NEW SEASON - Season Six

Matchday One - 9-3 Win VS Cardiff Dragons

TTFE opened the season by upping their unbeaten run to seven matches, after a comfortable victory over Cardiff Dragons.

Just when this reporter thought he could jet off to the Costa del Sol between seasons, Gol decide to cut short the pre-season training period and thrust another league campaign upon our footballing heroes. So TTFE are champions for a week, you could say. No time to prepare for the potential heartbreak or elation a season can bring - and yet, they haven't even received their victory rewards!

TTFE's return to Division Three has already made pundits question whether they will sink or swim. The fact that both the previous Division Four champions and runners up, Toto FC and Sheila's Wheels respectively, have failed to gain further promotion suggests that TTFE may not enjoy the smooth plains which they experienced in Division Four. TTFE enter this campaign with the finest form of all eight teams, but will that be challenged by such a step up in class? Will form and morale be enough to mount another title bid against much tougher opposition? This first game was to be the initial test of that very resolve.

TTFE faced the Cardiff Dragons, a side which exemplify the average Division 3 standard. In the past two seasons, the Dragons have survived two successive relegation dogfights to finish in mid table mediocrity, which gives the impression that they are accustomed to finding times hard in the division. We can believe that now the Gol Leagues are reaching a peak in expansion, the topsy-turvy Gol hierarchy is slowly evening itself out; suggesting that there are likely to be fewer Gretna Green-esque rises to the top from the bottom. Cardiff Dragons are a prime example of the middle ground; a win here could be an omen for better things in Division 3 and maybe, just maybe, a promotion charge. A loss however could mean a possible season of struggle and hardship.

So enough of the speculation and expectation. With the usual seven core men, TTFE kicked off their season with much vigour and passion. They controlled much of the ball and enjoyed a good share of possession whilst the Dragons began unsettled. But did this possession lead to an early goal? And if so, who grabbed that important first goal? It was scored by James Pugh, who tussled and turned away from the defence to score with ease. James Carling was not to be outdone so he caught a defender in possession and scored past a helpless keeper. The Dragons struck back with a wonderful solo effort from their key player (a recognisable Division One player), but Carling and Pugh got to work again with two more goals between them. The movement from full back Paul Precce was particularly electric, as he pushed forward on surging runs and was unlucky to score from a quickly taken free kick which was fed to him beautifully. He soon reaped from his efforts after turning in a rebounded shot and making the score 5-1 at half time.

The Dragons were not beaten yet, but it was clear that they were out of ideas. They resorted to playing long, searching balls to find a way to the goal, however the defence snuffed out much of this threat. TTFE on the other hand, had a hatful of chances to add to their goal tally. Billy Collins got in on the act, as well as capitan Chris Phillips. To avoid the old cliche but it has to be said - Christmas had come early.

In truth, TTFE were not challenged in that game and they did begin to drop off in the second half. With a bit more ruthlessness and cutting edge it could have been a real goal feast of over ten goals. Their keeper did however have a good game, always a challenge in the wet conditions which make it a goal keeper's nightmare. Dave Weller wasn't called upon too much, but made some fine saves when called upon. Their key player had tried his hardest to find the net in the second half and just when his shots look goal bound, Weller was on hand to defy and deny. Their next two goals were nothing more than complementary gifts, as Joe Newbury allegedly strayed into the area to concede a penalty (which was subsequently converted) whilst a deflected shot from Preece's leg resulted in an unlucky own goal. If there was to be any criticism of the gameplay, TTFE did leave some areas of the pitch exposed and were sometimes lax in falling into position - but in this game it mattered very little.

With a 9-3 victory, TTFE hoped that overcoming their first potential banana skin in such fashion could put them straight back to where they have been accustomed to - the top! However old habits die hard, even when you are promoted. Division Four runners up and old rivals, the Cardiff Superstars, enjoyed a pretty victory of their own and placed themselves back at the top, just like they did on teh opening day of last season. Despite this fact however, TTFE can take some solace in another old habit which identifies them so well - already our lads have conceded the least amount of goals in the division. A trend I'd like to think will continue throughout this campaign.

Goals: (to be confirmed)

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