Aston Tirrold 3 Raging Fever 4

Report by John Matthews

Fever travelled to Aston Tirrold for their annual fixture against the friendly locals. Fever have never lost to this side and so went into the fixture in a confident manner. Played on a heavy, short pitch this was always going to be a fixture for the battlers and it was no surprise that Stuart Burson and James Simpson quickly dominated the midfield.

Despite a number of chances, Fever struggled to find the net and it wasn’t until the 30th minute that Rob Muskett set up John Matthews who lobbed the keeper from 20 yards. As often happens, one led to another and from the next attack a low cross from Simpson hit Matthews and ricocheted into the net. Tirrold responded well and had their best passage of play but the resolute defending of Nick Holloway, Geoff Carter, Pat Wehmeier, and Paul Lucas kept them out. Showing real passion, Lucas provided some entertainment with a rant of self-admonishment that was heartfelt.

After half-time, as usual, Fever let their opponents back into the match to make it 2-1. This proved to be a wake-up call and suddenly it was all Fever. Robb Milne led the charge from the back with a mazy run the length of the pitch before squaring to James Longshaw, whose effort was best forgotten. Pressure told though, and good work from George Dugdale on the right led to Matthews slotting home from six yards. Dugdale was then involved in the fourth. Having scored what appeared to be a perfectly legal goal, he was denied by the referee who awarded a penalty for an earlier infringement. Muskett then showed an uncharacteristic turn of pace to race to the ball and claim it, so that he could slot the penalty home to make it 4-1. Game over? Not with this side. Tirrold hit back when Paul Soper in goal shut his eyes when catching a cross, and then Tirrold got another with a free header. Suddenly Fever were panicking with five minutes to go, and Nick Wehmeier and Matthews began a routine of running to the corner flag with the ball. Tirrold had one more chance, but Soper redeemed himself by turning it around the post and Fever held on.

As ever, this was a match played in a great spirit and thanks to our hosts for the banquet at the local pub afterwards!

Fever: Paul Soper, Nick Holloway, Pat Wehmeier, Robb Milne, Geoff Carter, Paul Lucas, Stuart Burson, Nick Wehmeier, James Simpson, George Dugdale, James Longshaw, John Matthews, Rob Muskett

Goals: Matthews (3), Muskett