SEASON FIVE

Matchday One - 4-2 Win VS Sao Flora

TTFE 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.

Matchday Fourteen - 8-2 Win VS HBFC

TTFE finished the season in style with a comprehensive demolition of fellow mid-tablers HBFC.

It was a game which came to represent very little after the disappointing second half of the season for both teams. HBFC did look to have mounted a serious title challenge early on in the year, after beating the top two teams and getting a credible third place for a long period of the campaign. However a poor run of form and a lack of winning key games has cost them dearly and had even threatened to put them in the bottom half of the table. With Almeider defeating TTFE last week and assuring themselves third place, this game was a real scrap for the top half of the table in that psychologically important fourth place slot. TTFE had relied this week on Chris Phillips, James Carling, Dave Weller, James Pugh, Paul Preece and Joe Newbury to bring home the bacon and avenge the 2-1 defeat suffered to their opponents earlier this season.

It was a familar strike partnership then for this game, with both Carling and Pugh leading the way for goals this season. Carling has been particularly effective on poaching and winning the goal near the goal, captialising well from this clever game of 'waiting for the mistake'. Not only that, he has bossed the centre and brought a new link between defence and attack that TTFE couldn't integrate previously. On the other wing, Pugh has seriously upped the gear on the targeting aspect of his game, bordering on the audacious and seemingly outragous with his attempts. This is not to discredit Mr. Pugh - as for all the cracks at goal he has had, he has perfected his shot to a sweet tee; creating a deadly striker's foot which finds the bottom corner at even the tightest of angles. His goal count will speak volumes for his season and will truly reflect his hard work and determination to change his game from a runaround Savage-esque type to an effective, clinical finisher. It is these two who once again gave shape to the game and led a confident front. Carling found it all too easy finishing his attempts in front of goal and the keeper's constant parrying was an early Christmas present for our new cool-as-you-like playmaking sensation. For Pugh a quick substitution rectified what was deemed to be a 'nightmare minute' for him, for as soon he left the field and quickly returned, his play was exceptional. At half time I believe the score was 3-1 or so and at this stage although TTFE dictated play they did not do enough to win this outright.

After half time, TTFE now needed to do something bold and new if they were to earn their first ever hammering - thats a hammering of another team, of course. They would have to battle against fatigue and continue the good run of '3 up, 3 back', which shown such promise in the first half. With three men leading the attack and a strong three men defence when the ball was going the other way TTFE looked confident. It was at this point that everything fell into place, whilst everything for HBFC fell apart. Phillips played an excellent game in moving on and off the ball and creating space, not to mention to playing intelligent balls onto the wingers beside him. He was instrumental in bringing about the gaps which TTFE exploited and he led by his usual example. In defence, Preece can stand even taller than usual with what was a towering performance. He may have been disappointed with himself in previous games but here his head never lowered, his game never faltered and was in the right place at the right time. Preece also made challenging runs whilst being covered adequately at the back, which has made this game the nearest TTFE have ever come towards playing a form of successul free-flowing, total football. Dave Weller was called upon in this game, despite the domination that TTFE enjoyed, and he did make some important saves at point blank range which once again won him some acclaim from his opposite number, in addition to the rest of the opposing team. Carling rounded off the game scoring the only penalty awarded to TTFE all season, for an infringement which did seem a little harsh on HBFC, who by this point were trying to salvage something meaningful from this game. The match ended 8-2.

I may hear you cry that this review resonates more of a glowing vindication of the TTFE players rather than a detailed analysis of what actually happened in the game. To address that claim, I can merely reply that this game was the embodiment of everything TTFE tried to do this season. More passing, more possession, more movement on and off the ball, more belief that the team can succeed. It was a game which finally moulded the raw talent of this bunch of lads and transformed it into a disciplined and confident team unit. HBFC had to accept fifth place and will be kicking themselves after their poor end to the season. Look out for their revenge when they next encounter TTFE! Here is to season five and a realistic objective of achieving promotion to Division Three.

Goals: Carling 3, Pugh 2, Phillips 2, Newbury 1.

Final Goal Tally: James Pugh takes this season's golden boot! Well done!

James Pugh - 21
James Carling - 12
Chris Phillips - 9
Jon Ridout - 3
Joe Newbury - 3
Billy Collins - 2
Pat Davies - 1
Paul Preece - 1

Matchday Thirteen - 6-4 Loss VS Almeider FC

TTFE threw away their chances of making third place and notched up three losses in a row after a spirited effort against Almeider FC.

TTFE hoped that with the disappointment of losing out to the top two teams, Sheila's Wheels and Toto FC will be wiped away with an improved performance against Almeider FC, a team who have revitalised their hopes of getting the elusive third place spot with some positive results towards the end of the campaign. The form of TTFE however is very different. TTFE last won 2-0 against Brookes FC and the clock is ticking for the lads to secure another win to stay afloat in the top half of the table, yet alone chase the third place spot. This week saw the return of Chris Phillips, whilst Dave Weller took his place in goal, Joe Newbury and Paul Preece watched the back and James Pugh and James Carling hunted for goals.

TTFE took the game to their opponents early in the game and it paid off very well with some real chances in the front of goal. Both Pugh and Carling intercepted passes in their half and were unlucky to finish them. Carling finally had a lucky strike as he intercepted and struck sweetly to score. With that goal scored and with much similarity with last week against Toto, Almeider upped their game. They struck four goals in what seemed to be a real frenzy at the TTFE back line. The ball was given away too cheaply and cost TTFE dear at such an early stage in the game. All the good movement of the first half was null and void, cancelled out by the huge deficit accumulated in the first period. Half time score 4-1.

The irony was, TTFE won the second half on goals scored. Yet it was another tale of too little too late as Almeider always seemed to have that edge to gamble for more with an attractive goal cushion. TTFE just didn't have enough oomph in this game, settling for second place as they never believed that this game was in their grasp. Although TTFE remain spirited and worked hard the PMA just wasn't in place, especially after conceding three goals in a row. Just like after the game against Toto heads dropped too quickly and only rised again after a prolonged amount of time. The truth be told, Almeider deserved the win but TTFE knew that they could do enough to vanquish their third place rivals. Although Pugh scored a double and Carling made his own brace, Almeider were comfortable in front.

Goals: Pugh 2, Carling 2.

Goal Tally: Pugh 19, Carling 9, Phillips 7, Ridout 3, Newbury 2, Collins 2, Davies 1, Preece 1.

Matchday Twelve - 4-2 Loss VS Toto FC

TTFE gifted promotion in their second consecutive week after a lethargic 4-2 defeat to Toto FC.

It was another tough game for TTFE as they faced top two opposition for the second game in a row. Toto have looked shaky in parts during the second half of the season, but they had secured a comfortable second place recently and looked very likely to earn promotion even if they had slipped up in a few of their last matches. However with a diminished TTFE squad and the absence of captain Chris Phillips, Toto capitalised and assured themselves a celebratory party after the game.

Toto looked hazy from the kick off and for a rare flurry this season TTFE led the proceedings from the beginning of the game. It took an early Toto mistake to TTFE score first, and with a eagerness to return to winning ways, James Carling made it 1-0 after what has been a short absence from the squad. However this lapse of concentration was only temporary as Toto spurred into action with a vengeance. Despite the goal advantage and some good attempts on goal, including Pat Davies' fine shot that struck the post, TTFE failed to push the game forward and let Toto straight back into the fray with some sloppy passing and an exposed backline.
With a team scorned, they soon unleashed the form that has won them such acclaim within the league with three well taken goals, all having a certain aura of ruthlessness with each. At 3-1, TTFE had indirectly built the mountain they had vehemently tried to stop from happening, as they now had to win their way back into the game against the strong tide of a Toto momentum.

Half time came only too soon as TTFE needed to find the goals which would at least grab a point in this important encounter for third place. TTFE however continued to look lost and uninspired in the second half, mainly relying on long balls and long shots to fight their cause. Yet Toto, looking comfortable with a two goal lead, were seemingly beginning to wind down themselves. Their form soon deteriorated as they failed to find the net as prolifically as in the first half. They did however manage to hammer the final nail in the coffin with a fourth goal, which had effectively ended all hope of a TTFE revival. James Pugh added to his already impressive tally with a late strike, but it was always going to be a consolation in a game that Toto had deserved to be slight winners, not annihilators.

Toto may not have shown the type of football they can usually muster up (thank you YouTube), but they did do more than enough to secure a win against TTFE and win a place in Division Three next season. TTFE could not deal with the pace and the skill of their opponents just like in the previous encounter, but did well in minimising the damage caused. David Weller had a good game back between the sticks, whilst the effective goal hanging of Carling was proving to be the proverbial Venus fly trap; pouncing upon the errors of any rookie or competent goalkeeper on poor throwouts. Pugh played well carrying the ball forward and proved once again that his unique tight angle shot is the very cornerstone of his deadly striking ability. Paul Preece had a strong and composed manner at the back, whilst I myself, had a difficult time in keeping up with the wingers and marking them out of the game. Davies was as fiery as ever and despite his own positive runs forward, he probably had one of his quietest games of the season.

It wasn't the hammering of last week, but it was a one sided win for the victors, who never looked out of place as the real winners of this tie. It was champagne once again on the other end of the field and more uncertainty for the future of TTFE at their own goal. Now to secure third place, two wins are a must against fellow rivals HBFC and Almeider - two teams who have already vanquished TTFE this season.

Goals: Carling 1, Pugh 1.

Goal Tally: Pugh 17, Phillips 7, Carling 7, Ridout 3, Newbury 2, Collins 2, Davies 1, Preece 1.

Matchday Eleven - 8-2 Loss VS Sheila's Wheels

The league leaders had little difficulty in overcoming TTFE and assured themselves promotion to Division Three.

TTFE were doomed from the beginning as they fought from a 1-0 scoreline before the kick off. The referee was displeased with TTFE for their late entry onto the pitch, although it was well within the five minutes period after the previous game. From there it looked to be another hard slog for TTFE, who planned to make it two wins out of two against the team who have dominated the top of the league throughout the camapign. However it wasn't to be as they scored three goals without much of a complaint. Chris Phillips scored a single goal in the first half and made the score 4-1 at half time.

The second half was better for TTFE as Billy Collins came out of his caretaker goalkeeping role and played outfield whilst Pat Davies went in goal. Pugh got another one back but it was too little too late as Shiela's Wheels were able to score from long range, even though the marking had been tightened up by TTFE. It ended 7-2 but it will be recorded as 8-2; a hammering nonetheless.

A worthiable mention must go to the poor officiating of this game, which included the referee's failure to get out of the way of the ball. However the game was lost because TTFE were just not sharp enough and not clinical with their chances in front of goal. A game lost, a season in turmoil and a glass of champagne to the newly promoted opponents.

Goals: Phillips 1, Pugh 1.

Goal Tally: Pugh 16, Phillips 7, Carling 6, Ridout 3, Newbury 2, Collins 2, Davies 1, Preece 1.