This time a year ago we  were celebrating a 1 – 0 at Herne Bay, and then things went downhill rapidly. At Hythe Town a few weeks later we witnessed the farcical sacking of Forzoni. 

The Terrors now return to Hythe to  kick off  the season, and more importantly to  find out if we do have a competitive team or not after the disgusting shambles of last season. Hythe 2nd favourites to gain promotion would be a great test for our untested new team, and the Town were in high hopes of an expected easy home win!

A Warm and sunny day, fans in shirt sleeves, and the usual ageing Terrors fan base, just looking a year older, were patiently waiting in the sunshine for the kickoff.  Within 3 minutes a tackle right on the edge of the penalty box by Hartburn was deemed a foul, and the ref agave a penalty, which was duly tucked away. A great start to the season, especially as the tackle made by Hartburn did not look a foul, and the amateur dramatics of the Hythe player did not help the situation. Fortunately Hartburn was not booked,, this was to prove crucial later in the game.
 
From this point onwards in the first half Tooting gradually took control of the game. And began to pressurise the home team with some excellent Football, winning many corners and having the most of the possession. A great chance was created by Frankie Sawyer but his shot hit the back of the heel of a defender and was deflected away from the goal. Tooting finished the half with complete control of the game, but lacking the killer instinct in front of goal.

The second half followed a similar pattern with many opportunities going to waste in the penalty area. Only the strange decisions of the ref put pressure on the Terrors, The  resulting free kicks were met dangerously in the box by the Hythe Forwards. One of these free kicks was awarded when Hartburn was given a yellow card, this would have been disastrous if a yellow card been   given for the penalty, as Tooting were playing a fine game..
 
The Terrors were duly awarded for their efforts throughout the game, when a superb defensive splitting pass was received by Frankie Sawyer, who easily manoeuvred past the two cumbersome Hythe defenders to  slot the ball home, under the advancing Town keeper.  

20 mins left will the Terrors hold out? Apart from a few high crosses into  the area and two in particular which were headed dangerously towards keeper Smith’s goal, Tooting looked more likely to  take the game. Overall a Tooting deserved to win, but a draw is very satisfactory, against a team that looked ridged at the back with 4 cumbersome defenders. A little more sharpness in the box, especially with the head, would have resulted in a comfortable win, especially with the dodgy penalty decision..

One league game down 45 to  go, our hopes this time last year were sky high. The next half A dozen league games and the two important cup matches will probably give us our destiny for the season.
This league is not a very high standard, playing the  style and enthusiasm seen today could place the club in a strong position by the end of the season! Shouldn’t have said that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Last edited by Mikem (10/8/2013 7:26 pm)