It was great to see on my early arrival (unlike Mr Mackie who was having problems with his skoda’s Sat-Nav!!!) So many beaming, excited, smiley happy little faces,  faces that were struggling to hide their delight at the return of Tigers footie after a WHOLE week-end off last week……… yes the MAGS had clearly missed their weekly dose of footie fun!  I’m told training went well on Saturday and the new inflatable training goal, which has been kindly donated by H.G PEARSONS AND SONS HAULAGE is a very handy piece of equipment, although we haven’t yet used it on a windy day, this could be interesting but I’m sure we’ll have a couple of budding volunteers to hold it down while the boys train won’t we? Thank you Mr P and co, your generosity is much appreciated.

Sundays match with Needham was a league cup match (which has a new format, 2 leagues with the winners of each league meeting in the final). Tigers team news was good with both George Fox  and Lukie Walker (new cool ear-ring and all) returning to the squad while James Blyth is apparently on the recovery trail which is also great news. Boss Keano Walters decided to start the match with a 3-4-3 formation. The game started in a bright competitive  manor, both sides eager to make a good start to their cup campaign, Needham looked lively up front and Alex ‘the rock’ Walters, Jarrad ‘Rio’ Lebbon and Clayton ‘haircut’ Mackie had to be at their usual stubborn best to repel Needham’s attacks. Tigers midfield was working hard to gain the upper-hand, Harvey ‘Smithy’ Dinkele and Josh ‘Lampard’ Daly in the centre Ellie P and Josh Shutler on the flanks. Tigers looked dangerous and Josh D,  Miles O, and Lukie Walker all went close before Max ‘Ronaldo’ Stubbs opened the scoring, excellent passes from Josh Shuts, Josh D and then Harvey D teeing up Ronaldo Stubbs who finished with aplomb. Needham responded well and Iwan the cat Williams in Tigers goal did brilliantly to deal with 2 well delivered  corners and a high bouncing long through ball too. Needham however did equalise with a well taken goal, their striker giving Iwan no chance this time.1-1. An entertaining 1^st  half continued with Tigers going very close to regaining  the lead, Fabian ‘Shearer’ Horrex curling a wonderful free-kick goal bound only to see it smash the inside of the post and fly out to safety. Ellie P, Ronaldo Stubbs and Josh D all went close too before the half time whistle blew. 1-1

Boss Keano Walters decided despite a good 1^st  half that 4-4-2 was the way to go in the 2^nd half and minutes after the restart Miles ‘Drogba’ Orlopp latched onto Fabian’s corner from the left and his shot put Tigers back in front,it was a goal our big striker deserved 1-2. Tigers were now dominant   Harvey ‘Smithy’ Dinkele and Josh ‘Lampard’ Daly working exceptionally hard in the engine room, utility man Scott ‘Huddlestone’ Betts and defender George ‘Gallas’ Fox battled manfully down the Tigers right and Jarrad  was having another excellent game at the back. Needhams keeper was having a good game and 2 good saves from Josh D and Ronaldo Stubbs kept Needham in it for a while before victory was finally  sealed by Tigers with another fine goal, Ellie ‘Gerrard’ Pearson bless his little cotton socks, picked up the ball in his own half and ran and ran and ran and ran with the ball seemingly stuck to his foot until he entered the Needham penalty area where he drilled the ball into the net, WOW!! and all this in front of a very big crowd which included an extremely proud mummy Pearson (who I’m told was paying attention!) 1-3. Needham to their credit continued to battle and a late low cross from the left looked like trouble, thankfully Clayton saw the danger, reacted quickly and flicked the ball up for Iwan to catch on the Tigers goal line!! What super cool defending……… of course he mean’t to do it….. didn’t you Clayton?..... The final whistle blew and credit goes to both sides on a fine match.

Well played Tiger’s the commitment was again excellent, next week training on Saturday and Bury Town away on Sunday (unlike in the last report this time I think I’m right?) c u all then.

Moreton Hall Directories, M.O.M:- Joshua Daly:- Phenomenal (big word hey) Work rate,good battling, great passing, all in all probably his best game as a Tiger?? Well played mate.

Match report - Saturday 20th September Moreton Hall FC

Match report - Saturday 13th September Walsham Le Willows