Old Tiffinians IV vs Old Guildfordians IIIs:
Spirits were high in the Old Tiffinians 4th team on the last home game of their season against Old Guildfordians 3s (on a rainy Saturday afternoon, of course). A win would see them settle the season’s results at 9 wins, 1 draw and 9 losses (9-1-9) and would set up a dramatic final day away at Reigate with a positive record and 6th place finish to play for. And win they did, despite a closely fought and at times scrappy game.
Guildfordians showed the better intensity for the opening 20 minutes, dominating play and showing promise going forward. This intensity paid off with a close range drive into the top of Tiffinians net when a rebound from a showstopping save from captain and stand-in keeper Jonny Ward fortuitously landed at the attacker’s feet.
This was the call to action that the Tiffinians needed. Guildfordians’ intensity was matched and this once again paid off; but this time for Tiffinians as Tony Law comfortably slotted away their first goal of the day. 1-1 and game on.
Both teams continued to play with purpose and an attacking mindset. Guildfordians soon led 2-1 as a free-kick rebounded off the wall and was promptly fizzed in through a scattered Tiffs defence. But the lead did not last long once again as goalkeeper-turned-#8 Nader Meradji smashed home for Tiffinians in a goal-mouth scramble following a set piece. Meradji’s first goal for the Tiffs in the first outfield stint of his 5-year goalkeeping club tenure. Scenes.
Half time: Old Tiffinians IV 2-2 Old Guildfordians III
As the rain continued to pour down after an encouraging team talk in the break, Tiffinians were first on the pitch and promptly first to strike with a fine finish from Toby Fraser, putting Tiffs ahead for the first time in the game. Fraser was unfortunately forced off with an injury not long after slotting away his first for the club and his man of the match performance was cut short.
Tiffinians kept working and moving the ball as a cohesive attacking unit. This hardworking mentality that has paid dividends throughout the season was on course to see Tiffs through to another home win as a pinpoint cross from centre back Jason Austen was forcefully headed home by Sean Gawin.
Old Tiffinians found themselves 4-2 up with around 20 minutes to play. The rain continued to batter down and the football became scrappier as the minutes ticked down. After 10 minutes of end to end play, some intricate penalty box passing resulted in a high drive across goal into the top left corner. Guildfordians grab one back and the final 10 would be nail biting for a host of fans (including a full squad of Old Tiffinians 3s players waiting to use the pitch for their mid-afternoon kick-off).
More end to end play with both teams coming close on more than one occasion, but the score remained 4-3 to the Tiffs. A well deserved 3 points to set up an important game at Reigate where the Tiffs aim to secure a 6th place finish to wrap up a solid season.
Final Score: Old Tiffinians IV 4-3 Old Guildfordians III
Man of the Match: Toby Fraser