Bengeo Tigers FC

The opening match of the new season and, after the last few weeks of pre-season training, the first real test of our ability against our local, former premiership opponents.

Today’s starting line-up saw Sam Milne in goal, a back four of Zack Barber, Jack Stewart (cptn), Kyle Bates and Ben Adams, midfielders James Brett, James Levy, Joe Franklin, Robert Heffer and Tyler Jervis with lone striker Tobi Odusina up front. With substitites Richard Andrews, Andrea Augello, Calum Dunnage and Sam Rider starting on the bench and regular midfielder, Craig Webb, recovering from a broken thumb, being forced to support from the sideline for another week or so, this completed a full squad turn-out for season’s opening match.

Kick-off and, 50 seconds into the game, a James Brett throw-in led to Robert connecting with a dropping ball to shoot low past the keeper to claim a surprise early goal treat to lead in the first minute.

Barely a minute later Robert broke through again to shoot but this time a diving fully stretched Bury keeper palmed the effort wide of the post.

With both teams settling into the game, Sumatrans looked good and more than a match for Bury. Confident play pressed the Bury defence including a 12^th min attempt by Robert who collected the ball 10yds out, spun round to shoot just wide.

Calum took over the role of striker from Tobi quarter of an hour into the game to continue the attack, soon followed with James Brett delivering a fine 30yd cross field pass which a sprinting Robert unluckily just failed to control for the shot.

25mins in and Andrea substituted Tyler for a short break on the right wing.

Good solid team play continued and was rewarded on the half hour when splendid build-up play served Robert with a ball which he netted to secure a two goal lead which a battling Sumatran team retained into the half time period.

For the second half Richard substituted Ben at right back and play commenced.

Bury’s goal came after 3 minutes, when a lofty 20yd free kick penetrated a jostling goalmouth to narrow the Tigers lead.

Bury’s confident passing posed a continual threat and mid way through the second half looked to be gaining the upper hand to a tiring Sumatrans side, however with further tactical substitutions and positioning with Tobi, Andrea, Robert and Sam Rider, Tigers even raised their pressure towards the end of the match which included James Brett delivering one of his long low passes to Robert who controlled and shot low inside the right post to claim his 78^th min hat-trick and the win for the Sumatrans.

A terrific performance from every player and a superb start to the season.

Well done to Robert for his hat-trick (sorry you can’t keep the ball!) and men-of-the-match James Brett and Joe Franklin.

Lloyd Adams