SEASON FIVE Matchday One - 4-2 Win VS Sao FloraTTFE kicked new side Sao Flora to touch on their debut with an average display.Where season four shown much promise, season five will have to be even more pleasing if TTFE are going to continue moving forward on that proverbial straight line. Here substance must take place of excusee, where once again TTFE have a real chance of making the top two places. Last season TTFE faltered in the second half of the season and now for the new season, they would be foolish not to use their experience to the fullest advantage in a league populated with new talent.
Therefore as honourary TTFE match reporter, I see fit to give this season's story in a very unique but quite unorthodox fashion. Season five therefore is codeworded 'Mission Possible'. First objective - win the opening game of the season. Second objective - get to the half way point of the season with more wins than losses and draws combined. Third objective - Secure as many winning doubles as possible. Maybe a bit tough, but remember this is 'mission possible' - and in 5-a-side many things are possible.
TTFE came through their first challenge... just. The lads were graced with a touch of luck in a scrappy encounter against Sao Flora, who did impress with their rigid marking and running off the ball. Yet TTFE had this game licked with a thin layer of dominance which was most certainly opaque and could only be seen by the most optimistic. This was not a triumphant display nor a title winning one, but it was one which did enough to see off their opponents and silence any uppings of their game. Sao Flora were a bit lax at the back and made many a mistake in front of goal, but TTFE had much trouble in finishing their chances. Chris Phillips opened the scoring with a fine strike in typical belly style; a thunderous release from the half way line which beat the keeper. However the lead was soon lost with some shaky defending and old-fashioned ball-watching, as the opponents were able to beat keeper Dave Weller. Pugh soon after launched along range shot of his own and pulled the game back in TTFE's favour, but it was the missed chances that TTFE had spawned which put this game into contest. Half time 2-1.
In the second half young Billy Collins got his first of the season after capping a good team move. However just when TTFE looked to break away, a free kick on the edge of their area threw the game back into a slugfest. As the set piece was inadquately defended it left a open shot to trouble Weller on his near post and although he primarily had it covered, it unluckily trickled into the net from his hand. At 3-2 TTFE needed to do more to earn the three points and it was up to James Pugh to bring it home with a final goal. At 4-2, it could have been more but it was a credit to see a strong defence in such a determined effort to ensure the win. It was a good game overall for the defence as Paul Preece was typically solid at the back.
Goals: Phillips 2, Pugh, Collins.
