Friendly matches
Wyrley Tigers v Walsall Phoenix Hawks
The Tigers were looking for an improvement after a couple of indifferent weekends and the hard work put in by coaches Si and Gavin was immediately evident from kick-off despite the Tigers missing a couple of key players.
There was a composure to their play and some great passing to match the organisation that they have built their season around. The Hawks were on the back foot for most of the first half in which Cole Askey was in inspired form and the Tigers pressure was rewarded when Armaan Sohi scored a poachers goal following a goal mouth scramble. The second half saw a moment of drama when a rare Phoenix foray forwards ended with a speculative shot that hit Lewis Hall on the arm, and a penalty was awarded. The penalty was promptly dispatched leaving keeper Joe Timmins with no chance. Almost immediately after this setback the Tigers regrouped and following good work from Kian Cox the ball fell kindly to Armaan Sohi but his shot was well parried by the keeper. All in all a good solid display and a massive improvement on the last couple of weekends.
Wyrley Tigers v Bloxwich Rangers
The Tigers were further depleted with Cole Askey missing for this match, but nonetheless they started in the same fashion as the previous game albeit with Rangers sharing equal possession. The first half saw few clear cut chances for the Tigers but Rangers could have taken the lead on a couple of occasions if it were not for the goal keeping heroics of Joe Timmins. The first half ended all square but Rangers wasted no time in taking the lead at the beginning of the 2nd. The Tigers were hesitant in clearing the ball away from their own box and Rangers capitalised going a goal up. A few minutes later and more drama as another penalty was awarded for handball, this time against the Tigers Joe Rodda. On this occasion the decision was more clear cut and Rangers added a second from the spot. At this point the coach shuffled his depleted deck and back came the Tigers. In what turned out to be their best spell of the game, the Tigers put their foot on the ball and began passing through the Rangers midfield. One such move saw Armaan Sohi pick up the ball in the middle and pass it through a high Rangers backline for Tom Sutton to run onto and following good control, Tom dispatched it with great aplomb. A great move and further evidence that the boys are getting it right. To Rangers relief the whistle went just minutes later. The comeback was averted but the lads gave their parents and coaches plenty to be encouraged by with their display. The Man of the Match was awarded to Joe Timmins and Kian Cox Well done boys!
Well done to today’s squad which consisted of Joe Timmins, Lewis Hall, Kian Cox, Bradley Nutting, Cole Askey, Tom Sutton, Jack Biddle, Armaan Sohi and Joe Rodda.