Matchday One - 4-2 Loss VS South Glamorgan SaintsTTFE failed to take the spoils on their Gol Centre debut despite a fine effort in an evenly matched game.With only six goals scored over forty minutes, the game was certainly tight in all areas of play. The opponents, the South Glamorgan Saints, were initially recoginsed as a Division Two team from Leisure Leagues and therefore our lads feared a tough game was to be had. In review however, if the game reflected the run of play a draw would have been the fairer result.
The game began with heavy pressure from the Saints as TTFE trialaist keeper, Dave Weller, was bombarded with many well struck opportunities. If he was looking to make a name for himself, he did it very early on with a string of good saves. The second TTFE trialist, Gareth Jenkins, was also looking to impress but failed to score despite plenty of shots at goal. TTFE conceded two goals in a first half which still looked to go either way, despite the reality of the scoreline. Before the interval captain Chris Phillips had given the TTFE a lifeline with a late strike.
With the half time score at 2-1, the lads were relieved - it could have easily been more as the Saints seemed to have the cutting edge in the attack. TTFE however were countering with an impressive defensive display from wingers Tom Payne and James Pugh, who also used the falnks very nicely to their advantage. Fears were felt when Pugh went down with a crash after a collision with one of the opponents, resulting in an exit late in the first half. However after an initial scare the TTFE physios gave Pugh the all clear to play in the second half. Now out of first gear, TTFE found their feet and pressured the Saints into some negative and backward play. After exposing their defensive frailties, TTFE launched a wave of attacks of their own and before long Payne slotted the ball home after a rebounded shot. Now with the game tied, it was once again anyone's for the taking. Desperate tackling was being adopted by both teams with the time ticking away for that winning goal. Dale Thomas' defensive display was keeping the oppoistion out, whilst Weller was still in top form with some more fine saves.
But the game then took another foul turn. With roughly ten minutes to go Weller accidently thrown the ball out to the opposing striker, who wasted no time in finishing the ball handed to him on a plate. A sigh of relief from the Saints could be heard from the enemy camp and then TTFE had to up the tempo once more. But the lads had nothing left in their reserves to fight on. With fatigue setting in, the Saints took advantage of a defensive cockup to score once more to seal the game. The game ended 4-2.
After the game both trialists were invited to play for TTFE on a regular basis, which they accepted wholeheartedly. Now with 8 players in the squad - the team can look to the future more confidently.
Goals: Payne 1, Phillips 1.
Goal Tally : Payne 1, Phillips 1.
Results Roundup: As we know next to nothing about the other teams in the league, we can only assume that we have a good chance of winning a game! However the fine 15-0 win over Zymotic by Leave My Arselona means they should be considered as serious contenders for the title. Total Teamwear FC vanquished Inter Mynachdy 6-4 in what seemed to be tense game, so judging on the TTFE's perfomance as well, maybe the teams are on a similar calibre.
