Tiger’s hit the road again on Saturday morning with an 11 aside friendly at Needham Market. A bright and breezy morning welcomed our squad of “15” lads, yep 15!!! The biggest squad we’ve had to work with to date, giving manager Rick Walters licence to rotate the team line-up more often than Rafa Benitez does at Liverpool. The MAGS were out in force but Thankfully keeper Matthew Le Poidevin had resisted his mum’s efforts to get him playing netball (in a bid to keep his kit clean!) and he took his place between the sticks. Tiger’s started well and an early goal wasn’t long in coming, Rocket man, Miles Orlopp’s wonderful long range rocket shot putting Tiger’s ahead. Tiger’s continued to play good football, Jarrad Lebbon and Harvey Dinkele working hard and well together in centre midfield while Ellie Pearson (Immaculately turned out) and Josh Shutler worked skilfully down the flanks.

New boys George Fox and James Blyth in their second games, impressed while debutant Josh Atkinson had a fine game and we hope he will become a permanent member of the Tiger’s squad. Tiger’s increased their lead when striker Luke Walker skipped passed the Needham defence and finished with his usual precision to put Tiger’s 2 up. Needham tried hard to respond but found George Bishop, Mattie Osborne Clayton Mackie and Alex Walters in defiant mood at the back for Tiger’s and when called upon Matthew Le keeper looked assured and so Tiger’s led 2-0 at the break. During the interval and without even trying I shed a few pounds (hope you all enjoyed your cuppa ! ) I’m taking a leaf out of Rick’s book next week and bringing me mum, then I’ll get a cuppa too !

The second half brought more of the same from Tiger’s, more tinkering with the line-up from a refreshed  boss Rafa Walters and more great attacking play from the Tiger boys, striker  Luke Walker scored his second of the match and Max “Ronaldo” Stubbs glided into the Needham box to score number 4. Needham looked sure to pull a goal back soon after but a wonderful save from Matthew Le keeper and an heroic goal-line clearance from James Blyth kept Needham out… While all this was going on it was very obvious that our female reporter hadn’t got a clue what was going on ( to much yapping) despite her lovely vantage point, looking down on the pitch… How do I know this?  Well my daughter, Bonnie kept coming to the side of the pitch and asking “what’s the score?” “who scored?” “what system is Rafa Walters playing now?” all this from a girl who “HATES FOOTBALL” how does it go “ITS WELL BORING!” …. disappointing   Mrs ‘P’ disappointing . If that was not bad enough she then has the nerve to blame poor little Bonnie in the MAGS report for obscuring her view!!! . Bonnie informs me there will be a report by the SAGS (think about it Wayne !) next week.

Anyway Tigers increased their lead when a corner was headed out to the edge of the Needham box and Jarrad Lebbon thumped the ball into the top of the net 5-0. Then something strange happened Josh Shutler, who tells us he can’t kick with  his right foot and “its just for standing on!” (when asked to use it in training) well Josh proceeded to pick the ball up on the edge of the box flick the ball up with his left foot and smash a volley with his’ RIGHT’ foot into the net (so you can use it after all Josh). That great goal was followed by a fine Needham goal which gave Matthew Le P no chance and so ended a great game. Thanks go to our linesman Mr Fox (Georges Dad) for again doing a sterling job. Having run the line twice you are now officially our club linesman (hope Rick had told you about that club rule ?) anyway thanks again.

Next week see’s the last league match of the season with a trip to Thurston. The winners will win the league but whatever happens it will be the end of a great season for the Tiger boys , gaffer Rick Walters, the MAGS, SAGS  and everyone involved in the club.

Well done to Ipswich who luckily beat the “PRIDE OF ANGLIA” 2-1 on Sunday. Poor old Glenn Roader.

See ya Saturday (I hope).

MARK LEBBON