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Prior to the start of the season, this match reporter resolved not to use too many of those well penned clichés. Little did I know that the first game of the season would necessitate the use of the grandfather of them all. Yes … it was a game of two halves!!

Tigers first game of their league campaign saw them turn up at Cotgrave with a full strength squad (George Barker, Will Barker, Joe Dane, Sebastian Jackson, Dominic Dowsett, James Askew, Owen Irons, Matt Fisher and Mac Allison). With the warm weather and a large pitch, manager Clive was glad that he had the personnel available to ring the changes when tired legs were evident.

Tigers, high in confidence after a midweek friendly victory against Trowell (3-2), started well, but Cotgrave were not going to be a push-over: far from it. Tigers looked to be having the better of the early exchanges, but as the half progressed, Colts were becoming ever more threatening. Indeed, it was Cotgrave that broke the deadlock.

Breaking well out of defence, Cotgrave surged into the Tigers half and forced a corner. With Tigers still sorting their defence, Colts took an early corner that the defence didn’t pick up on. Before they realise it, the ball was crossed into the box and swept into the goal by Cotgrave making the score 1-0 to the home side.

Tigers continued to press forward, but were susceptible to Cotgrave breaking in numbers out of defence at speed. It was as a result of such a break that Colts took a 2-0 lead.

Outnumbered 3 onto 1 in defence, it was inevitable that Cotgrave were to score in this advantageous position. A good shot towards the top corner of Tigers the goal could only be parried by George Barker before dropping over the line. The home crowd were delighted to see Colts double their lead.

Approaching the half time whistle, with Tigers looking a little shell-shocked, Colts were to net again as a result of what may have been seen by some as a harsh penalty decision.

Nevertheless, the penalty was given, and George Barker made a great save. Unfortunately for him, indecisiveness in the Tigers defence saw the penalty taker pounce on the rebound and smash it into the roof of the net to make it 3-0 to Cotgrave at half time.

Tigers certainly hadn’t played badly in the first half; indeed they played some good football. But at 3-0 down, the boys could have been excused for letting their heads drop. However, with some wise words at the break from manager Clive, the once beleaguered Tigers outfit stepped onto the pitch for the second half with the belief that they could actually get something out of the game.

It was vital that Tigers got an early goal in the second half to start their fight back. And that’s exactly what they did.

A swift break out of defence saw Owen Irons play a great pass to Mac Allison at the edge of the Colts’ box. Mac saw his first shot hit the post, but was on his toes to blast the rebound into the back of the net to reduce the deficit to two.

Following an almost identical build up to the first goal, Tigers soon reduced the arrears to one. This time, James Askew was the one to break down the right. Showing good strength, he forced a cross into the path of George Barker who adroitly slotted the ball into the back of the goal. Now, with the score at 3-2, the boy’s belief that they could win the game was palpable.

The scores were inevitably levelled when a jinking run by George Barker saw him make his way to the edge of the Colts’ penalty area. He managed to get a good shot on target that was blocked well by the Cotgrave keeper. However, the ball fell to Dominic Dowsett who slotted the ball under the keeper (with his right foot!!) to level the scores.

Now the excitement was getting too much for the match reporter at this point, so the note taking took second place to cheering the boys on. Two further goals ensued, a second for George Barker and a belter from his brother Will, which saw the game end at 5-3 in favour of the Tigers. What a fantastic comeback!!

Both teams should be congratulated on giving the crowd a superb game to watch, but on this evidence a defibrillator may be needed on the touchline if this season’s matches are to be as exciting as this one!!

Match Report by Ian Dane (Toton Tigers)