Tillingham Tigers v Iguanas

Bright away performance from Iguanas with two goals for Cole.

Iguanas made the trip to Tillingham with some trepidation, having been beaten by the Tigers in our first ever league match. A bright start saw both teams have early chances, and it was obvious to those spectating that Iguanas had come on well as a team since our first encounter at the start of the season. In goal for Iguanas for the first time in a league match, Zach was called on to make two fine saves in quick succession to keep the score nil-nil.

It was end to end stuff, with both teams looking like they could score. Jayden worked creatively on the wing, and displayed great skill on the ball resulting in some excellent forwards runs. Chances also fell to Rafe and Lewis, but Iguanas couldn’t quite tuck those chances away. Cole held his defensive position strongly, which took the pressure off Zach in goal, but was also able to find his way forward.

Iguanas showed their progress in defence too, as a spell of pressure from Tillingham gave Jayden the opportunity to make two important tackles to thwart the Tillingham attack and force a corner. It was great to see the marking that the team had worked on in training be put into practice as Iguanas saw off successive corners with little trouble to their goal. However, a Tillingham counter attack following a break forward by Rafe and Lewis saw Iguanas go behind.

Undeterred, Iguanas continued to push and had a good chance from Lewis following a brilliantly delivered corner kick from Cole. A break from the resulting goal kick lead to another goal for Tillingham, against the run of play.

A double substitution saw Fearne Dolly and Ethan come on, with Ethan settling into his usual defensive position, freeing Cole up to come forward. Iguanas continued to press, with Jayden and Cole having chances and both working really hard to get back and defend. A lovely save by Zach and a great goal kick put Jayden through for another chance. Tillingham were looking for a third on the counter attack, but Fearne-Dolly cleared to keep the score at two nil.

A lovely sequence of play from Ethan, passing to Fearne-Dolly who then got the ball into the area for Cole and Jayden lead to a fantastic first goal for Iguanas as Cole’s shot found the back of the net. It was great to see such good communication on the pitch in the lead up to the goal, giving a well deserved boost to the blues.

A push on Jayden lead to a free kick for Iguanas, just outside the area. Cole took it and shot powerfully, hitting the post. Iguanas were able to counter from the resulting free kick, with another fantastic goal from Cole levelling the score at two all. In the closing moments of the first half Tillingham had a blistering shot from outside the area which took them 3-2 ahead into half time.

Iguanas started the second half with Cole in goal. Rafe’s kick off lead to a great chance for Lewis. Another chance fell to Rafe but he couldn’t quite get enough behind the ball to get the shot away.

Again it was end to end stuff, with both teams having chances and looking evenly matched. Cole was being called on in goal but his big kicks were creating chances for Zach, Lewis and Rafe at the other end.

Tillingham were now pressing for another goal, and twice Iguanas were caught on the counter attack to add to their opponents tally, despite Ethan holding his position and forcing players wide. With the score line widening, Cole came out of goal to pair with Zach up front, with Rafe going in goal for the first time this season. Jayden and Fearne-Dolly were on for Ethan and Lewis.

Tillingham scored again, taking advantage of Rafe’s inexperience in goal, but Jayden, Cole and Zach looked a threatening combination on the attack and were creating lots of good movement and chances. A good clearance by Cole thwarted another Tillingham effort.

A lovely run by Fearne Dolly lead to chance for Iguanas, resulting in a corner. The corner was well taken but the shot went wide. Up the other end a nice goal kick from Rafe found Jayden leading to another chance for Iguanas.

Iguanas continues to put pressure on, with great passing and lots of shots on goal. Our tally remained at two, though it was encouraging to see such confident and creatively play up front. Rafe made a decent save under pressure to keep Tillingham from adding another.

As the game drew to a close, Tillingham benefited from an Iguanas own goal, but it was so well taken that the supporters couldn’t help but cheer, even though it was up the wrong end!

All in all a lively and exciting performance from Iguanas, with lots of chances and some lovely passing. No individual player of the match this week, as it was John and Andy’s first full match in charge, but everyone did brilliantly and we look forward to the next match!