Match report: Man Titty 2-0 Summer Rangers
The Game:
It took a while, but defending champions Man Titty broke down and defeated new boys Summer Rangers despite an impressive show of mettle from the Rangers.
In blusterous conditions, a spirited first-half defensive show by the Rangers frustrated Titty as the first half ended scoreless. However all second half action was down the Ranger’s end and with the wind at their backs, Man Titty at last got the breakthrough they had been gunning for.
The Goals:
- Scott Henderson (Man Titty, 63rd minute): The tits spent all of the second half banging on the door yet heroic keeping by Rangers goalie Jason kept things level for a while. But eventually an effort from outside the area by Scott Henderson following a Tim Rawiri pass would be the straw which broke the camel's back. Henderson's powerful strike streaked past an outstretched Jason and thumped into the net.
- Tim Rawiri (Man Titty, 75th minute): Simple yet effective, Titty corner was flung to the far edge of the box where Rawiri’s head pushed the ball past Jason. As textbook as it gets.
The Pivotal Moment:
The Rangers had few forays into opposition territory during the second half, and when they were able to break out very little was done with their opportunities - one wonderful run down the wing fizzled out when the cross went nowhere.
But after the second Titty goal was scored, with fifteen minutes left and little to lose, Summer’s Rangers became more adventurous. One play ended up with Jason Barkle on the edge of the box where a floating shot was launched causing a brief spurt of hope amongst the Rangers faithful. Had goalie and legend Adam Wells not been able to jump and collect, the closing stage of the game would have certainly been a spectacle had Barkle scored.
The stars:
Man Titty - Tim Rawiri. What’s most impressive about Rawiri is that he only arrived halfway through the match. But 45 minutes was more than enough time for a goal and an assist. Without Rawiri, the number of goals scored by The Tits goes down to zero. Talk about vital.
Summer Rangers - Mo Taderera. Key to the Rangers’ game plan was the frustration of the opposition via a robust defence, and Taderera provided that. Attack after attack after attack were broken up by Taderera’s tackles, and his quality clearances plus all-round game to boot made him an easy star pick.
The Bad Boys:
N/A - no cards
The comments:
Tim Rawiri, Titty attacker: “It was a good, fast-paced game. At times we struggled to get out of the back at times as they were pressing us quite highly so we had a challenge in breaking them down.
“We did get a bit fortunate with Scott [Henderson]’s goal, but it was a great finish.
“Once we got the second goal we were cruising though.”
The meaning:
For Man Titty, it’s business as expected - the defending champs start the season with two wins from two. Summer Rangers however languish with just a singular point from their opening matches.
That being said, given this was a matchup against the reigning champions who won all their games last season, the Rangers can hold their heads high. Their game of frustrate, defend, and counter did work, it just couldn’t hold up for the full ninety against The Tit’s ceaseless barrage. Similar performances to Sunday will reap deserved rewards.
The future:
Man Titty faces Red Barons at 2:30 pm next Sunday at Alex Moore, while Te Whaea hosts Summer Rangers’ 10 am clash against SkuxxFC.