Matchday Seven – 4-3 Win VS Zymotic

TTFE endured a nail-biting finish to take all three points away from fellow strugglers, Zymotic.

It is another three points in the bag for the plucky players, but it was certainly not an easy task for the lads. As stipulated before hand, this was a ‘six-pointer’ game which no-one should dare to lose. Only recently Zymotic grabbed their first win of the season, so they were keen to start showing their true credentials. Their recent form reflects a side which has finally banished its leaky defence, previously known for conceding 15 goals a game; whilst their forwards have now started to find the net more consistently. TTFE however seemed to be going in the opposite direction. Since the win against Swifts FC, TTFE have conceded heavily against top of the table opposition. It was essential therefore that our lads had to respect their next opponents. The good news was however from the TTFE camp was enlightening; Phillips had returned from his toe injury and Weller was available to play in goal to make it a more familiar lineup. Pugh, Payne, Jenkins, Collins and Thomas were also in the lineup, whilst Newbury was still out with a broken finger and Preece was absent.

Play was open from the start, but TTFE had the better chances. Gaps were rife in the Zymotic midfield and the intent of TTFE in exploiting these spaces was certainly vibrantly displayed. It wasn’t long until Pugh found the net with a wonderful strike. This was not to say the game was dominated by TTFE; they failed to take the game into their own hands and were often sloppy at the back. Weller was forced to make a hand-stretching save to keep a clever tap into the TTFE goal. It was evident towards half-time that both sides were in with a shout of making this their second win, despite the score. As the interval approached Pugh was forced to leave the pitch after aggravating his ankle and sadly for him and the side, the game's only scorer at that time was unable to take part in the second half.

After half time the gears were set into motion. An unsettled TTFE attack was unable to break down Zymotic at first and now their opponents began to put more pressure on the TTFE goal. They got one back and ended any chance of a whitewash. However, it was Jenkins’s fine strike which put the game back into TTFE’s favour. Even now against the run of play at times, TTFE were able to use the counter attack to their advantage. Thomas was able to emulate his impressive solo play with another belter from midfield which made the game 3-1. Phillips was keen to get on the score sheet but was unlucky to stake his claim because of a dubious decision by the referee. Phillips placed a sweet drive into the bottom left hand corner only to be saved by the Zymotic keeper, but slips through his hands and hits the post, then hitting the keeper again, only to drift towards the open net. The keeper however made contact with the ball and he appeared to have stopped it before it went over the line in accordance to the referee; denying Phillips a goal on his return. Cruelly Thomas Payne, TTFE’s top goal scorer, was also robbed of what seemed to be a legitimate goal, but later indications had shown that earlier play leading up to the goal was the reason for this refusal by the referee. One of lads had stepped into the Zymotic area before playing the ball to Payne, resulting in the disallowing of the goal. Collins was not goalshy either, but he proved to be more successful; his powerful left foot drive was definitely goal number four. So 4-1 and the game looked to be comfortably in TTFE’s control. Yet, you know TTFE right?

The lads began to leave spaces open of their own and started to defend rather sloppily. Man marking was not adhered to, and Weller was exposed to a barrage of shots to which he struggled to keep a top of. The game win mentality was lost by TTFE– despite being the comfortable side. Zymotic pulled two back and now a draw was on the horizon. In typical hanging-on fashion, TTFE slowed the game down in the dying minutes to ensure the points were coming their way. The final whistle was blown and the game was over – TTFE had won only their second game of all time, but sadly not convincingly as it could have been. But we must not knock the three points, as they keep the TTFE in mid table mediocrity – something we have little experience of!

Goals: Pugh 1, Thomas 1, Jenkins 1, Collins 1.

Goal Tally: Payne 4, Jenkins 3, Collins 2, Thomas 2, Pugh 2, Phillips 1.

Next Week: No rivals roundup this week, but hopefully I can get on top of it next week instead. Now TTFE have played all opposistion once, it is time for revenge on those who punished them in the past.

This Sunday is against the TTFE’s first opponents at the Gol Centre, the South Glamorgan Saints, who remain ahead of TTFE by five points. It is also their first chance for revenge, as they lost 4-2 in a very close battle last time round. 7PM – Be there!

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