Bengeo Tigers FC

There were ideal playing conditions at Sele for this second leg versus Latymer. The away game, a couple of weeks ago, started well for Sumatrans but ended nervously when Latymer clawed back Tigers’ lead to end a close 4–3. Today’s match was a must-win if we were going to end the season in 4^th place or better.

Sumatrans starting line up featured Sam Milne in goal, Zack, Richard, Jack and Ben in defence, James Levy, Chris, Craig, Calum and Andrea in midfield and Robert up front with Sam Rider, James Brett, Tyler and Kyle on the bench and an injured Joe joining in to cheer the boys on.

The opening few minutes saw play at both ends, notably Sam securing a well held save in the 2^nd minute and Robert delivering a shot just wide of Latymer’s goal in the 5^th minute. A good spread of play between both sides continued until the build up to Sumatrans first goal started in the 28^th minute, when a clash of players resulted in the ref calling for a dropped ball re-start. Bengeo took possession, passing out wide to Robert who set up and struck a looping shot past the keeper to open the score sheet. A spell of substitutions saw James Brett, Tyler and Kyle take the place of Calum, James Levy and Jack for a rest and soon after James Brett announced his arrival with a shot which ran just wide of the target. Good work by all kept the one nil lead into half time.

Sumatran’s opened the second half in confident mood. An early attack saw Kyle take the ball deep into the opponent’s half, passed to Andrea who’s shot was blocked but failed to be held by the keeper, allowing quick-thinking Andrea to follow in and slot the ball into the net for Bengeo’s second.

Despite only fielding 10 players, Latymer’s strong and skilful players required Bengeo’s full concentration to shut down the visitor’s attacks, including Zack taking up the role to man-mark Latymer’s ‘danger man’.

Sumartran’s third goal started from James Brett’s pass to Tyler who passed a well weighted dink forward leading to a shot which, like the previous, the keeper couldn’t hold, this time Robert pounced to follow up and net on the 54^th minute.

The battling continued. On the hour, Sam tipped a well struck 25 yard free kick over the crossbar to hang on to his clean sheet while three minutes later Sumatran’s stretched their lead after Tyler fought to win the ball and delivered a fine pass through to Robert who collected, set up and netted his hat-trick and Tiger’s 4^th. Soon after Sam Rider substituted Sam Milne in goal and Jack replaced Ben in defence, both determined to keep the sheet clean for the remainder of the match.

Goal 5 followed when Robert’s charging attack was brought down in Latymer’s box; the ref awarding a penalty. James Brett spotted the ball and confidently blasted it with such net-busting force the keeper could do little to stop.

Calum replaced Craig to see out the last of the game and secure a convincing victory against worthy opponents.

Well done to all players for their determined goalkeeping, defending, shutting down, distribution and attacking football in one of the best team performances of the season.

Man of the match was awarded to Sam Milne.

Lloyd Adams