January is a very busy time in the football world, loads of games including the F.A Cup 3rd and 4th rounds, then there is the transfer window and if you’re a toon fan then things have been even more chaotic then usual, Big Sam, King Kev and all that!! However for the Tiger boys it’s been a quiet start to 2008 having played only 1 game before Sunday’s friendly with Stow Town. So Sunday’s hastily arranged friendly was a useful exercise.

Tiger’s defenders Mattie Osborne and Clayton Mackie were put under pressure as Stow started brightly but they coped well, Tigers grew into the game with Harvey Dinkele and Max Stubbs driving the team forward. Tigers almost broke the dead-lock when striker Luke Walker broke through but Stow’s keeper made a good save and George Bishop’s shot from the rebound was blocked on the line. Stow took the lead soon after, a crashing angled shot from the edge of the box gave Matthew Le Poidevin no chance in the Tigers goal. An entertaining first half ended with Stow 1 – 0 up.

The second half gave us a chance to welcome Joshua Shutler to our team line-up (Josh has trained with us recently and we hope he will be signing for us as we aim to increase our squad ready for next seasons move to 11 aside). Tigers made a good start to the second half but Stow it was who scored again as a long range free-kick somehow found its way past a mass of players and into the net. Both sides continued to play good football throughout the second half and Josh Shutler was confirming what we had seen in training that not only is he a popular lad with our squad already but a decent player too with a sweet left foot. That sweet left foot provided Tigers a goal as Josh’s fierce shot hit the Stow post and Miles Orlopp swooped on the rebound to fire home. A goal, striker Miles deserved for his continued hard work for the side. The goal set up a tight finish Stow almost scored again but a fine save from Matthew Le Poidevin kept Tigers in it. Elliot Pearson went close for Tigers but Stow it was who ran out 2 – 1 winners. Well done to both sides for a decent match.

You will be relieved to know manager Rick will return next week after his scouting mission to Barcelona (hope you had a good one mate?). He text me to say he didn’t think Ronaldinho, Henry, Messi or Deco would be good enough to get into our side so he hasn’t made an offer for any of them!!

Man Of Match: Miles Orlopp : Works hard for the team week in and week out, Deserved his goal…………..