Matchday Fourteen - 5-3 Win VS Almeider FC
(Please note, it is noted as 5-2 on the Gol website but Almeider did score 3 goals)

A five goal blitz from James Carling secured the Sunday Division Four title for TTFE in a highly spirited match against Almeider FC.

After being six points behind Cardiff Superstars and losing two games on the trot, it seemed too far out of reach for TTFE to even think about winning the title. It was surely a pipe dream where promotion in second place looked to be the realistic target for the end of season. For a start, how could they beat the in form table leaders when they hadn't even lost a game? Where would they drop six points for them to have a chance to contend again? Even when they dropped those games, TTFE would have to be faultless themselves to have any chance of surpassing them. But once TTFE finally beat Almeider by 5 goals to 3, the dream had become a reality, with each of those seemingly impossible eventualities unolding to create the most dramatic title win of all time.

On the cards before the game, fate looked to be against TTFE in winning this famous victory. They knew that the task of defeating Almeider was a difficult one and for some, this has always been labelled as the toughest game of the season. In terms of history, Almeider have an impressive record against TTFE - two wins and only one defeat by a defaulted goal. Almeider are also a tough team to break down; brandishing their own style of pass and move football, tight marking and can pack a real punch in attack. Therefore, TTFE knew that they had to win and win convincingly if they had any chance of grabbing the title on this cold, October evening. Things didn't start too well for TTFE either - with initially only four players to begin with, it looked like disaster struck for this crucial game. Luckily, all seven players had arrived by the end of the first five minutes of time.

TTFE were at first overwhelmed by a passionate Almeider team, who played some good football and looked hungry to end their season on a win. Keeper Dave Weller had to handle some difficult balls, but he adjusted well to the variety of shots which were being thrusted into his path. TTFE did not get into the game straight away and had little chances in front of goal, being edged out by a muscular defence. It stayed goalless for around ten minutes, suggesting that this could be the first ever goalless half witnessed by this reporter at the Gol Centre. James Carling soon put an end to that by breaking the silence, as well as the iron grip of his markers by slotting home one of the five he scored throughout the game. That was soon matched with an equaliser after a quick free kick taken in the corner by Almeider and was met by a attacker free in front of goal. TTFE took their eye off the ball and paid the price for it. 1-1. Carling soon belted another one underneath the keeper, making it 2-1. But just as half time rolled around, the TTFE defence could not contain an effective Almeider move and an unmarked winger found plenty of space to equalise. At half time, it was a deserved 2-2 draw.

Almeider fancied their chances to go all the way here and must have known that a win for them would be a favour well appreciated from the Cardiff Superstars, who were desperate for TTFE to falter. Remember that Cardiff Superstars had to better the result of TTFE and a win for our lads would mean an automatic claim to the title, regardless of how the Superstars did against 4-4-2. TTFE figured that the way forward was to mark tighter and create more movement in the middle by drawing men out wide. To begin, TTFE seemed even more uncomfortable as the realisation of their task was becoming even more demanding, whilst the clock was slowly ticking away. The nerves had shown in first touches, in bad passing and desperate defending, and the second half was still full of these small, but costly mistakes. Weller on the other hand, seemed to be the voice and the inspiration for the side to compete. In goal he pulled off a number of a outstanding saves, even one with his left leg when a shot seemed unstoppable. He was having the game of his life, calling the shots from his own area as his peers looked shaky on the outfield. Almeider had knocked on the door many times in the second half and their reward came in the form of a rebound in the centre of the area. With no defenders around him the attacker took his early christmas present by hitting the post, only to come off the back of Weller and rebound happily into the net. It was then that the Superstars had arrived.

At 3-2, pitch number eight became the 'cauldron of hate' in which TTFE had surely felt the jig was up. With the Superstars offering their vocal support to the Almeider cause, the third goal against TTFE was met with a loud, deafening roar, which was intimidating to say the least. However, with that cheer the sandbags of nerves which were being carried throughout the game had finally been relieved from the shoulders of our heroes. As if by magic, or some other unexplainable cause, TTFE finally shown the spirit that have got them out of jail so many times this season when the chips were down. The lads knew what had to be done. Carling soon lashed back with an equaliser, then he scored another - and then another. The defence was tight, with each player screaming their lungs out with anything, anything at all, that was constructive. It was shouting for the sake of shouting - anything to get everyone focused and on the game.

At 5-3 a sigh of relief and jubilation ringed out from the TTFE players as they knew that after such a tough clash, they had not only won the game, they had won promotion, and now they had won the title to the league. Well done TTFE, you acheived the impossible. You earned the title of champions for a Heraculean performance which may not have shown the true talents of your ability, but it certainly embodied the TTFE spirit of perseverance, determination and good teamwork. You should be proud. A great end to a wonderful season which has had many plaudits from pundits, whilst commentators like myself have been forced to eat our own hats.

Goals: Carling 5.

Final Goal Tally: Carling 39, Phillips 13, Pugh 13, Collins 9, Newbury 3, Preece 1, (Default) 12.

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