How Would You Define a Man of the Match?

With the fast becoming TP tradition of throwing the pre-determined team sheet out of the window, the 10 men of TP took the field against the awesome Tower Hamlets, who annihilated the impressive Enfield a week earlier 12-2!

But with no pressure on TP due to there being nothing but pride left to play for, the intention was to get at Hamlets with a 4-3-2 formation.

It wasn't particulalry effective!

The play was camped in TPs half, but as a defensive 10 man unit the performace was more than admirable. Most notably, Owen was tracking all over the pitch from his forward positon and Gareth was showing some nice touches to try and ease the pressure and kick start counter attacks.

To hinder TP further, Darryl was carrying a knock that didn't take long to get aggrevated further.

But nevertheless, defensively TP were giving more than 100% in effort.

Steve most notably was keeping the score down, seemingly enjoying the challenge of keeping Hamlets out from the distance efforts they persisted in trying. But for a freak bounce of of the Hamlet strikers chest after Trevor attempted a clearance, who knows how long TP could have held out.

To add to the injury list, Ian wanted to put his name into the ring as the new John Helm by putting his head where it hurts - and did it hurt! A bloody nose was Ian's harsh lesson.

It was only 3-0 at half time, and spirits were high due to it being a typical TP game of scrapping and tackling which all seemed to enjoy.

The second half however became a different ball game, and it could be that TP have finally learnt how to play football! Passes were being strung together all over the pitch in the space created by being a man short, and Mes came into his element, picking the ball up deep and running two thirds of the pitch strainght down the throats of Hamlets.

Jesse was enjoying a battle against his full back, and Owen continued to hassle and harrass the defenders at every chance when they were turned around.

But injury blow 3 hit, and Gareth made way unable to continue.

Until someone had the bright idea of suggesting he go in goal. Gareth bravely voluteered (and in doing so show some awesome kicking and deft handywork to keep Hamlets away) and Steve ventured out for a rare (2nd?) out field apperance, this time as a striker.

And what an impact - first taking out a Hamlets player (unintentionally!) and then by controlling a cross from Arsan, beating 2 players in the box and unleashing a shot the goalkeeper failed to hold.

The goal ignited TP to action, with Jesse causing mayhem in the box before Mes could only hit the post. And on a different day Steve could have had a second from a similar position to that which he scored.

But the fact remains it was a day for the defence, with Trev, Darryl, Nick, Ian, Arsan - in fact probably all 10men at some point recovering to stop several clear goal scoring chances.

Roll on LAS and next season!

Team:



S. Speroni (1);

Mes, I. Howard, T .Lindsay, J. Middleweek;

A. Aryanpour, N. Speroni (c), G. Goodhew;

O. Lindsay, D. Passfield;





Blog Writers Man of the Match:



Keeping them out, and banging them in as well? Its the Green Giant hands down on this performance!