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Toton Tigers U12 Black 2 (Chris, Will)
Hucknall Sports White 0
Tigers met table toppers Hucknall today and really needed to show that we have what it takes to win the big games.
So often, Tigers have entered these games half heartedly and come away with nothing. Today was a different matter, with only 11 players at pitchside for the kick off, each man had a task given to them and each man stuck to their task throughout. The numbers increased as Joe turned up for his 1.30 kick off (LOL), and Tigers played the better football of the 2 teams from the start. Some great link play between the midfield and forwards created opportunities that just weren’t finished off. That was until a lovely ball released the formidable Will Cooper down the left hand side, he drew the Hucknall defence to the front post and lifted a great cross to the back for which any 1 of 3 waiting Tigers players could have put away, but our goal hungry top scorer Chris made sure with a simple tap in to an empty net at the back post to spark wild celebrations on the touchline.
Hucknall looked winded and Tigers continued to press the game. As the opposition regrouped, a through ball found the striker clean through on goal only for Jack to pull off a great save for a corner. Hucknall began feeling their way back into the match and found themselves one on one with Jack, who to his credit was fast off his line and as the striker placed the ball underneath him, the crowd watch agonisingly as the ball bobbled onto the post and was cleared by the defence. This was Tigers wake up call and they stood firm till half time.
Instructed to not commit forward too much in the 2nd half, the midfield for Tigers ran the second half with clever football that just cancelled out the threat from Hucknall for long periods. As Tigers continued to press, Will Cooper broke down the left, cut in past the defender and rifled home an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to give Tigers much deserved 2 goal lead and breathing space.
Hucknall had chances of their own in the second half but dragged a shot wide and put 2 headers over the bar to keep Tigers clean sheet intact.
Tigers held out for an incredible and deserved victory with 12 mighty warriors to become the only team to take any points whatsoever off this Hucknall team all season to keep promotion hopes well and truly alive.
MOM – Jack, Riley, Freddy, Matt, Harry, Joe, Courtney, Conor, Thomas, Will Harrison, Chris
12 lads who showed the true meaning of team and commitment.
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