AC Preston...0 vs Leyland Tigers JFC...3
Post today's game; created - was an historic benchmark for, the brief existence of, Leyland Tigers JFC. Our latest victory, now, means that we can't conclude the regular season; less than joint-first place on the ladder. This, will be, our highest-ever (table) finish; to-date. Hoole United, currently second, still have two more games to play - in which they'll have to attain maximum points; to force a "play-off" game. One particular fixture, being against our opponents, from this afternoon, AC Preston. Therefore, there's still plenty of life left in this, Division One, title race.
We've had many battles against our hosts, of today, over the past two years; hence the rivalry, whilst competitive, has always been fair; thus producing some tremendous matches. This - mainly due to the mutual respect; both clubs have for each other. Unfortunately, for us, during these aforementioned tussles; we never managed to gain the upper hand over them... not until... today.
Commiseration to Alan and to his boys; I'm sure you're all as disappointed, as we've been in some of our previous encounters - but at the same time, you should be extremely proud of your achievements this year. And we all know, you'll bounce back; thus be stronger, as a result of this, next season. Finally... good luck, to you guys, in your remaining home league fixture.
Of us... if I was to describe this match at length - I'd soon run out of superlatives; so immense was the performance. Beforehand, we were very aware of the power that ACP possess throughout their team; hence we prepared the lads to defuse that threat, as soon as possible, during the game. In the first-half, I felt we didn't perform this task as well as we'd anticipated; but in the second period - this was in evidence all over the park. Tactically we were spot on - sort of 'taming the beast'... before going in for the kill. The character, determination, organisation and discipline shown by the boys was incredible; and to win here, by that margin - no mean feat; either.
And now, to the match...
We set our stall out with a more defensive approach - the emphasis, being more on competing and containing the opposition; rather than attacking with our conventional 4-4-2 formation. As I've already stated, I didn't feel that we competed for the ball, as well as we'd anticipated; which heaped pressure on our rearguard. But, as so often this season, we coped admirably; as we held the frequent hosts' attacks at bay, with a combination of competent defending and confident 'keeping. We took the lead around the 15 minute-mark... a brilliant in-swinging corner from Brad R - rather fortuitously (for us) was steered goalbound by an unfortunate ACP defender; 0-1. After this stroke of luck; we, as is so often versus these opponents, began to gain a slight foothold in the game. Still, plenty of half-chances were created, at both ends, but not dispatched; as 'the defences' comfortably saw out the remainder of the half - triumphant.
Half-time: 0-1.
In the second period, we faced a more direct approach from our hosts; plus with the pitch's gradient against us - we felt, we'd be facing a torrid thirty-five minutes. How detrimental could we be towards our lads... We somehow found another gear and with the few choice (interval) words, still ringing in their ears; we literally battled our way to glory. We moved Brad R back into defence, soaked up their advances and continually caught ACP on the counter-attack. Every interception, near miss or; misplaced pass, by now, seemed to have an adverse effect on our opponents' morale; which we gratefully exploited with aplomb. When Ben was felled in the area... Brad R, under enormous pressure, coolly dispatched the resulting penalty - to give us a deserved lead; 0-2. After that, we never looked back - Ben raced clear, for a second occasion, this time forcing his shot through the static ACP 'keeper; making it three. At the game's conclusion, all our boys punched the air and congratulated each other; as though they'd won the Premier League - so much, was their relief, at finally beating the "old enemy". I also think it's fair to say, we were owed this one; but, as always, AC Preston were very gracious and behaved impeccably - a first, for them, in defeat.
Final score: 0-3.
It's performances such as this, that makes all of our time and efforts - worthwhile. The boys responded brilliantly, to the challenge, and dug-deep when required. I stated in my previous match report, that we'd have to be at our very best; to beat AC Preston... and today we were. Once again this demonstrates, that a team relatively small in stature; can conquer a much bigger and more physical outfit, only, if the desire and application is right. Well done to each and every one of our players... a fantastic team display; where everybody contributed to this well-deserved victory. Guys, I'm so very proud of you.
Therefore; as we now look forward to a second, consecutive, appearance at the CLJFL Presentation Evening; we'll continue to work hard, in training, ready for, potentially, another fixture. During which; hopefully, after today's performance, we'll provide more of a contest; than we aspired too, a few weeks ago.
At this juncture, I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all our parents, volunteers, supporters and members alike; for their continued support in making Tigers the club it is today. The dedication demonstrated, by all, is overwhelming; and of our philosophy - however disciplined; does attain results, of which, now, we can all be extremely satisfied.
I just pray that these lads are fully rewarded, by 'the powers that be', in next season's draft - allowing us to develop, the (future) Tigers squad, at an even higher standard.
Squad:
Daniel Cottam, Jack Harris, Joshua Lumb, Jacob Wright (c), Neil Chisnall (v), George Thomas, Bradley Robinson, Thomas Care, Bradley Thomas, Nathan Nickeas, Benjamin Sumner and Liam McDonaugh.
