One foot in the final... Tower 4 - 1 ELT, Cup Semi-final first leg, 26th Feb 2011
Boasting a full squad of 14 today, Tower took on East London Tabernacle, their most local rivals in the North East London and Essex Churches League. Last season ELT came back from 2-0 down against Tower to win 2-3 and prevent Tower from finishing above 4th spot. This time it was a cup semi-final first leg encounter, played in appalling conditions of incessant rain and a cut up muddy pitch! ELT exerted great pressure in the first half and their speedy striker was asking all sorts of questions about the solidity of the Tower back four. They also played an extra midfielder in the holding role giving them the lion's share of possession meaning Tower's centre midfielders, Nick and Perry needed to be disciplined and hard working throughout and were restricted in their attacking. Nevertheless, Tower waited for their chances remained united and managed to get goals on the counter attack. ELT's talisman did get a goal beating the keeper after Tower's captain and centre back, Eddie, suffered a hamstring pull allowing the striker through one on one with Tom. However, later in the match the ELT striker also suffered an injury and had to leave the pitch. This left ELT toothless and Tower continued to hit them on the break, although the final goal was a cleverly worked volley from Lee Thomson, set up by a deft chip from Luke With. Tim White clawed himself away from his medical books to come and put in another good performance and got on the score sheet as is usual procedure for him. Likewise, the prolific Luke With notched, and Lee Thomson got a brace in all. Tom Conquest made a series of good saves, especially with the wind against him and was voted man of the match. Well done to him and all the lads!!
Thanks to David Penman and Hayley Ricks who came to support on a miserable rainy day!
Goal scorers: L. With, L. Thomson (2), T. White
Assists: L. With (3), P. Loomes
MoM: Tom Conquest