Forest Glade Tiger's 4 - 3 Mornington Boy's

Today Joshua played his second friendly/exhibition football match and his first as part of the newly formed "Tigers" squad within the Under 6's (coached by me and Steve Cross). It was a home game against Mornington Boys and despite some very cold, blustery weather the boys managed to play the full half an hour game (15 minutes each way). As the post title kind of gives it away our boys played amazingly and won the game 4 - 3. So a very proud day for me as it was my first win as a coach and the first win for Joshua and the Tigers.

 

I refereed the 1st half and played it completely neutral and ensured I did not even coach the boys or give instruction as I believe this should not be the role of the ref. At half time we were 3 - 1 up I think. The Mornington coach refereed the second half and took a slightly different approach by trying to referee and manage his team. At times this seemed to be a bit biased towards his team and clearly he was not adhering to the retreat rule etc. which is used for the Under 6's football. Needless to say at least one of their goals came from poor refereeing where his team had not fully retreated when our keeper put the ball out (but that's just my opinion). So at first glance the scoreline might make it look like a tight game, to be honest it was a comfortable win for the Tigers.



Tigers Under 6's from L-R: Lorne, Mason, Riley, Ellis, Joshua and Darcy.

 

Forest Glade on the charge with Mason at the ball (top scorer with 3 goals).

Brandon looking really interested in his big brothers game - to be honest I think he was just frozen stiff.

Joshua holding the defencive line at the back.

Joshua launching a corner kick.

Overall today was the best the Tigers have played. They were running the ball, tackling, passing well, calling each others names, retreating quickly to defend and so much improved from the Hutton game. For sure there is still lots to work on, but they are only 5 or 6 years old and this is only their second game. All of them gave 100% and did so well that it almost seemed unfair to pick a man of the match. Mason came close scoring 3 of our 4 goals, but it had to go to Joshua's little mate Ellis. He is our smallest player but loves playing in goal and was a little superstar. He saved so many shots and was throwing him self at the ball, often taken a good dig from a football boot at the same time. 

Little Ellis got our "Man of the Match" award today.

So roll on next week for our 3rd game. Come on Tigers!!!