Matchday Six - 10-0 Default Win VS Boom

*Boom fail to make a fixture for the third time and therefore TTFE have been awarded a default 10-0 victory*

Goal Tally: Carling 9, Phillips 8, Pugh 7, Collins 1, Preece 1, Newbury 1, (Default) 11.

(C'mon lads, Default is now the top goal scorer! Bag some more goals!!! :D)

The Art of Winning

After years of torrid league campaigns, heart-breaking hammerings and players coming and going through the revolving door, the TTFE league team have witnessed a run of form which most teams would be envious of. Recently converted TTFE member Joe Newbury talks about how the team have raised a few eyebrows this season...

I've been playing 5-a-side football for five years and I have never been involved in what is happening with TTFE right now. This is not just a good run of form, but is truly the pinnacle of what any competitive side yearns for. To still have a 100% record with six wins out of six is just simply amazing - the first time in 5-a-side I can actually be proud of saying where one of my teams have ended up in the table!

But why do I hear you ask? Why now? The answer is probably down to many individual factors all coming together at the right time. To be honest though, it is a real testament to the old saying 'you stick at something long enough, you will get there in the end'. This ascendancy is mainly attributed to the determination of a bunch of lads who stared straight into the abyss and remained unfaltered, unfazed and galvanized in the face of crisis. I guess I can say that this season is nature's way of offering a complimentary refund after a few seasons of bad service.

Where players have left, new players have come in and kept the dream of getting back into Division One alive. In TTFE's debut season they finished well, but the following season witnessed no points, bottom place, three player walkouts and a heavy relegation to Division Three. It was here that the lads could have packed it in. But the resolve was notably strong and stubborn and they were not about to end just yet. Season Three was much better with a few wins, but 4th place out of six wasn't enough to save them from Division Four. Season Four was another step in the right direction and 4th place out of eight this time saved them from the chop. The growing incline was there and the miracle had already occurred - TTFE were ripe for a title challenge. Yet what we have here is a dramatic jump from mid table mediocrity to hundred per cent heroes.

Some have placed the emphasis on poor opposition in Division Four this season. It is clear that a number of the teams in the league are newly created and are still finding their feet. TTFE have only been met with one team who they faced last season, Almeider FC, who finished in their expense in 3rd place last season. 4-4-2 and Boom have been poor in attendance this season, gifting opponents with 10-0 wins and having an adverse effect on the goal difference in the table. In the case of TTFE and the Cardiff Superstars, making the gap between the top and the bottom even greater. But it is clear from this season that only four teams really have particular sway in who will get promoted this season. Cardiff Superstars, who are also on a 100% record, may be debutants but their form will suggest otherwise. Da Randem Mandem, 'the Young Gunz' second string, have been scoring goals for fun against the lowly opposition whilst Almeider have the strength to mount a late title bid. TTFE of course are the fourth team in the mix.

This reason however doesn't wash very well with me. TTFE have beaten some good sides to get where they are now and I believe that they have had to find some extra reserve to beat them in some cases. If TTFE played like they did last season, they will not have had the results they have had so far. In fact, I would say the team would nestle mid table quite easily, on perhaps 10 points. The reality is TTFE have 18 points - already surpassing last season's total of 17, which won the team a creditable 4th place. For me and some notable others, one major factor of this success is most definitely psychological. This season has witnessed not just a revival, but a total upheaval of what has happened in the past. It is the embedding of what Dave Weller calls ' the belief'.

It came about after a five game winless streak at the end of season four. TTFE fought HBFC for fourth place and romped home 8-2. It was to be the beginning of the next season in spirit and mind; a reminder to all of what TTFE could do. It was the mentality that accompanied that game - the domination, the fluidity and the ruthlessness that could flow once channelled. No longer TTFE felt that they had to get by, but they had to push themselves to win confidently and outright. This 'belief' has been on board all season. It goes to show that you are as only as good as your win and if you think of it that way, it is fuel for the fire to grab another win.

Belief alone is not enough to win titles however. But an ability to run the game has - the other major aspect of the TTFE game which has spelled success. James Pugh had always talked about changing game play to suit the opponents. In effect, the philosophy of the team is not static - it changes in each game. TTFE finally look intelligent by outwitting their opponents and allowing them to 'self-destruct'. It is clear now that TTFE can take the game by the scruff of the neck when things aren't going their way and adopt a style that can counter the run of play. This was evident in the Da Randem Mandem game prominently, but it has influence in each of the games where have emerged victorious after locking horns with teams. With this intelligent play, TTFE have shifted games and earnt two more points where last season they would have been lost.

James Carling also noted that the variance in the scorers is also improving. Although TTFE boast a fine defence, they have struggled to match the number of goals scored by their rivals. This season, it hasn't been the same players who are being relied upon to hit the net, but a mixture of everyone to add their goal scoring contribution. Although Carling, Pugh and Phillips seem to be the big hitters, they are complemented with the occasional drizzle of goals from Preece, Newbury, Collins and Davies. The pressure to score - a regular problem for TTFE - is slowly becoming tackled throughout more of a team effort.

With this in mind however, fate still lends a helping hand. The goal gifted by the referee in the Almeider FC did controversially hand the game to TTFE and keep the win record in tact, but only means the teams are the benefactor of circumstance - something out of their control. Of course the 10-0 over Boom was a stroke of predictable luck, but it seems fitting that Cardiff Superstars got their own default win over fellow absentees 4-4-2. A default win too many over the title contenders would have seriously discredited the cause.

As stated earlier however, through all the luck and toil, TTFE have reached dizzy heights which they have achieved greatly to a renewed determination and belief that had greatly diminished in earlier seasons. I left at a time when belief was low and self-improvement was too immature to grow. It was soon clear that finding feet in a lower division was necessary to boost morale, improve technical skills and work on a team bond which was shattered during the second season in Sunday's premier league. This season is the first where the team have been allowed to bond, as transfer activity has been non-existent.

So the big game on Sunday could mean a 100% round robin - a feat which is rare for any team to achieve. TTFE will not intimidated by the challenge - they will face it head on, on the chin, head first - you name it. But look at this way - we are due a bit more luck this season and seven wins out of seven could not be any more appropriate.

Matchday Five - 8-3 Win VS Da Randem Mandem

The TTFE bandwagon rolls on in style as they disposed of third placed rivals Da Randem Mandem in a tempered encounter.

With TTFE cruising in respectable second place, a 100% record and the finest defensive record in the division, the bubble had to burst at some point. Thankfully, this was not the time or the place that the remnants of that bubble had splattered to the ground. In what is surely one of TTFE's most professional games, the lads looked calm and patient in a game which had the makings of good hard slog. In the end however, it was surprisingly one sided - with TTFE pushing to further their goal tally and ruthlessly punish their opponents. Outfield for this game TTFE had Joe Newbury, Paul Preece, James Pugh, James Carling and Chris Phillips, whilst Billy Collins was thrusted into his secondary TTFE position. For this match up, first choice goal keeper Dave Weller was on annual leave and so it was up to Collins to fill the void. It was his first bout in goals since recovering from a wrist injury, which kept him out of goal when he was needed in a previous Weller absence, against the Young Gunz in a 5-1 loss. It is ironic that this team is a brother (brutha) team of the same Young Gunz team who soundly beat TTFE last season.

TTFE however, were not to let any sibling sides get the better of them this season. Their keeper, who is a Young Gunz regular, was holding pretty well at the beginning of the game and complemented a fierce opening Randem attack. They had pace and accuracy which could the frighteners any well-organised defence and the stats backed it; they have scored more than any other team in the league. TTFE of course, had the 'brick wall' claim of their own and were not willing to give it up just yet.

TTFE took the lead early on, but Randem were soon back into game with an equalising goal. At 1-1 tensions soon began to flare, with Preece bearing the brunt of what was a predictable tirade from Randem about his strong arm approach. It wasn't long before Randem started to lean on the rest of team, with the referee reluctant to start handing out warnings just yet. However the first of many sinbins was completely out of context, with Carling receiving his marching orders for a challenge which certainly did not warrant such action. TTFE went down to four men and played to hold the ball. They sustained heavy pressure and saw out the storm, then found their resolve. TTFE fired three quick goals in succession to pull into a healthy lead. Randem were shell-shocked - but they failed to heed their own advice pre-game: they self confessed to us that they were a team of strikers, not defenders. Randem were guilty of leaving gaps in defence and were very disorganised; qualities which their pace and skill could not cover up. At half time TTFE were very happy to have such a strong lead.

In the second half Randem were beginning to retaliate in the only way they knew how - by upping the mouth and raising the shoulders. It was no surprise that Randem started to moan at the ref for every challenge and the tirade against Preece was getting more brutal. The towering defender was mature and calm in his approach however and did not give in to the taunts of his opposition. Everyone took a leaf out of his book and the game just seemed to get easier and easier for TTFE, as Randem soon self-imploded. Pugh, Phillips and Carling helped themselves to some more vital goals in between two more sinbins for the other side. Randem grabbed two more goals, but that was at no discredit to Collins who played a blinder. What a return to goal for Billy Boy - and a good show for his audience too!

Randem crashed and burned, whilst TTFE went on to claim a six point lead over the rest of the promotion rivals. Cardiff Superstars are still in possession of their own 100% record and they don't look like they will give it up with a fight. First Boom await TTFE - a potential banana skin before meeting their title contenders.

Goals: Pugh 4, Phillips 2, Carling 2.

Goal Tally: Carling 9, Phillips 8, Pugh 7, Collins 1, Preece 1, Newbury 1, (Default) 1.

Matchday Four - 6-3 Win VS Gringos FC

A second half rampage secured win number four for TTFE against lowly Gringos FC.

This week the squad consisted of Dave Weller, Joe Newbury, Paul Preece, James Carling, Chris Phillips and James Pugh in what seems to be the core team this season. The game began very slowly with the pace dial set on 'snooze', as both teams could not take advantage of their chances to pull away. It was not entertaining football to watch, but TTFE did catch an early lead. Within the following ten minutes though Gringos upped the ante and scored two goals to take the lead. TTFE managed to get a goal back to bring this tedious half to a close and a deserved draw.
In the second half TTFE pulled their socks up and realised that the 100% record was in jeopardy. Gringos on the other hand, looked tired from only having the bare players at their disposal - a certain factor which may have led to their downfall. TTFE then initiated a gung-ho attack and it reaped big rewards. It was a great game for James Carling, who took his performances for the team to a higher level - complete with even more audacity in his playing style. Carling has already performed a bicycle kick in his debut season and in this encounter he took his theatrics into overdrive with a cocky, but skilled solo run. He passed the defenders with ease and confidence and even lobbed the keeper with neat chip. As Carling and Phillips took advanatge of a highly disjointed and disintegrated Gringos side, TTFE felt in control. Paul Preece commented on how for the first time in TTFE history, the side seemed to be pissing about with the ball - in a good way of course. Gringos got a goal in reply but TTFE had already finished this game off in a resurgent second half.

Goals: Carling 4, Phillips 2.

Goal Tally: Carling 7, Phillips 6, Pugh 3, Collins 1, Preece 1, Newbury 1, (Default) 1.

TTFE on the TV!

It's that time again! What time?
Time to shout things like "Wow!", "What the..." and "Man On!!!" at the screen.

It's TTFE in video action again courtesy of Toto FC.
This film contains highlights of the Matchday 12 encounter from last season between the two teams, which ended in a 4 - 2 defeat.




But TTFE had the last laugh as they saw off the challenge of Toto to another division!

Ok, it was to a higher division, but that's not the point!
Enjoy.

Matchday Three - 6-2 Win VS 4-4-2

TTFE jumped to second place in Sunday Division Three after claming their third win in as many matches.

The TTFE bandwagon rolls on with another fine performance, this time vanquishing one of the many debutants 4-4-2, who also had a 100% record to protect. It was another hot and muggy night at Gol, so a good strong squad was needed to ensure fatigue was not to be their undoing. This week boasted such a strong side, with Dave Weller in goal, Joe Newbury and Paul Preece manning the back, whilst Billy Collins, Chris Phillips, James Carling and James Pugh led the hunt for goals.

4-4-2 started strong, with real fire in their belly and some real ferocious shooting. It was clear that any space given to this team would be suicidal. Yet TTFE grabbed the lead through Newbury after he tapped it through the keeper's legs from a challenge with the defender. 4-4-2 soon bounced back with a fine effort, just beating the ball-stopper Weller. At 1-1 the game turned into a bore draw, with very little imaginative play and no initiative. Just when it looked like no team was able to break the deadlock, It was up to the 'James Duo' to work their magic. Both James Pugh and James Carling began to read off the same hymn sheet and convert two goals between them to put the game at comfortable 3-1 for half time.

4-4-2 were clearly tired, especially as they only had the bare minimum of five players. But the restart was just what they needed to refocus, re-energise and revive. They struck early after the interval and gained real momentum; pushing the run of play into their favour. 4-4-2 then won a penalty after TTFE strayed into the penalty area, but Weller was able to make a momentous save. As the game seemed to be slipping away, Preece then made his typical indestructible run to goal and topped it with a piercing shot which put TTFE back in the driving seat. At 4-2 TTFE ended the hope of a 4-4-2 revival, as they faded into obscurity leaving gaps as wide as China upa nd down the pitch. The James Duo went to work once more and shown some promising movement and passing play. Carling was just as dangerous as ever around the penalty area, executing with precision and deadly accuracy. Pugh also proved that he can score from the tightest of angles, in the hope that he can retain his golden boot award. So far, Chris Phillips has stormed ahead but a duck for him in this game has cut his lead to a single goal. The game ended 6-2 but 4-4-2 did go down fighting - exemplified by a fingertip save by Weller late in the game which would have most certainly gone in.

Three out of three - sounds good maybe, but four out of four sounds just a little bit better. This is a dream start for TTFE, who were happy enough to start off the season with a win. TTFE now have to start piling the goals on teams if they are contend for anything this year as fellow 100%ers already upstrip them on the old GD.

Perhaps too early to start mentioning the holy grail of 'p-------n'* just yet, but TTFE can certainly crack open a beer or two for what has to be a truly wonderful start to the campaign.

Goals: Carling 2, Pugh 2, Newbury, Preece.

Goal Tally: Phillips 4, Pugh 3, Carling 3, Collins 1, Preece 1, Newbury 1, (Default) 1.


* - refers to the process of 'end of the season league ascension and advancement'. For reasons of 'tempting fate', I have chosen not to use this word until at least half of the season has passed.

Matchday Two - 4-3 Win VS Almeider FC

TTFE defeated rivals Almeider FC to secure their 100% record.

According to Billy Collins, this game was a tight and scrappy affair. It was also fortunate that the referee gifted a goal to TTFE as Almeider arrived late to the field, but it painfully cost the opposition a point as they lost 4-3.

Goals: Phillips 2, Carling, (Default).

Goal Tally: Phillips 4, Pugh 1, Carling 1, Collins 1, (Default) 1.