final with a John Aloisi like left foot shot, so both teams had plenty to play for.
Maybe it was the introduction of the team over the PA by Dr Crocker in a rasping voice reminiscent of the love god Barry White which inspired the boys, but when the whistle was blown the Tigers looked as though they had turned up to play. The offence, particularly with Anthony back to his creative best in the middle and Daniel controlling possession, looked as good as they have all season, with Aiden and Zac creating plenty of space out wide and George always a threat up front. Central Coast were pretty much blown away in the first ten minutes, and it was no surprise when Anthony found Zac in space on the right who crossed to George who casually nodded in the Tigers first goal of the day.
There was more to come for the Tigers and after a beautifully weighted through ball by Anthony, George opened up the throttle and beat the oncoming keeper to send the ball into the back of the net for his second. Tigers 2-0.
The third goal was a beauty. The Tigers came out of defence through Zac on the right, who sent the ball to Anthony in the middle who switched to Josh on the left, who then found Connor up the left wing who put his head down and headed towards the goal and then unleashed a beautiful drive from about 20 metres over the keeper's head and into the goal. Tigers 3-0.
As expected Central Coast re-grouped at half time and came out with more determination in the second half. It was time for the Tigers defence to stand up and be counted and they did just that. Fergus was calm at the back and directed the troops around, and Pat 'Chopper' Flottman was as solid as a rock at sweeper. They received good assistance from Seb, Buddle, Will and Josh, as well as Mo who worked very hard at the back towards the end of the game. Ultimately the defensive unit earned a clean sheet which was as important as the goalfest up front in the first half.
George capped off a great match by beating the Central Coast keeper in another foot race late in the game and completing his hat trick. Tigers 4-0.
All in all probably the Tigers best performance of the year so far, with quality football played at both ends of the park linked together by Daniel and Anthony in the middle. Well done to the players and coaching staff.
Report by: Lachlan Gyles
06/05/09: U15s Round 7 - Northern Tigers Vs Schofield Scorpions (SS)
Thanks to James, Dominic, Morio and Jarrod for staying back to support the U15's.
Match Report: First Half:
SS were straight on the attack from the kick off and caught us off guard. We made some sloppy passes in defence and put Zac under pressure challenging their attacker in the box and giving away a penalty. SS stepped up and slotted the ball away to make it 1-0 only 2 minutes into the game.
We recovered and started moving the ball around. Sameer, Hatzi, Skunk and Jack were under siege but holding out any attacks. Our midfield of Taka, Dog man, Pliskin and TV also had to work hard to prevent SS applying pressure on goal. SS were bigger, stronger and looked fitter opponents.
We had a few free kicks on the edge of the box but were unable to capitalise on our chances. SS made several breaks and had one shot rebound off the cross bar. SS created more chances on goal but Zac was there to make some good saves. Dog man was playing well winning several challenges and Ciaran back from overseas was moving the ball around well.
Millsy and Dela were upfront and never really got the opportunity to make any impact on goal. Morio and Ciaran were introduced into the game at various times, made some good runs and contributed to the team effort. We never really got out of first gear in this half and played some panic football at times going into the break 1-0 down, but it could have been more!
Second Half:
After a half time brief and motivational talk from Gary our head coach, the boys came out and started playing some better football. We lifted in intensity and made some good breaks from Millsy, to Dog Man and Dela with all shots being blocked. A great break by Dog Man to Jack onto Millsy then TV who had a great chance on goal. SS were back on the attack, which saw Zac make another save pushing the ball over the bar.
We started to crawl back into the game showing determination, hunger and a will to win. The last twenty minutes was all Tigers, applying constant pressure in the SS defence. SS looked tired and were now in panic mode clearing the ball over the sideline at any opportunity.
Dominic came on and had an immediate impact, holding possession in midfield and had a shot which went over the cross bar. We had a few corners but wasted any chances on goal. With only a minute left Dominic made a break on the edge of the 18 yard box and laid off a through ball to Millsy. Millsy 'the burglar', just onside, makes a run and neatly squeezes the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1. The stadium erupts and the Tiger's supporters go wild!
In summary we were never in control of the first, we were out muscled by a tougher opposition, hungrier & more determined than our boys. All credit to the boys in the second half, as we came out a different team, dug deep and gave a much-improved performance to secure a well-earned draw.
Special mention to Dog Man for a great all-round game, Hatzi also rallied the team for the entire game.
We wish Zac a speedy recovery from his knee injury and look forward to Michael's return to the park next Saturday.
Report by: Sylvio, Ross and Richard
06/05/09: Metro League 11s - Northern Tigers Vs Central Coast
- 3 May
A sunny day and a home game. Two good omens for the boys as they took on Central Coast today. When last they met, the boys drew with Central Coast due to a late goal by their opponents minutes from the end.
The two teams took the field and as soon as the opening whistle blew, the Tigers started attacking with a number of raids at the opponents goals. The boys had certainly turned up to play today! With Central Coast appearing a little shell shocked, a run down the left side saw AP float a cross into the penalty area and found Masafumi, who placed a well targeted strike to the back of the goal and opened up the account.
Some five minutes later, a further raid found Will well positioned at the edge of the box, and he too piloted a cracker into the back of the net to give a two nil lead to the Tigers. With about 5 minutes to go in the first half, Central Coast found themselves outside the Tigers goal, and in a flurry of kicks reminiscent of a pinball machine, the ball found its way into our net to bring the Central Coast back to a goal behind.
The second half was a rough and tumble affair with trips, shoulder charges, shirts being pulled and very physical contact from both sides. To each team's credit, neither took a backward step, and each tried to force their dominance onto the other with the result that both goalies were troubled too often, as defence from both teams was impenetrable.
It was no surprise to anyone that when the final whistle blew, the score had not progressed any further and resulted in a win for our boys 2-1. The irony of this hard match is that these two teams will form the basis of the Far North Metro side for the upcoming State Titles, where I am sure all transgressions made in this game will be forgiven.
Report by: Mal Partridge, Manager 11 Metro's
