Match Preview

The final game of the season has arrived. And it ill be over by 10.15 on Saturday morning, hopefully in glorious sunshine rather than arctic winds and rain. Based 4 miles south of Reading, Tigers haven't played Spencers Wood this season as they were added to our division at Christmas time and this fixture was originally lost to the weather. Since Christmas they have won four and drawn two of their seven games, including a 2-2 draw with Pumas. Their only defeat was in a high scoring game at Berks County Red Kites. Spitfires have scored 19 goals whilst conceding 11 since Christmas and they appear to have forfeit their last two games, so have had a longer lay off than Tigers. Their last run out was that 5-3 defeat at Red Kites, way back on 24th March.

Tigers have played Spencer Wood Spitfires twice in the past. Tigers lost 3-4 in the Plate in 2016: Matt was man of the match and the goals came from Gabe, Sam and the now departed Harry. Tigers lost again on the road in 2017, again by a single goal, but this time 0-1. Some of you may remember two thumping wins against the Scorpions, but that is not who we are playing today as Scorpions are in Division 7 (and sitting second).
Despite Tigers' exciting victory against Marlow last time out, the boys' position at the foot of Div 4 is now confirmed, not least because Tigers have played two less games than Marlow. Indeed, Tigers have played less games than anyone in the League other than Eversleigh who will also have played 17, assuming all matches go ahead on Saturday. Ironically, Tigers two fixtures with Eversleigh were cancelled and it proved impossible to rearrange them.

Tigers hope to be at full strength on Saturday, so it is hoped that the improved performance witnessed two weeks ago can be continued. John will have been ever-present this season, whilst Gabriel will be hoping to improve on his 13 goals so far, perhaps equalling last season's tally of 15.

See you on Saturday