The end of season creeps ever closer with Tiger’s having just 4 league games left now after Sundays match with Ipswich Valley Ranger’s was completed. I hope therefore the Tiger boys dads are now in full training ahead of the Dads v Lads match which follows the season (we hope) This is a must win match men with pride and bragging rights at stake “SO GET TRAINING FELLOW FATHERS!!!”

Sundays match was Tiger’s first home league match since December. It was visitors Ipswich Valley Rangers ‘A’ who made the brighter start, taking advantage of a brisk wind at their backs. A well worked move ended with a great strike which beat Matthew Le Poidevin and hit the back of the Tiger’s net, the first to do so for 4 games. Then Matthew had to be alert soon after with two good saves. Tiger’s midfield started to get control of the match midway through the 1st half with George Bishop. Jarrad  Lebbon, and Harvey Dinkele forcing Rangers back. Jarrad forced a good save from Rangers keeper, while Harvey Dinkele was a constant threat down Tiger’s right (and QPR won 3 – 0   happy days hey Harv). Striker Miles Orlopp’s late curling left foot shot was just inches wide and so Ranger’s led 1 – 0 at half-time.

Manager Rick Walters called for the cavalry at half-time, 4 pairs of fresh legs belonging to Elliot Pearson, Clayton Mackie. Max Stubbs and Luke Walker entered the match. With the wind now in their sails, Tigers set about turning round the score line.  After a couple of close efforts the equaliser came and what a goal it was striker Luke Walker picked the ball up on the halfway line, glided skilfully past 2 defenders before coolly slotting home 1 – 1. Tiger’s were now rampant and only great goalkeeping from Rangers No1 was keeping  scores  level.  Then Max Stubbs thunderbolt was tipped round the post but not to be denied Ronaldo Stubbs tried again, picking up Luke Walkers pass and placing the ball into the corner of the net, 2 – 1. Rangers tried to reply but couldn’t get past Clayton Mackie and Alex Walters in Tiger’s rearguard. Tigers continued to reign in the shots, Jarrad Lebbon hit the post, before Ronaldo Stubbs jinked his way through Rangers defence to complete the scoring. The result deservedly put Tiger’s joint top of the league but it was the way the boys played the game that was most the pleasing thing. Hard work, Skill, and a great team spirit to be proud of.

I’ve also found 1 reason behind Elliot Pearson’s great form, HIS VERY CLEAN BOOTS!!  His secret is,  the hours of hard toil, scrubbing washing and polishing he does every single week! What dedication, (don’t worry Ell your secret is safe with me, I won’t tell everyone you get the cleaner (MY AUNTIE) to do them for you, you can rely on me pal.)

Busy time next weekend we play 2 games an 11 aside friendly on Saturday and Needham Market in the league on Sunday. After watching Tiger’s in action on Sunday I feel a hamstring injury coming on, it could mean I miss the big match…. shame that!  C U NEXT WEEK.

Mark Lebbon

Man Of Match: Luke Walker: used his undoubted skill to score a contender for goal of the season, set up the second goal and wears a  Toon  kit for training  ABSOLUTE PERFECTION well done mate.