Matchday Seven - 3-3 Draw VS Young Gunz

TTFE were denied their third win of the season after a late equalizer from the Young Gunz.

As the season nears the half way mark TTFE faced a real tes as they were to be without Jon Ridout and James Carling, who both have proved to be valuable assets in the season so far. James Pugh led the attack with Chris Phillips whilst Pat Davies, Joe Newbury and Paul Preece had covered the defensive line. Utility player Billy Collins was to make a surprise appearance in what has been a part time season for him at Gol. The opponents have only won once this season and despite their lowly position in the league, their fitness and skill was something was not to be sniffed at. Young Gunz are not an irregular breed in 5-a-side football - they are a typical bunch of young lads who have pace and can show good footwork, but their excellent individualism is often the reason why the team ethic is affected, not to mention the scoreline.

One other aspect of their game is the teenage angst which usually accompanies such a side. Young Gunz were more aggressive than most sides at Gol, and it was clear that this factor was what retailers like to call their 'unique selling point'. It was this side to their game which set the tone to the game and pretty much explained each key event which was to occur.

As the game started both sides did enough to get by; there was no attractive football as both sides were a bit nervous and tested each other with what they could get away with. TTFE seemed to struggle with the pace of the Young Gunz, but at the same time, TTFE did seem to exploit the defence a good number of times. After a brief 'kicking over' of the ball TTFE soon opted for a more attacking set up and pushed on the pressure. However they were unable to get many shots on goal, despite having the space when on the ball. Collins took two good swipes at goal but sadly his efforts went wide. Young Gunz did manage to see a lot of the ball, but they just seemed to falter at the final hurdle and falling short of the finish. They did however, after a period of heavy pressure, take the lead with a good finish which David Weller had almost a chance of getting. It was to end 1-0 at half time, but at least TTFE had started to look more lively and moved off the ball with a lot more passion and vision than in previous games.

After the interval TTFE had to score first to get a hold back into this game, as their usual game plan was not to have an effect in this game dominated by 'strong arm' tactics. The referee was being unhelpful in some instances where TTFE may have been given the benefit of the doubt and Young Gunz could really have been pulled up for a number of misdemeanors. Once again Paul Preece was cautioned by the official for his challenges, but to be impartial here, this must have been the least illegal (not to say in anyway the least tame) he has been in regards to his approach to tackling. Therefore TTFE knew that they had to raise their game above and beyond if they were to have a chance of taking the three points. The second half however began in disaster, as Young Gunz furthered their lead with a promising run and well hit attempt from one of their attackers. At 2-0 the stakes were raised and doubled efforts were required. So in response TTFE took the game the back to their opponents with their own style of aggressive play. Phillips was the first to dish out the ill treatment back to his opposite number, as he bemoaned a certain blow to his ribcage inflicted by the Young Gunz as the half opened. Preece soon became involved in a heated tangle and chose to leave the field before his own tempers flared. After Phillips left the field to re-cooperate he returned to inflicit his own brand of punishment. However when he was continuely being pulled up by the referee for the upping of his aggression, the referee issued TTFE's first blue card of the season and banished him to the sinbin for a short period.

With a player down TTFE had to make sure they held their own in a game where they already looked to be dead and buried. But as the wise commentator Greg Davies observed, the momentum of the team soon picked up after that spirited surge inspired by Phillips before his dismissal. It seemed to continue throughout that sinbin period as TTFE suffered the slings and arrows of a strong attacking Young Gunz side, but did not concide at all. When Phillips was re-admitted to the pitch, a four man attack proved to be too much in this new wave of momentum, and Billy Collins romped home with a fine strike. As the Young Gunz side regrouped they tried to stem the flow of this new revitalised TTFE side, but it could not James Pugh, who was eager to add to his already impressive goal tally this season. Pugh took his chances and shot past the keeper to make it 2-2. Now that TTFE were back into the game and were rubbing shoulders with the opposition, they were not going to stop there. As the defender was caught in possession James Pugh soon grabbed his brace and put TTFE ahead for the first time and finished a wonderful comeback from the dead. At 3-2 it now looked like TTFE had the points in the bag, but the Young Gunz were always going to the Energizer bunnies of this contest, and their fatigue was certainly a small patch on what TTFE were going through. The Gunz started to bombard the TTFE goal with shot after shot, which each tested Weller to his usual best. However it took a lucky goal to finally settle this exciting second half, as the equalizing shot rebounded off Pugh's foot and bounced happily into the net past an already committed Weller. As a result Pugh suffered an injury on his ankle and hopefully, considering his previous history of ankle problems, we can welcome him back for the away fixture of this tie next week.

Well in retrospect, this writer did raise a criticism that TTFE got too much involved in the strong arm tactics and failed to get ahold of the game when they could have gone on to win with a renewed sense of confidence. I also raised the thought that this was definitely a game where two precious points were lost against a side which has struggled this season. Whilst I still stand by those remarks, I take real heart at least that TTFE did have the passion to stand up, be counted and take the game to their opponents when they things weren't going to plan. It was a real battle this week - only the team who wanted the game enough was going to take the whole three points. However in this deserved stalemate the only winner was the audience, who beared witness to a thrilling encounter which could have easily gone either way.

Goals: Pugh 2, Collins 1.

Offences: Phillips (Bluecard - dangerous challenge)

Goal Tally: Pugh 9, Carling 5, Phillips 3, Ridout 3, Newbury 2, Davies 1, Preece 1, Collins 1.

Matchday Six - 4-2 Loss VS Almeider FC

A Jon Ridout brace was mere consolation as Almeider took full advantage of a moment of madness in the May sunshine.

In what was to be partly the reason for their undoing, TTFE boasted a full squad of eight players for this fixture, with the return of Pat Davies and the second consecutive game for Jon Ridout. All positions were therefore highly strengthened with David Weller in goal, Joe Newbury, Paul Preece and Pat Davies holding defensive positions and James Pugh, Chris Phillips, James Carling and Jon Ridout in attack. The opponents, Almeider FC, were newly aquainted with the Gol centre and their record reflected no surprise in this fact with a lowly position in the table. However, they did pack a punch in their pace and individual skill, not to mention a boasting of their own in terms of their squad number.

Much to the delight of the sidelined players TTFE began with a real spring in their step. They were alert and seemed goal hungry from the offset. Almeider however had this same passion and looked just as eager to get the game in their favour. Horns were locked therefore for a long period of the first half, as both sides tried their luck but failed to convert their chances. Ridout had a hatful of chances and was unlucky to break the deadlock in the first ten minutes or so, but he soon grabbed his second of the season with a calm finish into the net. However to TTFE's surprise it was not long after that goal Almeider levelled, returning the game to the tense stalemate of before. The onlt remaining moment of interest was the collision between Ridout and one of their players; who after being floored from the initial challenge, began to run around like a madman and put in 150% effort into every tackle. He was either going to earn man of the match or an early shower with what was an aggressive and determined manner to the game. As one of their key players, it was a shame to see him stay on the referee's good side throughout the encounter.

In the second half there was a call for more movement off the ball and creativity if TTFE were going to gain advantage once more. Just like many of the games this season, this game looked to be another contest decided by a single goal - one which is awarded through an act of brilliance or more likely, a mistake. Almeider never looked like they would run away with the game, but within two minutes they grabbed a two goal lead and effectively ended the contest. As TTFE were caught in possession, the attacker who won the ball shot against a dumbstruck Weller who conceded Almeider's second goal. As the ball went to the centre spot Carling struck with power directly at goal, but sadly his effort rebounded off the post and fell on a plate to their newly revitalised aggro-attacker, who took his chance and slotted home in the right bottom hand corner. It was a killer blow for TTFE who were still smarting from the previous strike, but for Almeider, it was three points gift wrapped as Christmas had come early. After that TTFE were fighting to grab a point, but they never looked like getting it as they struggled to get the ball. They were losing the ball in possession way too easily and were being caught on the break too many times. Ridout remained to hold the middle for any hope of the ball with a quick turn, but by now he had been marked outright. He was able to capitalise on some of some mistakes however, but he was kept out with a good performance by the Almeider keeper. His first clear cut 'one-on-one' since returning to the pitch resulted in a good save from the keeper, but he put that right after his second chance fell to him as he struck confidenly past the keeper. At 3-2 TTFE had some hope of a revival, but once more they were caught in possession and failed to track back. Weller was helpless once more as Almeider stamped their authority on the game with a 4-2 final scoreline.

It was a disappointing game for TTFE who at first looked confident enough to bring the points home. But a moment of madness meant that TTFE have suffered another loss to add their previous two defeats. It is not promotion form at present and the lads have this to consider. It seemed as though in the second half TTFE began to play with little thought and much desperation, and some players could not settle down at all. There were too many long shots, there was a lot of ball watching and not a lot of movement off the ball. Finally we had the players in excess this week so fatigue, an often factor of the TTFE second half downfall, should have been ruled out as a problem. It was hard to say whether this advantage was fully exploited as the game ticked away to the death.

Goals: Ridout 2.

Goal Tally: Pugh 7, Carling 5, Phillips 3, Ridout 3, Newbury 2, Davies 1, Preece 1.

Matchday Five - 5-4 Loss VS Toto FC

Lapses of concentration cost TTFE dear as they lost by a single goal to Toto FC.

As the rain was ebbing away pretty much a week after it ravaged the Gol pitches in our last head- to-head with Brookes FC, TTFE had to make sure that their winning ways would not evaporate as quickly as the precipitation. Toto themselves suffered at the hands of HBFC, TTFE's own conquerors a game earlier and were not prepared to drop any more points after a very promising start to their debut season at Gol. This game was to be real a boost for TTFE as it was the return of striker Jon Ridout. It was to no surprise that the goal machine was eager to score his first of the campaign.

The game started with plenty of vitirol from Toto, who were very evidently fitter than TTFE and passed the ball immaculately. They certainly saw a lot more of the ball than our lads and played the possession game very effectively. However to begin with, they couldn't turn this ball control into goals and took few shots at ball stopper Dave Weller. He was called upon again time and time again and put another encouraging performance. But it wasn't long before Toto took the lead with a sweet strike, forcing TTFE to wake up and play some better football to stay in the game. Despite the shots on goal, TTFE couldn't settle down and play with the same confidence that has pushed them into a mid table place. Jon Ridout however struck from the wing from open play and scored in the tightest of spaces at the near post to level the game. He was surprised as the rest of us, but he was happy at least to score his first goal of the season. But it was never enough to galvanise the team into bettering their opposition, as Toto pulled away with two well taken finishes, down to some brilliant build up play before hand. At 3-1 Carling soon pulled one back through a solo effort, but Toto fired again to end the half with that important two goal cushion at 4-2.

As the second half began, TTFE soon upped the pace and started to compete in the game. Some confident strides into the Toto half exposed the defence much more and Paul Preece was taking whatever chances he had to attack the goal. It was Chris Phillips who broke the second half deadlock however, with a fine belter of a shot from the half way line, prompting the 'Belly' to make an appearance. Toto soon pegged one back and kept their lead over the game in what was to be a very intense final ten minutes. Both sides seemed to be spent - they could offer no more and cancelled each other out. Carling pinched another goal but by then the game seemed to be out of reach from a fatigued TTFE side. It was a shame for James Pugh, who was despite his efforts and determined PMA, turned out to marked out of the game and was fairly quiet in this encounter. One incident at the end which did provoke fury was the overhead kick of one of Toto's players, who cleared the fence completely. The referee then responded that TTFE should have got the ball as it was 'their time' they were wasting. As much of that was true, the fact that the game stopped dead for over three minutes was truly astounding. When the game restarted it was more of the same stalemate football, which resembled trench warfare. When the final whistle blew it was a relief to all, as TTFE knew they did not do enough to get anything from this game.

Some good passing in the game, even some a heel trick from Carling so set up Jon Ridout a real treat. The marking was overall pretty good, but this Toto did excel themselves and could have won by more if it wasn't for the mighty TTFE defence unit of Preece, Newbury and Weller. It was a shame that only a few lapses of the mind seemed to let TTFE down and had got them into a position they couldn't fight their way out of. Only the second loss of the season, but if TTFE are going to have rise a tier they are going to have to win more consistantly and convincingly. In a league of very even talent, a win is very important but a hammering will most definitely prove to be the deciding factor of who will escape Sunday's bottom league.

Goals: Carling 2, Phillips 1, Ridout 1.

Goal Tally: Pugh 7, Carling 5, Phillips 3, Newbury 2, Davies 1, Preece 1, Ridout 1.

It seems I have been blogging on here much more than I have on my own web site!! This is just a quick update to say I have just finished the draft of the first chapter (Late 2003- Early 2005) and have reached a weighty 5,000 words - a word count which I never thought I would reach. With that said I know chapter two will be even meatier, so expect a mammoth end result of around 25,000 words!

It is this realisation which has made me rethink a few things. Theres no way I can cut this down with what I want to achieve, so what I plan to do is make another shortened version with only the bare bones of the thesis (it will probably be in bullet points in most places). This way it won't be a nightmare to read and will have all the facts.

Couple of other things to consider - I know that a timeline of events will go in for sure, but I am pondering over other things to include. For example I know Dale suggested to put in player profiles (and I know he is a fan of them for helping with his website) but I am currently going against the idea slightly. What I will do most definitely is create a player roster, as I am in the process of doing one now to help chart events, which will list every player ever to play in TTFE and when they started and finished playing. I know this is one apsect everyone would like to see.
There will be other carefully selected appendices with the kind permission of the those of you who have given me source material.

Oh God. How I need a job.

Matchday Four - 6-5 Win VS Brookes FC

TTFE won a war of the wet conditions by a nose against a spirited Brookes FC side.

It wasn't going to be a pretty game by anyone's standards. With two pitches drenched and waterlogged, the playing surface for the suitable pitches did not fair any better. However thank God, the pitches certainly did not resemble Sophia Gardens on a wet day so there was hope there at least for some control over the ball. In conditions like these at Gol it has often shown to be easier for the underdogs to grab a point through errors and mistakes related to the slippery surface. This game was no exception. Brookes are new to the league, but have already won their first game; crossing the barrier in a week which TTFE couldn't cross until after a whole year. However TTFE have gathered some real experience at Gol and certainly know how to play the boards and the how to handle the surface. There was no real underdog here however.

This showed in a game where the errors and events of the unexpected outnumbered the skilled and often brilliant, clap-worthy feats. TTFE took the lead through poor distribution from the opposing keeper where Pugh had the ball on a plate and shot, only to have it parried and Chris Phillips picked up on the rebound. Brookes soon pounced back with a fine strike to make it 1-1. Soon after that everyone was aquainted with the referee, who did not hold back any of the rage incurred from his previous match. He was very quick and thorough to point out to Paul Preece that his heavy handed tackling style would not be tolerated in what was a very bizarre and unprofessional manner, stating that he was in 'bad mood'. Preece was somewhat bemused and remained defiant, but with the referee's warning firmly in mind. TTFE then turned on the heat and used the wet surface to fire from any good position. Brookes tended to change their keeper suggesting they had no permanent ball-stopper, so that was one particular weakness TTFE knew they had to exploit. TTFE had took shot after shot and grabbed a 3-1 lead, with Pugh and James Carling capitalising. However the wet surface was just as cruel back to our lads, as Dave Weller was beaten twice in the space of the half's closing two minutes by an awful deflection and a slippery shot which he unluckily fumbled. Half time rolled around and TTFE literally let a good lead slip out of their hands.

In the second half there were concerns that the defence wasn't tight enough after the leaking of the previous two goals, so the lads wanted to seal up the back as a precautionary measure. Billy Collins and Joe Newbury provided additional cover with Preece to carry this out. Sadly this had an effect for the attack, which lacked a bit of potency and bite. Above all though the desired effect became a reality - the ship was steadied. Soon after Carling linked back up with Pugh and the goals began to rain down just like the free-flowing precipitation which christened this game with an unexpected flavour. It was also however a game of catch up - with TTFE taking the step forward each time. At 5-5 it was clear that anyone with a bit of space and a good shot had a 75% chance of hitting net. For them, make it 50% - Weller was again an inspiration for all budding 5-a-side keepers. Weller's opposite number then settled the game appropriately with an unfortunate fumble of the ball, which fell to Carling's path with plenty of time to compose himself. Just like Cool James Pugh a few weeks back he slotted home with a calm and smooth finish. With some last ditch defending TTFE hung on to win the game and claim those vital three points.

It wasn't a good game and it wasn't great football to watch. Although saying that, there were some flourishes of good link up play and not continuous long ball play as TTFE often resort to. It was clear however that this win was a real test of character, or as I liked to steal the SAS motto, 'who dares wins'. We put our front foot forward and claimed this win. Here we also saw another side who were becoming frustrated - they found it hard to break TTFE down and the infighting amongst themselves shows that things must be going right.

Goals: Carling 3, Pugh 2, Phillips 1.

Goal Tally: Pugh 7, Carling 3, Phillips 2, Newbury 2, Davies 1, Preece 1.

TTFE Update 08/05/07

The History Project

Well my research is almost complete now that I have finally completed searching through the forums and blogs. I have even taken up Chris's invitation to see the long lost blog of mid 2005, where the very term 'TTFE' was first used. This source has even changed my original plan because it is so good! It has some real humorous threads, but also some very tense and heated threads. To be honest (and here is a glimpse of what to expect in one of the chapters) I think proper TTFE debating first started here with some real passionate input from a wide selection of people in the organisation. Thanks again Chris for the memory trip! If you are interested (I'm hoping that Chris won't mind) check out www.plas.me.uk/forum for the forum time forgot.

TTFE-L

TTFE-L have got to a very good start in their new season in Division Four with two wins, one draw and a loss. They face the unbeaten league leaders this Sunday, Toto FC , in a game which will determine whether the revival is really one worth talking about. Match report for the most recent win against Brookes FC will be up on here some time later hopefully. Hold on to your hats!

I recently stated on the forum that I will be conducting a research into the history of our beloved community and will produce a report/thesis on what I uncover. I will be using blogs, the forums and personal experiences to guide my work and hopefully after some initial groundwork over the next few days, I will start writing some time next week.

I am writing here basically because inbetween match reports, this main page is fairly neglected. Therefore for the purpose of the project I thought I would hijack it with a web log charting its progression, to keep you all posted if it interests you of course.

Hold on to your hats in the meantime! Thank you all for your patience and support!