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MATCH REPORT - KO Cup Quarter Finals
Sunday 24th January
Tollgate 1 v Bury Tigers 2

Hallelujah! At last the big freeeeeze has abated and allowed the Tiger boys much extended christmas break to come to an end, HOORAY!! Ok, I know the snowball fights, the sledging and the extra days off school are ‘well good’ but isn’t it great to have the footie back? Even if the kick-off is at half 12 on a Sunday and the pitch was more like a ploughed field than a football pitch. It was good to see everyone again and I hope you all had a great christmas etc. Some things don’t change, the very barmy army were again out in force to cheer the Tigers on, Mr Tim Fox did his usual pre-match Marathon run and then cycle ride before running the line for us! (Mad as a March Hare??) and Newcastle still top the championship (Hooray).

With the warm-up complete, boss Keano Walters revealed his starting 11 and with the blessing of club captain Harvey ‘D’ handing over the Captains band to Birthday boy Elliot Pearson (bless him), who proudly led out the Tiger boys for this cup quarter-final against Division 2 leaders Tollgate. The game started brightly, despite the conditions and the lace of recent football, both sides played some decent stuff. Tigers strikers Max Ronaldo Stubbs ad Luck Tangoman Walker looked very lively up ront and both went close to opening the scoring. Tigers midfield clicked straight back into gear, Harvey ‘Smithy’ Dinkele covering every inch of the pitch with another tireless display beside him in the centre while wingers Ellie ‘P’ and Josh ‘Joe Cole’ Shutler were a constant threat to tollgates rear guard. Tigers fine start was rewarded with the opening goal, if not quite how they’d planned it, the breakthrough was deserved and owed much to the determined running of Lukc ‘Tangoman’ Walker who chased after a through ball and forced the keeper and defender into a mistake which led to an own goal, 0-1. Tollgate kept up the fight and forced Keeper Iwan ‘the cat’ Williams into a decent save at his near post, Tigers pressed for a 2nd goal, Ronaldo Stubbs and Ellie ‘P’ both had shots blocked and a couple of Josh Shutlers corners caused mayhem in Tollgates defence.

Tollgate then broke away and their striker took full advantage of a rare sight of Tigers goal and with a clinical finish made it 1-1. Tigers needed to dig deep after the shock of the equaliser and they did, Luke Walker and Ronaldo Stubbs went close to restoring the lead. Then just as it looked like the teams would go in at half time level Joshy Daly picked up the ball on the edge of Tollgates Penalty area and simply took 1 touch before dispatching it into the top corner of the net for a fine goal and Tigers deservedly led at the break. It was great to see 2 our our old friends at the match, former keeper Matthew Le ‘P’ and his dad Steve (wearing a very fetching flourescent yellow hat!) and its fantastic to hear Matthew is progressing really well in his long distance running, keep it up mate.

“More of the same” was boss Keanos message as the tigers restarted the game and the boys didnt disappoint. Miles Drogpa Orlopp battled hard up front, he held the ball up well and showed some great touches and there were some good defensive displays too, James Fabregas Blyth, Scott Hucklestone Betts, Jarrad Rio Lebbon and George Gallas Fox all impressing and a special well done to Alex ‘the rock’ Walters who gave another excellent and brave display, despite having to play through the pain barrier with a bad foot! to help out his team, well done mate (a brave decision Alex, to play despite the pain and don’t worry, (I don’t believe the rumours that Dads threat of “NO PLAYSTATION FOR A WEEK!” had any bearing on your decision to battle on mate.) Tigers had chances to make the game safe, Ellie ‘P’, Tangoman Walker, Miles ‘O’ and Josh D all went close but it remained 1-2 and while there was still only 1 goal in it, Iwan the Cat Williams had to stay on his guard and despite having little to do he still had to make a couple of good interceptions. The referee brought proceedings to a close and Tigers deservedly progressed to the Semi-Finals much to the delight of all the Tiger Boys and especially skipper Ellie ‘P’ (bless him). Both sides can be proud of their performances. Lets hope the weather stays fair and the Tigers can get their season back into full swing.

Well done boys, see you all next week.

Moreton Hall Directorie MOM: Joshua Daley, Outstanding display, worked hard and gave a classy performance, well played mate. ng display, worked hard and gave a classy performance, well played mate..