TTFE fought back to grab a point and fifth place in a thrilling end to the season.
It looked to be another lazy game for TTFE, who pride themselves in making an uphill climb before striving to achieve anything. F-50s, a new team in place of Inter Mynachdy, certainly unnerved TTFE with some smooth passing and good movement, often leaving the lads for dead. They came close on a number of occasions but were kept out by temporary goalkeeper Billy Collins.This is not to say he is by any means out of place; he was outstanding once more in (what I feel is) his natural position. Manning the outfield, Thomas, Phillips, Payne, Pugh and Preece.
The first half was very poor for both sides; TTFE failed to get into the game and F-50s failed to convert their possession into realistic chances. However TTFE could do nothing about the first F-50s goal which was placed brilliantly into the corner of the net. It remained 1-0 towards half time despite heavy pressure on the TTFE goal.
It was a shame that the refereeing was not as great in this game as we have previously experienced, as a lot of fouls from both sides were often allowed to go unnoticed. If both sides were more aggressive, this could have decsended into an all brawl, as tempers were quite high. Good thing that football prevailed, as often it fails to do so in the name of egotism and hot-headedness.
Half time soon rolled some heads. The lads began to wake and realise that ths game was indeed thee to be won.By no means is 1-0 a point of no return, in fact it can only serve to make you stronger. Although the lads improved their passing and began to torment the F-50s with grater consistency, the F-50s cleared the way and slot home to make it 2-0. However heads did not drop, as a surge of determination soon gripped the lads. Dale Thomas was unlucky to score from a 'steam train' solo effort; a run which he looked to be invincible. Then the whole side began to grab some real 'collonges'. Shots began to pour in on the opposite end and when Phillips' shot was deflected and then fell to Thomas, you knew that he would not waste his chance to score. At 2-1 crowds formed around Gol Centre's Pitch One and soon TTFE had an audience to please. The game had now flipped right around - TTFE had the ball and the possession, not to mention the ballistic bombardment of balls in at the F-50s goal. Chance after chance came and gone. Thomas was unlucky once more as he hit the post. However it James Pugh with a superb acrobatic effort which broke the hold on the game and put it on level terms once more. The crowd roared. With fatigue setting in, Collins was called upon to make some good saves to keep the game stable. It ended 2-2.
So what does this mean? TTFE finished 5th at the death and scored a total of 14 points. Well done to all. In other news, goal-hunter Gareth Jenkins has won the top goalscorer of the season despite his injury ruling him out of this final game. He scored 8 - hopefully we can have more from him next season! Chris Phillips and Dale Thomas came joint second with 6, whilst James Pugh grabbed 3rd place. But remember lads, its not all about the goals - its points that matter!
Goals: Thomas 1, Pugh 1.
Season Goals Tally: Jenkins 8, Phillips 6, Thomas 6, Pugh 5, Payne 4, Collins 2.
