Match Report

Thurrock Tigers 4 - 2 Dunton Dynamos

League Match - 13th January 2008; Conditions: Cold, bright with stiff breeze

This Sunday's match was very much "after the Lord Mayors' Show" following a wonderful performance last week. Dynamos started poorly and never seemed to raise their game until it was too late at 2-4 down with 10 minutes to go.

Curtis was the only bright star in a lack lustre team in the first half. He produced some good play at right back with crisp passing and solid defending. Oscar made a great pass from the right wing for AJ to latch onto as Dynamos took the lead early on. If anyone thought that this would be the start of an easy win then they were mistaken. The Tigers "no. 22" was the heartbeat of their team. Dynamos never picked him up and everything the Tigers did came through his sweet left foot, including a wonderful free kick from distance to score the equaliser. This was the only shot Tigers managed in the first half as the teams went in 1-1.

In the second half, AJ burst through to force the keeper into making a good block, but it was from a poor clearance at the other end that Tigers took advantage of more sloppy defending and scored with a fine shot from outside the box to edge ahead.

It was not long before Tigers scored twice soon after, again from poor Dynamos defending after conceding possession far too easily. Ross did his best to keep the ball out but at 1-4 the game looked over. However, Jack's late free kick caused chaos in the box and Harry forced home a second goal with ten minutes to spare. Then Dynamos finally raised their game and tried their best to retrieve the match, but it was too little too late.

The lesson which needs to be learned for next week is that the team must all take responsibility on the pitch as individuals and collectively. They proved the previous week that they have it in them to beat any team in the division if they apply themselves, pass the ball and adopt a positive attitude with hard work. Sadly this week they didn't and went home without any reward.