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Match Reports (latest first)

A home game against Three Rivers in blustery conditions. Line up was (GK) Max; (Defence L-R) Neill, Josh, Tommy, and Toby (C); (Midfield L-R) Tom D, James, Stephen, Adam; (Fwd) Tanz and Luke. Starting subs were Peter and Jay.

An amusing half time team talk left the boys with no doubt what they needed to do to kill this game off, Peter came on for Tom D and Stephen moved out left. The boys did indeed ‘squeeze harder and make their eyes water’ straight after the break as Tanz bagged his second in a similar goal to the first. Several more close chances before Adam returned for James and later Tom D for Tanz as rotations continued. Calling up the cavalry to complete the rout, Neill was sent up front in Warriors new speciality rotation, as we dropped to three at the back Josh, Toby and Tommy all playing extremely well. Terrorising Three Rivers defence it wasn’t long before it was 3-0 when Neill placed a low shot across goal inside the left post to get his second of the season. Tanz was sent back on to try for his hat trick in the closing minutes but it remained 3-0 and two valuable points. Max had relatively little to do throughout but did the simple things well and confidently and proved once again what an excellent substitute keeper he is for the Warriors.

This was a return to better football with a good team spirit and plenty of encouragement. Well done boys, tougher tests to follow no doubt, but back to winning ways.

This was a key game to get something from following last week’s disappointment. A win or draw against fellow mid table Gallow would move us closer to safety in the division and reduce pressure to get something out of the tougher games to come. Hopes were also high after the dominating performance against Gallow before Xmas where we played them off the park.

A disaster start however, as Gallow scored within a couple of minutes following a defensive mix up. Immediately heads dropped as this wasn’t scripted as far as the boys were concerned. Visibly the confidence ebbed away as did team spirit as trust in each other faltered. What followed was a disjointed and panicky game by Warriors punctuated with needless corners, mis-kicks and mistakes. However, the one time we exploited the width and whipped a decent cross in from the left, Luke Melia stole in at the back stick and scored a diving header to equalise. Unfortunately, this did little to change the pattern of the game as Tiptree simply struggled to adapt to the shorter pitch and condensed midfield. Before the break Gallow had made it 2-1.

Trying to inject some enthusiasm and fight into the boys, formation and line up changes were made but had little impact in restoring a shape and gaining possession, which was all with Gallow. As the game wore on and frustrations were running high on and off the pitch, Gallow were awarded a dubious penalty with 10 minutes remaining which they duly converted for 3-1. For the final 5 minutes we decided to wake up and started winning loose balls and making tackles, but it was to little to late to get anything from the game and in truth for 65 minutes we were a poor second.

Man of the match was Neill Andrew who gave it 110% throughout and tried to drag Warriors back into the game.

This match report should serve to demonstrate a couple of key lessons, 1) don’t get complacent and expect to turn up and the other team will just roll over 2) deal with the fact you have to play in/on different conditions/pitches etc, they are not always ideal but are the same for both teams!

A third match on the astro as the wet weather continues to waterlog pitches and cause cancellations. In summary, Woodham dominated this game from start to finish against a decidedly off beat Warriors. Frustratingly the confidence and passing game from the previous two matches never materialised and instead was replaced at times with panic football and a lack of positional discipline/teamwork. Although playing poorly, an own goal by Radars had us still in the game at half time with the score 2-1. However, Radars always looked the more likely to get the key 4^th goal and applied all the pressure as Tiptree were kept pinned in. Mid way through the second half it was 3-1 and it stayed that way despite Warriors sparking into life for the final 10 minutes to show a bit of fight.

In fairness 3-1 flattered Tiptree who would have lost by more were it not for Pat McGrath in goal who made some fine saves, one diving stop it particular worthy of ‘save of the season’. Man of the match was Pat.

The first match of 2008 was an away fixture rearranged to Tiptree astro pitch at the last minute. Warriors lined up Pat McGrath (GK), Neill, Peter, Tommy, Toby (defence), Tom Stephen, Adam, Jay, Max, James (midfield), Tanz and Josh up front. With two subs available the intention was to roll on/roll off midfield players for short breathers, Max and James sitting out to start with. 

The first 10 minutes were fairly even although Tiptree gradually took a grip of the game and soon created the early chances with Three Rivers never threatening. After 20 minutes, the first rotation saw James replace Adam and shortly after, an unfortunate Toby was forced to come off with a niggling back problem, so Max slotted into central defence and Peter moved to right back. The boys dominated the rest of the half and were creating chances with every attack. The first goal came from a free kick 30 yards out, James hitting one that caught the keeper out and bounced over him into the net. Tom D, Tanz and Josh all went close or had efforts well saved as a second goal looked imminent. 10 minutes before the break and a second rotation bought Adam back on for Jay in a straight swap. The half finished 1-0 with Warriors dominating. 

A third midfield rotation during the break bought Jay back on for Tom, Stephen moving to left mid and Jay to inside right. Continuing as the first half ended, all the quality football was being played by Warriors, moving the ball quickly using the width and supporting each other all over the pitch. 10 minutes into the half and following some excellent passing through midfield, Tanz slid a ball wide to Adam who, taking a great first touch, took it into goal and coolly slotted home low inside the right post. There now followed a Rob Andrew master stroke which got Steve, Judd and Rob out with a notebook to plot formation changes. Neill was sent up front to partner Tanz, Tom came on to rest Josh and went into left midfield, the hardworking and versatile Stephen was given yet another role at left back. With the defence of Tommy, Peter, Max and Stephen looking solid and linking the play well with midfield, the second half was a fantastic performance with some great football and team spirit and at least a dozen chances created. Neill relishing his chance up front with Tanz looked lively and had a couple of chances before smashing a volley home from 15 yards for 3-0. Three became four with 10 minutes to go when James pressed forward and scored his second finishing well high to the right to seal an emphatic victory for the Warriors. Josh returned to finish the game as Peter was given a breather and the game ended 4-0. 

This was undoubtedly the best performance of the season to date, a second clean sheet, four goals and brilliant football to watch. All thirteen players earned ‘man of the match’.                            

There was much to atone for going into this game. Firstly to rectify the dismal performance in the previous Gallow game, secondly to make up for last weeks efforts and finally to finish the year on a winning high note.

Steve rang some changes as Luke, Adam, Peter and Jonny were all unavailable. In a slight re-shuffle of the pack, Tanz partnered Max up front, Tommy slotted into central defence alongside Josh, Neill and Toby, midfield bought Tom, James Nelson(C), Stephen and Jay together, Pat started in goal and JC was sub.

With pre-match instructions to play a passing game and not ‘hoof’ the ball ringing in their ears, Tiptree started well, the 4-4-2 shape more evident and midfield far more effective. In all areas Warriors were first to the ball and always going forward. The first half saw only one team dominate as chance after chance was created from nice passing and movement. The Gallow keeper made a succession of fine saves before a low shot from Tanz was parried and a predatory Max snuffled up the loose ball to score. Playing football which exploited both width and through the middle, Tanz and Max were holding the ball up well as the hard working midfield joined attack to overwhelm Gallow defence at times. Despite this it was only 1-0 at half time.

No changes at the break and Tiptree resumed as they left off and continued for most of the second half. Several more chances were created and Neill and Toby started raiding forward linking well with Tom and Jay who intelligently covered. The final 10 minutes saw a loss of the passing game in some areas which placed un-necessary pressure on us, but the result was never in doubt in a generally one sided game overall.

An encouraging team performance punctuated by some excellent periods of passing football. It was also pleasing to see how well the line up changes worked, Tommy comfortable in defence, Max and Tanz linking well up front and bringing a hugely improved and hard working midfield into the game far more. The ever reliable defence and an under worked Pat also recorded the seasons first clean sheet.

Well done boys, lets look forward to 2008.

This game will chiefly be remembered for Rob’s heroic efforts to find a replacement ref at the 11^th hour and then to keep the fixture intact. Firstly it was off when the Sports Hall cancelled all games Saturday lunchtime, then it was on when it was re-arranged at Hatfield Peverel, then off again when they cancelled all games an hour later, and finally with a last desperate throw of the dice it was on again as Rob booked the astro pitch. We were very keen to play this game to maintain the recent run of form and on the back of some excellent training sessions. 

However despite these mentally draining efforts behind the scenes, on the pitch, effort was the biggest thing lacking as Tiptree failed to ignite throughout and looked generally fed up to be playing. 

Hatfield Peverel scored within the first minute while we were still asleep and this dropped heads immediately. Although Tommy equalised mid way through the half, it was all one way traffic. Several changes were made on the pitch as Tom D was too ill to play, Luke was struggling and finally came off and goal keepers were rotated. Several shuffles in formation were attempted to pep up the midfield but did little to change the flow of the game. Somehow though, it was still 1-1 with a couple of minutes to go. Just as a draw seemed a lucky escape, Warriors wasted a corner opportunity which Hatfield Peverel took up the pitch and the resulting passage of play ended with a winning goal. 2-1 a fair result and it could have been worse had our defence not had a reasonable game. A disappointing display following 3 much improved performances but some valuable lessons learnt, not least how to close out a game when playing poorly and still a chance to nick point(s). Well done Pat and James Coombe on competent performances.

Return game against Valley Green with wet and windy conditions, in a fixture always guaranteed to be a close and fiery affair between the two teams.

Starting line up was (GK) Max Harris (in his first game back from injury); (Defence L-R) Neill, Peter, Josh, Toby (Cap); (Midfield L-R) Tom, James, Stephen, Adam; (Fwd) Luke, Tommy. Starting subs were Jay and James C (JC). 

Fired up for this one, Warriors started to impose themselves around the pitch in the opening 10 minutes. After a couple of good chances went begging, our first goal was contender for ‘goal of the season’ with the ball played from defence through to James in midfield who played a sublime chipped pass over Valley defence into Tommy, timing his run to perfection, and smashing the ball high into the net. Valley equalised almost immediately with a sucker punch as we went to sleep straight after scoring however. Jay came on for Adam and un-phased Tiptree continued to press, utilising both flanks well and during a 10 minute sustained spell of pressure, struck the post twice and forced a number of superb saves. Before half time James was put through on goal following a superb carry out of defence by Toby, and finished well to make it 2-1at half time. 

With Steve and Rob cautioning that the job was only half done, no changes were made at half time, JC unselfishly agreeing to sit out in such a closely fought game with worsening weather conditions. The first 10 minutes were fairly even as the game ebbed and flowed in midfield, until a shock equaliser by Valley Green bought it level. As the half wore on it was evident the next goal would take the points. Jay was having his best game for Warriors this season, raiding down the right and putting some excellent crosses into the box. Every player was tackling hard, working for each other and producing some excellent football. Tom had a couple of half chances on the left, and Max made an excellent save till with 5 minutes to go, James slid a ball wide right to Jay who skinned the defender and angled towards goal before hitting a fantastic shot across the diving goalie to win the match. 

Another excellent team performance every player star rated 8’s and 9’s out of 10 but 10/10 performances from Toby, James, Jay and Josh who arguably had their best games of the season to date.

Early morning kick off in a knockout cup game, repeating last year’s fixture away to 2^nd division Heybridge A, who won 10 -1 last time we met. Hopes of utilizing substitutes were quickly dashed when Tanz had to withdraw before the game unwell, and Jonny lasted barely a minute before a recurrence of his injury woes. Line up was (GK) James [1^st half] Pat [2^nd half]; (Defence L-R) Neill, Josh, Peter, Toby; (Mid L-R) Tom, James, Stephen, Adam; (forward) Luke, Tommy.

Heybridge might well have anticipated a comfortable win, but soon realized they were up against good opposition as Tiptree looked hungry, determined and focussed on producing the sort of football we are capable of.   In every department we were matching and at times outplaying Heybridge in a generally even opening 20 minutes. Some excellent football from Warriors spreading the ball through the midfield and supporting the attack created a spell of possession and following a free kick awarded 25 yards out, James Nelson struck in Stevie Gerrard stylie to score a superb opener for Warriors. Heybridge responded with pressure of their own and got an equaliser pressing our defence as we tried to move the ball out to midfield. 1–1 at the break and James Coombe’s best performance to date.

Second half and Pat came on for JC to debut for Warriors. Tiptree continued to play well, Luke, Stephen and James linking defence, forwards and wide players into a cohesive team performance against a very good Heybridge. As the half pressed on, Heybridge mounted pressure forcing Pat into some excellent saves with Warriors defence outstanding. Every Tiptree player showed a determined edge as possibility of snatching the game became a real prospect, midfield working themselves into the ground supporting attack and defence.

Full time, 1 – 1. Five minutes each way extra time and the stalemate continued, Heybridge going close several times but Tiptree always looking dangerous as they played some intelligent football to create their own openings. As a replay looked imminent a last ditch attempt by Heybridge saw the ball break cruelly for Tiptree in the 6 yard box and with the last kick of the game Heybridge nicked it!

What a superb game to watch, without exception Warriors players were magnificent producing some wonderful passages of play. The confidence that can be drawn from this game will hopefully translate into points in the league!

Close to a full strength squad for an away match against mid table opposition. Line up was (GK) Jonny Hewer; (Defence L-R) Neill, Tanz (C), Peter, Toby; (Midfield L-R) Tom, James N, Stephen, Adam; (Fwd) Tommy, Josh. Starting subs were Jay and Luke.

A bright start for Warriors before the game settled into an even affair, both sides creating just a couple of good chances each in a game where defence and midfield were on top of the strikers. Both keepers made good saves before the break as the half finished goal-less.

Rotation of the hard-working midfield at the restart bought Luke on for Adam and Jay for Tom, to freshen up legs on the wings on what was an extremely wide pitch. Just two minutes into the half and Luke continuing a penetrating run down the right, was put through by Tommy and coolly rounded the keeper to put Warriors ahead. Hatfield Peverel pushed hard for an equaliser putting Tiptree under pressure but without really threatening as defence coped well. After 10 minutes however, what was clearly a foul when the opposition striker kicked the ball out of Jonny's hands on the 18 yard line, only to see it come out to his own player who finished neatly into an empty net, the score was levelled.

A couple of chances till the final whistle for both teams who played some good football and looked to take all the points before it ended 1-1. A Tiptree performance which built further on last week’s improvement and saw a further growing of team spirit and determination. Stand out performances from Tanz, Toby and James Nelson.

League Cup again and with Warriors out of contention this was a no pressure game and a chance to redeem ourselves from the Gallow display and kick start this season. Spirits were further raised with Tommy Ward back for his first game and Luke Melia available as substitute for a short run out coming back from injury.

This was a much better performance throughout the match in all areas. The 3-1 score line at half time flattered Three Rivers, two of their goals coming from in-direct free kicks on the 6 yard line following picked up back passes (a lesson leant the hard way for an unfortunate James C). Despite this Tiptree had created several good chances during the half and following some decidedly dodgy offside decisions, created the goal of the match after some clever football between Tom and Stephen, sent Tommy clean through to finish superbly chipping the advancing keeper from 25 yards.

The second half was dominated by Warriors who came close forcing several good saves and a string of corners without reward of a further goal. Plus points were no goals conceded second half, Luke playing nearly a full half and slotting straight back into the team, Tommy hitting the net in his first game. Most importantly, this was probably the best team performance since the opening game and much more like our old selves.

This one was a game to forget for the team and supporters. A poor Gallow must have thought all their Christmas’s had come at once as they met an under strength Tiptree who were also out of sorts and struggled to play any coherent football throughout. A tough and frustrating post match talk to the boys from Steve for a very uncharacteristic and lack lustre performance. Some hard work required on the training ground to ensure Gallow encounter very different Warriors next time round.

Another game against Woodham, this time an away league match. Just 10 players again for this match as injury woes continue. Unavailable this week were the long term injury list plus Jay, but Peter Horslen was poised for his return debut after submitting registration papers.

Line up was GK:- James C; defence (L-R):- Neill, Peter, Tanz, Toby; midfield (L-R) Tom, Josh, James, Adam; forward:- Stephen. Very limited options and no substitutes meant this would be a hard game against a pacey and good footballing Woodham side.

The match was evenly contested throughout but 2 soft goals conceded in each half decided the points. Nevertheless, it was far from all Woodham’s way as they used all 4 substitutes to introduce fresh legs at key points in the game to counter the extremely hard working Warriors who continued to chase, contest and run the ball against the opposition till the final whistle.

With the extremely unlucky start to the season we have had in terms of injuries etc, the boys can take pride in the fact they continue to show a determination against superior numbers and keep their heads up refusing to accept defeat even when 4 down. This has been remarked upon by the opposition managers who know they will be in for an even tougher contest when we have a fully fit squad. Pleasing for the coaches in this game was the glimpses of training ground play that we have been working on, especially down the left side which we will look to continue and spread through the team.  Our defence played very well again starting to forge an understanding, Peter having a good game next to Tanz. The midfield worked extremely hard throughout and made it very difficult for Woodham to dominate for any period, Josh Griffiths literally running himself into the ground for the team and unlucky not to score on 3 occasions. Up front a tireless Stephen chased everything and showed a tremendous stamina and work ethic.

We will continue to negotiate this difficult period with players, manager and coaches giving every game 100% effort and look forward to being able to field a fully fit squad with some key players returning in November/December.

A league cup game at home to ‘in form’ Woodham Radars. Warriors injury list grows, the squad now resembles Colchester A&E department on a Friday night, the latest being Max with a broken collar bone and out for at least 8 weeks. He joined Tommy, Luke and Johnny on the side line as spectators. However there is some good news with Toby now fully signed on and Peter Horslen poised to submit registration paperwork. Just 10 again who lined up GK James Coombe; defence (left-right) Neill, Tanz, Toby; midfield (left-right) Josh, Tom, Jay, James; forwards were Adam and Stephen. 

From the kick-off Woodham dominated and pressed Tiptree back. After 10 minutes a long range low shot bumbled in to put Radars 1-0 up. The half continued in the same way as Woodham added another 3 unspectacular goals to go in 4-0 at the break. With danger of a rugby score looming, formation changes were made with James and Josh dropping into centre, Adam and Tom back in familiar wide roles and Jay dropping into a defensive holding position. 

The second half was a much better performance with some shape restored and a bit of fight displayed as the boys played for pride, the game effectively finished by half time. The midfield competed better and defence continued to work hard against superior numbers. Gradually some good football emerged and we started to show a little of what we are made of. On the 50 minute mark James broke through the Woodham midfield and finished superbly chipping the keeper to snatch a well deserved consolation goal. The last 20 minutes or so saw Tiptree reduced to nine players (again!) as Tanz was carried off the pitch having been kicked several times during the half by the big forward. Although Woodham exploited the resultant gaps and tired legs to add two late goals, Warriors battled hard to the final whistle. 

Undoubtedly the key players on the sick list upset the team balance and mean we do not have the benefit of any substitutes to rotate and refresh midfield when legs are tired or replace injuries. Positive points from the game included a fine defensive performance from Tanz, another good game for Josh, starting to look the part, and another excellent goal for James. The best positive was the response from all the boys to Rob and Steve’s half time call to show some fight, spirit and pride and they were certainly the better side second half despite the final score.

First home game against fellow promoted team Burnham Ramblers. Warriors had debutants Josh Griffths and James Coombe available. Toby Vickery was unavailable with registration paperwork delays. Luke and Johnny both far from fully fit. Line up was GK James Coombe; defence (left-right) Neill, Johnny, Tanz; midfield (left-right) Tom, Max, Josh, Jay, Adam; forwards were James and Stephen. Luke started sub to rest a knee problem. 

Early pressure from Tiptree led to a series of corners.  10 minutes in and Neill swung one in from the right and saw it nodded over the line from 2 yards by Stephen. The football by both teams was far from pretty and neither side dominated as Warriors failed to extend the lead and kill off the game. 20 minutes gone, and Burnham equalised from a free kick 20 yards out. They added another soft goal before half time with both teams still playing poorly, to lead 2-1 at the break. 

A generally lacklustre display by Warriors continued after the break with much of the same on both sides. Burnham added a third after 50 minutes and the game looked buried as Tiptree struggled to get to grips. Luke came on for a 15 minute spell and looked to make an immediate impact before his knee gave way again. Johnny was off for most of the second half with an ankle problem. The last 10 minutes saw Tiptree start to play a bit. With 6 minutes to go a Tiptree corner from the right was bumbled over the line by a Burnham player and with the possibility of salvaging a point from the game dawning, a speculative boot from just inside the half way line by Tanz bounced over the Burnham keeper to make it 3-3. 

Not the best game to watch, but the first point of the season. The last 5 minutes were a get out jail card for the Warriors, but in truth a draw was probably a fair result overall. Good performances amongst a below par team performance from Josh on his debut, Tanz and Jay.

U14’s – League Valley Green Pythons v Tiptree Minors Warriors  9th September 2007

And so began the 2007/08 season. Promoted to Division 3, Warriors faced a tough opening game away to Valley Green. Options were severely limited with new signings Josh Griffiths and James Coombe waiting for registration paperwork and Tommy Ward out with a broken arm. Luke nursed a knee problem coming into the game. The 10 boys lined up Max in goal, defence: - Adam (right), Neill (left), Jonny (centre), midfield left to right: - Tom, James, Luke, Stephen, Jay (in his debut game) with Tanz the lone striker up front.

Tiptree started strongly looking up for the game and competing all over the pitch despite a man down and created the better of few early chances. With a good shape to the side midfield worked hard to gain control and link up with Tanz going forward, and tracking back supporting the three in defence. Just 10 minutes played and Warriors were down to 9 with Luke forced to come off struggling with his knee, not before showing what an asset he is in the defensive holding role. With 9 on the field the boys continued to battle and maintain overall control as Valley Green failed to capitalise or stamp their authority with 2 extra players. 9 became 8 when Jonny turned an ankle coming off for extensive treatment 20 minutes before the break. The 8 worked tirelessly and cancelled out the superior numbers reaching half time without conceding and still managing to create a chance or two of their own. 

Half time saw running repairs to Luke and Jonny and heaps of praise from Rob, Steve and Judd, before 10 players took to the field for the second half. Unfortunately Luke continued to struggle and we decided to take him off after 5 minutes rather than risk long term injury. 9 players again but you wouldn’t have known it as the boys tackled, battled and played some good football maintaining a tremendous work rate, team spirit and attitude plugging the gaps for each other left by two players short. A good chance went close as Stephen shot from a narrow angle before Valley Green got a free kick on 50 minutes 25 yards out. The resultant strike swerved and dipped leaving a valiant Max no chance although he still managed to get a hand on it. 1-0 Valley, but shrugging this off the boys looked determined to get something out of this game and continued to fight and contest everything. Tanz broke through and rounded the keeper to score only to see it ruled off-side, a narrow decision. 5 minutes later another well struck goal for Valley against the overall passage of play. The boys must have felt very tired at this stage and flood gates could have opened. But they responded magnificently digging deep, giving their all and spurred on by their captain James, started to dominate the final 15 minutes pressing Valley back and forcing two corners and great save and two shots flashing wide. In the final minute James picked up the ball in his own half and rode two challenges through the centre showing strength and determination before rounding the keeper and tucking home low to the right for a massively deserved consolation goal for Warriors.

Of the many plus points from the game, a great debut for Jay, an excellent performance from Max in goal, sterling hard working performances from Jonny Neil and Adam (playing in an unfamiliar right back position) and working their socks off in midfield and up front Tom, James, Luke, Jay, Tanz and Stephen. Needless to say Rob, Steve and Judd were proud of the boys as were all the parents. With even tougher tests to come, lets see what we can do with a full and fit squad!

Well done boys never mind the score, we could not have asked for any more effort from you and it was fantastic game to watch.