The wind blew a robust panthers side into town for this top of the table clash.

The Tigers dominated the first half but went in a goal behind to a speculative shot. The equaliser came after a good move involving Ryan Littlejohn, and Sam Paddimore, finished off by Thomas Lowe. Tigers fell behind again to another speculative long shot. They rolled up their sleeves and pressed forward. Ryan Williams won the ball and Chay Kalym threaded the ball to Thomas who’s shot was parried to Gerard McGahey who gleefully accepted the chance. Tigers knew a win was the only result that could keep their title chances alive and as they pressed forward Panthers had a chance to win the game but man of the match Josh Hughes in goal made a brilliant save. With seconds remaining Chay provided a defence splitting pass, which Luke Bromley dispatched for the winner.

Phew!

This was a very lacklustre display from the Tigers who spent much of the first period pinned in their own half.

Josh Hughes in goal was made to work hard and pulled of some super saves. For once the defence of Ryan Littlejohn, Ryan Williams, Sam Paddimore and Luke Bromley didn’t look quite as assured. The attacking quartet of Chay Kalym, Gerard McGahey, Adam Wright and Thomas Lowe huffed and puffed but the quality was lacking. Harborough took a one goal advantage into the break and Tigers looked leg weary. With the coaches half time assessment ringing in their ears Tigers fought desperately to get back into the game. Finally Gerard found a yard of space and shot into the bottom corner. Two minutes later they produced their one quality move of the game which resulted in Chay clipping the winner over the keeper from close range.

Two very good teams went at one another from the start and produced an exiting and very watch able encounter.

Good chances came and went at both ends with the goalkeepers making excellent saves as the defences were stretched by quick decisive passing. The tigers defence of Ryan Williams, Ryan Littlejohn and Sam Paddimore were severely tested and when the Colts did break through they found goalkeeper Josh Hughes in fine form. In midfield Chay Kalym, Ben Goggins and Gerard McGahey worked tirelessly trying to create openings for Adam Wright and Thomas Lowe. After extra time still failed to produce a goal, the tie was finally settled by a penalty kicks. Thomas Lowe, Ryan Williams, Adam Wright, Gerard McGahey and Chay Kalym all held their nerve to score and Josh Hughes made the vital save that gave tigers their Semi Final Place.

On a wet and heavy pitch Tigers played some excellent passing football making light of the conditions.

They were ahead after just four minutes when a superb passing move involving Chay Kalym, Luke Bromley and Ryan Littlejohn, left Adam Wright with a simple tap in. Tigers pressed forward, but were unable to grab a second goal. Sam Paddimore went closest with a rasping shot against the bar. Within seconds of the restart Tigers grabbed a second. Ryan Williams won the ball and started a passing move through Thomas Lowe, Gerard McGahey, and Chay who put Adam in for his second. Thumaston found it hard to get out of their half as they brought everyone back to try and repel the Tigers.

Constant pressure eventually told as MOM Thomas tucked away the third goal. In the final minute Tigers went to sleep and Josh Hughes was eventually beaten from close range.

Rugby started this game like a whirlwind with Adam Wright having five good chances in the opening minutes.

Harborough took the lead with their first attack against the run of play. Tigers equalised when Chay Kalym and Sam Paddimore linked up for Gerard McGahey to score. In the second half Harborough scored straight from the kick off. Tigers kept pressing and Gerard got his second six minutes later from a goalmouth scramble to bring Tigers level again. Tigers remained the dominant team with Luke Bromley, Ryan Littlejohn and Ryan Williams solid in defence. Inexplicably Harborough were awarded a penalty for a non-existant handball. Josh Hughes in goal just failed to keep out the spot kick. Tigers kept pressing and were rewarded when Thomas Lowe fired in their third equalizer. Tigers went in search of a winner but just failed to capture the three points they deserved.

MOM Ryan Littlejohn.

Tigers slumped to their first defeat of the season at the hands of a big and rugged side.

Luke Bromley put the visitors one up with a fierce 20 yard effort but Beaumont replied with two first half goals of their own, the second coming six minutes into added time. Tigers equalized eight minutes into the second half when Ryan Littlejohn, Adam Wright and Sam Paddimore combined with Gerard McGahey who scored from a move that he had initiated. All through the game Tigers struggled to come to terms with the shear size and physical presence of their opponents. There was very little movement off the ball, which led to the man in possession frequently hoofing the ball up field and back to the opposition. Josh Hughes in goal was called upon several times to make smart saves.

A succession of corners created panic in the Tigers defence. Eventually Beaumont took advantage when their muscular centre forward headed home at the far post. This was a very lacklustre performance from the tigers although both Chay Kalym and Thomas Lowe had good opportunities to equalize late in the game.

Table topping Tigers started this encounter very well and took the lead on four minutes when Gerard McGahey turned a cross in at the far post.

Both teams battled hard for possession and Tigers found it hard to get their passing game going. Ryan Williams and Luke Bromley tackled solidly and made some timely interceptions. Ryan Littlejohn and Sam Paddimore supported both defence and offence and initiated many attacking moves. Josh Hughes in goal pounced on anything that looked threatening but was never really troubled. St Andrews defence was quick and decisive and never let Tigers settle on the ball. Adam Wright, Thomas Lowe and Chay Kalym all had good chances to score but lacked composure at the critical time. This was a stern test for Tigers and should make them realise that, their first touch, passing and movement will all need work in the weeks ahead.

MOM Chay Kalym.

Date

H/A

Opposition

W/D/L

Score

10/09/06

A

Aylestone Park Diamonds

D

1-1

Player

Goals

Thomas Love

10

Coaches

Simon Williams

Training is to be confirmed.

Rugby Town Juniors have a fantastic team of coaches with qualifications to match.  Read more about them here.

Visit the league's website via links.