Matchday Four - 2-1 Win VS Jay FC (Name Change to Swifts FC) A TTFE comeback with goals courtesy of James Pugh and Dale Thomas brought home their first-ever competitive win in all competitions.Appropriately on the same weekend as the FA Cup Final in the Millennium Stadium, TTFE had their own FA Final to play as they had raised expectations after achieving some real progress. The draw in the previous week against Curzon FC was the first point we had ever earned in a competitive league, and the lads were keen to build upon this feat with something that has been out of their reach in the past - their first league win.
The side was still missing their charismatic captain, Chris Phillips, down to a toe injury and on -loan Billy Collins was unable to attend this week due to a prior engagement. Nonetheless TTFE fielded a strong side with all other regulars getting a game. The match began with both sides making a determined effort to get goals. However it was TTFE who controlled the game with quick bursts down the flanks and clever usage of the boards. TTFE also should have been 1-0 up early in the first half as a deflected shot came to Jenkins on the edge of the box and despite an open goal, their defence was enough to force his shot onto the post. This missed opportunity however came to haunt the lads as a fierce shot from the left wing into near post of keeper Weller had touched net. TTFE were once more on the back foot and had to take chances if they wanted back into the game. In credit to our lads, we continued to make opportunities and defend hard to keep the game at 1-0 until half time.
The second half was time for TTFE to push their way back on top. TTFE fielded their most attacking-minded side of Jenkins, Pugh, Payne and Thomas as sweeper in a bid to pull one back. The might of those three attacking supremos was pretty menacing, but they failed hit the mark in the first five minutes or so. Then, out of nowhere, Dale Thomas had become Franz Beckenbauer and dribbled the ball right through the middle of the field. He just about passed the half way mark and then unleashed a shot like lightening into the top right-hand corner, hitting the net and leaving the keeper for dead. That screamer had marked a comeback and had become a serious contender for TTFE Goal of the Season all-in-one!. Now the game was alive, Payne showered the opposing goal with shot upon shot from the left wing but it was to no avail. The lads also seemed fatigued and in need of determination. The lack of movement was seriously jeopardising the team's chances of getting another goal and even opened up the way for one to be conceded. The lads however picked themselves up and realised that it was all to play for. After a series of missed opportunities, James Pugh was plucky enough to beat a defender and force the ball into the top left hand corner to score his first of the season. GOAL! And with only eight minutes to go, the lads had to do something they have never succeeded in doing - holding a lead!
Just as the attacking formation had been played, now TTFE adopted a defensive strategy. Newbury, Thomas and Preece took up the defensive roles whilst Payne stayed up front. With some last ditch defending we managed to hold off the opposing attack. And that was it. Our FIRST WIN!
Goals: Thomas 1, Pugh 1.
Goals Tally: Payne 2, Phillips 1, Collins 1, Jenkins 1, Thomas 1, Pugh 1.
Results Roundup: Curzon FC also grabbed their first win of the season and keep the pressure on
TTFE with a 3-1 win over winless
Zymotic. In the top of the table clash,
Total Teamwear FC were well-beaten by the Sunday Division One juggernauts,
Leave My Arselona by a handsome 9 goals to 3.
South Glamorgan Saints were also defeated by
Inter Mynachdy, who have now put together an impressive three match winning streak after this emphatic 11-4 win.
Fixtures for Next week:South Glamorgan Saints VS Total Teamwear FC
Inter Mynachdy VS
TTFEZymotic VS Swifts FC
Curzon FC VS Leave My Arselona
South Glamorgan Saints face another tough challenge from
Total Teamwear FC, who hope to bounce back after their defeat to the table leaders.
Zymotic and
Swifts FC (previously Jay FC) will be battling for their first win of the season in their bottom of the table clash.
Curzon FC, who have just crossed that winning barrier, will beat the odds if grab another win against
Leave My Arselona. TTFE have a tricky fixture against
Inter Mynachdy who look solid after destroying three teams in their path. Will
TTFE have the firepower to make it two wins in a row?
