Nine players from the successful FFA Cup squad that defeated the Macleay Valley Rangers were unavailable and the team that took the pitch for the first grade encounter on Saturday April 18  had an average age of 18 years. 

Despite that, the Tigers took the game to their more experienced opponents with neat passing play and quick movement on and off the ball causing trouble for the Wildcats’ defence. 

The best early chance in the game fell to the Tigers but good goalkeeping kept the scoreboard blank. 

The Wildcats then rode their luck as a great run and cut back by Jake Camilleri saw a ricochet off a Wildcats defender seemingly goal bound only for the ball to hit their keeper in the head and deflect to safety. 

Shortly after this, the Tigers were behind when a well placed free kick saw the Tigers new back four of Riley, Elliott, Mooney and Aquilina poorly positioned and the ball fell to the one Wildcats player in the vicinity and he scored. 

The Tigers fought back well but were hit on the counter again and the desperate defence saw another free kick awarded which was headed home to double the Wildcats lead at half time.

Despite their lead, the Wildcats were starting to tire and the half time talk for the Tigers was to stick with the game plan and a goal would come. 

Ten minutes into the half a series of short passes saw Dylan Nash in front of goal to draw the Tigers back into the contest. 

Chris Ceccato came off the bench to great effect, matching the Wildcats physicality. The number of chances for the Tigers to equalise was growing and eventually skipper Mitch Minors got the goal he deserved, nipping between the Wildcats defence and the onrushing keeper to make the score 2-2.

From then on a tense battle ensued as both sides pressed for the win. James McBride was called upon several times to clean things up behind the Tigers’ defence and as the game went on the young Tigers keeper clearly grew in confidence, commanding his back line, claiming everything he had to and sparking several attacks. 

Zac Mooney, another debutant, was excellent at left back and was a clear winner of the players’ player vote. 

Cale McCarthy and Troy Chipperfield were sent on to bolster the Tigers backline and acquitted themselves very well. 

The physical nature of the match saw the referee issue seven yellow cards as players from both sides put themselves on the line. In the end neither team could break the deadlock with the final score 2-2.

Tigers coach Jonathon Newman said he was pleased with how his team played especially in the second half. 

“I have to be happy with a point from that game and particularly in the second half I felt we were playing the better football,” Newman said. 

“I am so proud of the way all our guys played today, kept their cool under pressure and fought back so well.” 

The Tigers will have a home encounter this time against reigning champions Wallis Lake at Tuncurry on Saturday May 2.

Reserve grade 

HAVING enjoyed a first round win against Port Saints FC, the Tigers went into Saturday’s reserve grade game against Taree Wildcats quietly confident. 

However, Taree started very well and had the visitors under pressure early with a very physical beginning to the match. 

A new back four including Cale McCarthy and Jonathon Newman alongside Jake Bindon and Troy Chipperfield took a little while to settle but once they did the Tigers began to play their way back into the match. 

On almost their first counter-attack, the Tigers were able to exploit their speed advantage up front playing Matt McGarrigle in behind his marker. 

McGarrigle then composed himself well to finish low and hard across the keeper. 

Shortly after, the Tigers notched a second through Jim Jenkins who finished well from the top of the box. After this Taree lost some of their organisation and the Tigers should have doubled their lead or more but several chances went begging. 

Eventually, McGarrigle added another and it looked like the flood gates could really open. However, a fine piece of play by Taree’s first grade coach Ben Sedlen set up a goal for the home team and the half finished 3-1 to the Tigers.

Superior fitness was the deciding factor in the second half for the Tigers as the Wildcats came to a standstill. 

Jake Stockdale continued his fine run in front of goal to score the Tigers’ fourth and Brock Gutherson was unlucky to miss out after a thunderous drive almost bent the crossbar. 

Premier league debutants Billy Newman, Jason Little and Daniel Barry all played well off the bench with very strong performances by Gutherson and Joey Newman in midfield. Brett Webber was also solid in goal. The player’s player award went to McGarrigle.

The Tigers now sit momentarily at the top of the reserve grade table. Final score TFFC Tigers 4 Taree Wildcats 1.