This last league match of the season left Sumatrans fighting to defend their current fourth place league spot. A Tigers win today would leave fifth place Potters Bar needing to win their fixture today and both their remaining games to steal fourth place.
The first leg away fixture, last October, resulted in a decisive 4-0 victory to Wheathampstead and with the Sharks holding a strong third place in the league, Tigers would need to be at their best.
Sumatrans fielded a starting line up of Sam Milne in goal, Zack, Kyle, Jack and Ben in defence, James on left wing, Craig, Joe and Tyler central midfielders, with Andrea out right and Tobi as striker plus Sam Rider, Calum and Robert poised in reserve.
From kick-off Sumatrans started well, applying early pressure in the Sharks half.
A fourth minute corner awarded to Sumatrans saw James Brett step up to deliver a curling left footer on target into a crowded Sharks goalmouth that nobody seemed to connect with; the ball appeared to run straight through, crediting James with Sumatrans early first goal.
That early boost inspired the team to go on and deliver some very confident football; good defending and midfield team play kept most of the game in Wheathampstead’s half and any Shark attacks(!) being taken care of before escalating to goal-scoring opportunities.
Robert entered the game in the 17th minute, taking a right wing position, pushing Andrea up front and resting Tobi.
The good work continued; a looping 21st minute over head kick from Andrea worried the Sharks keeper by dropping just out of play to the left of goal and the Sharks frustration was beginning to show.
Sumatrans second goal arrived in the 34th minute when a Tigers free kick was taken by Kyle who picked out Robert who in turn brought the ball under control, ran it towards the Sharks goal and, seeing the keeper running out to close the gap, Robert shot and, watching the ball slip through the keepers hands, he rounded the keeper to collect the ball and net on his second attempt. Moments later the refs whistle brought a satisfying close to the first half with a Tigers 2 nil lead.
The second half flowed much as the first. Highlights included James Brett working hard to supply his team mates, including a very nice 42nd minute diagonal long ball pass to set up Robert with an attack, Craig battling in midfield including a 60th minute dribble passed several Sharks to dink the ball towards a team mate and Kyle heading a well placed Robert corner just over the crossbar in the 63rd minute.
The Sharks never gave up and there were moments towards the latter part of the second half when they were pushing further towards the Sumatran goal but dogged Tigers defending, including a crucial sliding tackle by Jack to dispossess a Shark striker on the edge of the penalty box, plus late substitutions bringing on the fresh legs of Tobi, Calum and Sam Rider on for Andrea, Tyler and Sam Milne, ensured Sumatrans kept under control right up to the final whistle.
Well done to every player for their individual efforts combining in an excellent Sumatrans team performance which, after later hearing Potters Bar lost their match, confirms Sumatrans finish the league in fourth place, a place higher than last season (and only 3 points behind third place!).
Man of the Match was awarded to James Brett.
What a cracking end to a well fought season. Again, congratulations to the squad for a season they can be proud of and I know everyone on the sideline, parents and management, have enjoyed working with the boys and supporting them throughout the season.
Bring on next season!
Lloyd Adams