Bengeo Tigers FC

At last!!! The weather that is… not the win. The sunny, still conditions being as good as you could ask for after recent events and, at first glance, the score line delivers a similar feeling however in truth the latter due in most part to Latymer fielding a severely under strength side against the more or less full strength Sumatrans squad.

The starting line up saw Sam Milne start in goal, a back four of Zack, Richard, James Levy and Ben, midfielders from the left being James Brett, Craig, Calum and Tyler with Robert and Andrea up front. Sam Rider, Warren and Chris at the ready on the bench.

As expected, Latymer were under pressure from the kickoff; Sumartrans greater numbers led to Calum forcing Sumatran’s first goal after just 2 minutes.

Craig’s 6^th min on target shot was saved by Latimer’s keeper who was quick to feed the ball out to start a Latymer challenge which led to a well struck 20 yd shot requiring Sam to dive full stretch to his right to push the ball safely past the post.

Sumatrans opportunities came thick and fast, however, many long balls from midfield proved just too long to be collected by the strikers in time to shoot; a credit to the alert and confident Latymer keeper who repeatedly ventured far from his line to shut down or clear Sumatrans attacks and his efforts helped keep Bengeo at bay until the 25^th minute when Andrea netted Sumatran goal number two at his second attempt, after his first shot was blocked. A few minutes later some good passing play down the right between Andrea and Calum led to a shot being saved but a minute later Robert opened his account with a left foot shot claiming Sumatran’s third goal.

Warren substituted Craig on the half hour to continue the pressure and to help Robert achieve his left foot hat-trick with Sumatran’s goals 4 & 5 scored with his weaker foot.

The second half proved even more difficult for the tiring Latymer players. Sam Rider took over from Sam Milne in goal and Craig returned to field of play to give James Levy a breather for a while. Ben came off through injury and Chris joined the action on the pitch.

10 mins into the second half, Andrea scored his first, Bengeo’s 6^th, from Robert’s assist then a minute later Robert scored his 4^th then Andrea countered with his second a minute after that to take the tally to 8 nil.

Richard showed he had more to offer than his usual solid performance in defence when he collected the ball in defence then took it on a 70 yard run up the right to bury a fine single-handed (?) goal number 9.

Mid way through the half, Sam Milne substituted Andrea up front, looking for his chance to add to the score sheet whilst Robert took the place of Zack in defence to help with the task of keeping an important clean sheet.

Warren was next to score when his shot 21 minutes into the half claimed goal no 10, then Sam Milne netted Sumatran’s 11^th soon after followed by James Levy who buried Sumatrans 12^th and final goal.

A clear and expected victory for Bengeo on the day, but in the full knowledge that Latymer, with a full strength team, would have provided a close match. Both teams look forward to a better balanced return leg.

Well done to Sumartan’s Men of the Match, Zack for his performance after such a long break and Sam Milne for his performance in both goalmouths.

Lloyd Adams