M&T Jaguars vs Hedge End Tigers 12 March ’23

A very early kick off for the Jaguars today v Hedge End Rangers. Mally and Glyn had only just gone to bed on their sleepover when it was time to put on the famous purple and pink away kit.

The boys were in confident mood as they warmed up and so they should be after the run they are on.

They were looking forward to passing the ball around on a brand new 4g surface.

The game was really tight on a small pitch. It was hard for us to utilise out pacey forwards. In the midfield battle we stood up well to some robust Hedge End tackling.

The first half didn’t produce many chances. Harry reacted well to a rebound from a corner to head into the bar (1st of Harry’s battle with the woodwork). AJ had a few chances too but nothing clear cut.

Eddie and William looked a great partnership at the back with William winning every battle and Eddie calmly sweeping up.

The one time the tigers got a shot away Rowan got down well to pull off a good save.

Half time – Tigers 0-0 Jaguars

We had to stay patient and not try force it by dribbling too much and the boys did this well. Stayed calm and trusted that the goal would come.

Harry was causing lots of problems for the Hedge End defence and hit the post twice more from acute angles. He was looking back to his best.

Lloyd, Ollie and Mally worked really hard on the wings and timed everything perfect for when to defend and when to attack. Thomas and Theo added even more assurance at the back.

The pressure eventually paid off when a mazy Harry dribble left the defenders with no option but to bring him down in the area.

Captain for the day, Glyn stood forward and confidently passed the ball home.

We now had to see the game out.

We went to 3 at the back with James and Glyn packing the midfield. Harrison was left on his own up front to cause as many problems as he could.

The final whistle went and we were glad to claim the 3 points and yet another clean sheet for Rowan and his team.

Full time – Tigers 0-1 Jaguars

Player of the Day

Quite a few votes for player of the day to reflect many good performances.
Harry and William tied the votes.
Harry was looking back to his best and on another day could have had 4 goals. But it was his perseverance that led to our winning goal.
William had his best game for a long time and looked fully committed in every single challenge he made. That showed as he had a 98% tackle succession rate according to opta.

Another good performance from every single Jaguar to show what a superb team we have.

Well done boys.