13th April 2014 Away Against Corringham Athletic

This weekend the Tigers team consisting of Max, Alfie, Ethan, Alex, Ryan and Joshua played an away game against Corringham Athletic and came away with an impressive 4 -2 win. We was really hoping to get the team all dressed up in the new "Kwik Fit" away kit, however much to the boys disappointment Corringham play in yellow and therefore we decided to keep our blue home kit on. Joshua and Ethan both volunteered to play half the game in goal this week and they got to try out the new "Kwik Fit" goal keepers kit. Joshua made a couple of saves but let two goals into the back of the net. Ethan kept a clean sheet in goal and made some very bold 1 on 1 saves with no room for error.

One of the Tigers biggest problems in last weeks game was poor defending and often being caught on the counter attack with no-one behind the ball to help protect the keeper. So it was good to see that this week they had listened to the coaches and Joshua and Max took on the central defending role. Max in particular made a very good defencive run back with a shoulder to shoulder sliding tackle resulting in a corner rather than a shot at goal for Corringham. Very good to see and as a result of the improved defence over last weeks game, Max was awarded the MOTM medal for this week.

To be honest though the Tigers made it very difficult for the coaches to pick a MOTM this week. All of them played outstanding and were listening to the instructions given by the coaches. I am sure the parents would agree that this was an enjoyable and entertaining match where the boys showed a big step forward in their ability to play together as a team. There was some really good passing combinations, some great crosses into the box, some solid tackles in defence, no-one being greedy with the ball, lots of calling for the ball and in places there was even lots of very neat footwork, twists and turns. Myself and Lee were very pleased with the performance and really struggled to decide who was MOTM this week.

Joshua showing the new "Kwik Fit" away goal keepers kit.

The Tigers were quick to take control of the game and score another early goal as they did last week.

Alex on one of his runs down the left side of the pitch, not many could match his pace.

Ryan leaves the Corringham defence standing as he gets ready for a shot.

Joshua takes a goal kick.

Ryan and Alfie taking a centre kick.

AT this point I should probably mention that Ethan probably broke a World Record on Sunday for the number of headers made in a single game. He must have one hard head because if not he must have woken up today with a bit of a sore head. Basically every time the Corringham team took a throw in, Ethan was on it like a shot and heading the ball back out of play. I think on one occasion he did this about 4 times completely stunting the play of the opposition. 

Here comes another Ethan header!!!

Ethan on a run.

Joshua and Ryan teaming up with Alfie and Max holding their positions.

Does it really take 3 Corringham players to close down Ryan?

Half time talk and oranges with coach Lee and Jason. Ethan now wears the keepers kit for the second half.

Ryan in action during the second half.

Another open goal for Ryan to shoot at and what a great position Alfie is sitting in to support.

Max did some absolutely solid defending at the back

Joshua makes a break down the right but couldn't get the shot in.

Action shot as Max throws the ball up field towards Ryan.

Joshua doing some good defending and keeping the Corringham team from getting a shot at Ethan.

Alfie makes a break down the right with Ryan and Joshua in good position to support up the line.

Alex weaving his way through the defenders to get at goal, not sure what Joshua is doing here!

Joshua takes a corner kick

3 cheers for Corringham and the end of game hand shake. Teaching good Sportsmanship hopefully.

End of match team talk with the coaches and awarding the MOTM medal to Max.

MOTM Max with Coach Lee.

Many thanks again to Nikola for the great pictures.