Bengeo Tigers FC

Todays game was against Ware Clarets which we believed to be their first team. We thought today was going to be a very difficult challenge for us especially knowing that i would have to pick the boys up after loosing 3-1 last week. I know that the Yellows are a great bunch of boys to work with and that they are trying to improve themselves each week. My first job of the day was to sit the boys down and ask the boys to give me a performance that involved hard work, team work, effort, character and determination and last but not least to believe in themselves. I also said that we needed to shut Ware down and stop them from playing football.

As the game kicked off things didnt quite go according to plan as we conceeded an debateable penalty which Ware failed to convert. After breathing a huge sigh of relief the boys set about the task which was asked of them and they were working really hard for eachother and winning a majority of the 50-50 challenges. There were some great link up play between Thomas and Rob giving us great strength on the left. I also thought that Nicky playing on the right wing was also showing some good promising runs and when needed he worked back and supported the defence. Also Thomas and Rob were working back to help the defence. The clarets were strong going forward but we were able to shut them out and get the important tackles in where needed. The game was looking like it was going in at half time 0-0, but we managed to apply a bit of pressure 5 mins before half time which Harry who came on as sub calmly slotted the ball home to put us 1-0 up.

We sat the boys down at half time and told them to keep going and that we were really proud of the effort which they had put in but told them if they wanted to keep hold of the lead then they would have to keep putting in the effort and hard work. Sure enough into the second half Ware came out looking for the equaliser but the defence of first Alex and Ben then Dylan held them at bay with some solid defending. We also had a bit of luck when Ware hit the post. We also had chances at the other end from Harry, Rob and Nicky.

This was a really good game of end to end football (nail biting at times) and with the Clarets pressing towards the end of the game the Tigers managed to absorb the pressure and held their nerve to hang on and win the game 1-0.

I called the boys over sat them down and unusually i was speachless. One of the things i did say was on hard work and effort they did deserve to win and how extremely proud of each and every one of them i was on a great TEAM performance.

Special mentions for Rob who put in a all round display and worked tirelessly for the team. Ben who was solid in defence and got some great tackles in. Dylan who played well at the back. Harry (man of the match) who doesnt always get the praise but looked quite lively and had some good opportunities upfront.

One more special mention to Oliver (coach) who was rested this week. He not only came to the match but helped clear the cones up and gave me some good advice and also chose the mom and made some great comments to the boys at the end of the game. (Oliver if you ever decide to hang your boots up and become a coach "your hired" 

"A VERY PROUD MANAGER"