Mardy Tigers U16’s 3-3 Cardiff City U16’s ( Mardy win 6-3 on aggregate)

Tiger fans were put through the emotional wringer during this excellent performance which saw the Tesco Tigers zoom into the second stages of this Cup competition, Not a match for the purist, it was the Tigers who settled  into their game the quickest and after some smart passing involving Thrupp, Edwards and KJ, it was the precocious talent of Academy Starlet Ellie Leek who slotted home calmly from the edge of the box to give the Tigers the lead. With the two teams evenly matched, chances were scarce but with Edwards in command in the centre of the park the Tigers deserved their lead which was doubled just before half time. In a pivotal moment, the impressive Simmonds controlled a Lambert goal kick, turned and fired a pinpoint throughball for the inevitable Thrupp. The diminutive striker accelerated smoothly past the Cardiff defenders to latch on to the ball, taking it across the chasing pack and launching an unstoppable rocket which hurtled in past the keeper, a superb strike from a superb talent. Two nil at half time. Were the Tigers safe?

This question was answered within five minutes of the second period when the Cardiff outfit rallied in front of their own fans to score two quick goals and level the match, surely the Tigers would not lose this advantage. Nervous Tiger fans watched as the ***cat Soccer Girls pulled their sleeves up and stood up to the plate with a combination of grit and determination. Superb defending by Paige, Wesson, Lambert, substitute Cleverly and man of the match Carys kept the girls in it. Sophie Foote’s handling in goals was faultless and this helped push the Tigers forward. Tiger pressure resulted in a flowing movement down the right flank and a superb ball found Zoe Simmonds lurking at the far post and it was her lethal left foot which smashed a third goal for the Tigers. The City side were not giving up though and an excellent consolation strike from Lisa Bird levelled the scores at the end. A great game involving two excellent sides.

This was a personal triumph for the “Special One”, who had been rocked by a transfer request from want away starlet Hadders just before the game. “ I’d like to wish her well in her quest for more demanding football with Caerphilly Castle, and thank her for her efforts this season”, he said to the eager press contingent in his post match briefing. Focussing on the game, Jeremiah praised his young team, who, except for one player, can all play next year at this age group, “they were great today, they rolled their sleeves up and worked their socks off. Beating Cardiff City in this competition is a great achievement for our club, I am very proud of them.” With that, Tiger fans ambled back to their cars pleased with the day’s football and dreaming the undreamable…………..

Harry Hotshot Roving Reporter,

“Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name, watching the Mardy Tigers!

Sassy Tigers Defeat City Highfliers

Mardy Tigers U16’s 3-0 Cardiff City Ladies U16’s

On a crisp and sunny Sunday afternoon at P.I.L.C.S Afc the Tigers took on Cardiff City in the first leg of their eagerly awaited Tesco Cup encounter. These two top sides are in the frame for honours this year and there were no holds barred in this tough cup tie played with exceptional spirit and respect from both sides. Mardy started brightly and took the game to their illustrious opponents, spreading the ball with their natural elegance and testing the Cardiff outfit. A superb passing move involving Edwards, Hadley and the silky Jeremiah soon had Cardiff on their heels and it was the inevitable right foot of Thrupp who smashed the ball past the keeper to give the Tigers a one goal lead appreciated by the Mardy faithful. On a tricky pitch, the girls from both sides were giving an exhibition of samba football with an array of superb passing and passionate soccer, but it was Mardy with the impressive striker Leek to the fore who pushed forward and drove another stake in Cardiff hearts when the aggressive Hadley crashed through two tackles to rifle a huge Tiger goal into the bulging net and give the Tigers a deserved two nil win at half time.

Cardiff City kicked off the second half with renewed vim and vigour and took the game to the brave Tigers and numerous chances were created with Lisa Bird, the City centre forward being thwarted by the exceptional goalkeeping talent Sophie Foote, who was absolutely immense in between the sticks for the Abergavenny outfit. With Wesson marshalling the defence of Kayleigh, Carys and Paige, the pressure was thwarted and the Tigers began to expand their game of pure and powerful Soccer magic. Zoe Simmonds and Kate Jeremiah began to weave their mystical web of soccer sorcery and supported by the superb Captain Fantastic Edwards the yellow army pressed their illustrious opponents. This pressure resulted in the superb Thruppmeister delivering the killer blow with a sublime strike from the edge of the box, a goal of sheer class from a class operator. With Jonesy, Megan James and “smiler” Lambert coming on to seal the game, the Tigers were rampant and now take their lead into the second leg of the Tesco cup.

“What an advert for girls’ football, we’ve seen today”, the special one mused, “ Great set up here in PILCS, I’m a very happy man! The girls were awesome. Both sides gave their all, but we had too much for them in the end.” Drinks in the bar, Christmas had come early for the terrific Tigers who must be happy with this victory. Chairman Big Wayne was a very happy man after this fine display from Jeremiah’s young charges – MARCHING ON!!!!!!!!

Harry Hotshot “Roving Reporter”,

Wherever the game Harry’s yer name,

Watching the Mardy Tigers

Tigers Sparkle in Brean – The Tales of Tour 2008!!!

Mardy Tigers took 3 age groups to Brean Sands to compete in the SCI Cup at 12’s,13’s and 14’s. Early starts were the order of the day as excited fans and players loaded up their cars for the annual jaunt to England in search of trophies and beer and wild, wild fun!!! Arriving at Pontins, it wasn’t long before the Tiger Barmy Army established a bar by the chalets and the Tigers were on the prowl around the camp site. Big Wayne was like a young Tom Cruise behind the bar juggling the cans and manning his optics, soon the party was in full swing with many sherberts being consumed by all. Exotic dancing by the Big fella was received rapturously by the female Tiger fans but soon the optics had their way and he was no more as he staggered homeward via a bush or two never to be seen again that evening! Paul aka “Ainsley” James knocked up a curry, which was pounced upon by the ever growing throng of Tiger fans and thence it was off to the club house to be “entertained” by “Girls Aloud” who were truly awesome! Even more awesome was the dancing performance from Lyn “the Groover” Cleverly who graced the dance floor with the Young Tiger starlets to the early hours. The Special One was by now exerting full authority by stressing the need for an early start on Saturday morning for what would be a feast of Tiger football from all his young charges. That Saturday morning did come, rather too early for some, it has to be said, and headaches and hangovers were tested to the max on the winding road to Weston.

The Saturday saw fine weather , if a little windy, but Tigers and their followers basked in the May sunshine awaiting the first games.  The under 12’s Tigerettes were on early vs Epsom Eagles and the 13’s were kicking off their campaign against Broadstone Girls. The Tigerettes battled awesomely and were unlucky to be defeated by a tidy Epsom team, the 13’s started superbly with a well deserved 2-1 win with goals from Rhian “the floor puncher” Cleverly and new recruit Shauna who was playing two years above her age group – what a prospect! The 12’s then played valiantly against two Aston Villa sides, going down to narrow margins but playing superb football and running their hearts out against their huge opponents. “She’s bigger than my missus” the |Special One gasped as he saw the size of the Villa centre forward. The 13’s then held a very strong and physical Newquay outfit before losing their only game of the tournament to Starlands St Anne’s Girls after dominating the game. An injury to Sophie in goals was the only downside to the day, this talented young Tiger needs to rest and get strong for next season’s campaign but what a supporter of her pals she is! She watches every game and kicks every ball from the side – a TRUE TIGER! The 14’s kicked off in glorious sunshine and started magnificently as they pulverised a strong Norfolk Bohemians’ side with stunning attacking football resulting in goals for Amy and Ellie. The next two games saw them against the A and B teams of Adur Athletic from Sussex, one goal in each game from the Thruppmeister took maximum points from their first 3 games. A very strong and physical Yeovil Town outfit were next and a draw resulted with the Tigers taking the game to their larger opponents. Last game of the day was against Hemel Hempstead girls which the Tigers destroyed with their own particular brand of Samba football and two superb strikes from Ellie and Kate. A long but rewarding day on the playing fields of England with all 3 teams a credit to the Club and the Special One. Back to the camp for a bite to eat , more beers etc.etc. The Tigers shot off to the fair to go up and down and round and round ! The Ghost train was a must-do apparently as was Wipeout, but the best sight of all was of all the Tigers with their hands above their heads on the Waltzer with Richie looking greener and greener with every passing minute and Kayleigh’s ever smiling face. Into the bar and singing from the entertainer fortunately did not spoil the Tiger fans’ appetite! After a long and gruelling day, the Special One retired early to watch the Eurovision song Contest and plan his strategy for the next day!

Sunday saw the rain and wind that was promised. And did it rain and did it blow? Lindsay and Shelley put the tent up to keep the Tigers dry and soon the football was flowing with the Tigerettes gaining a great draw with Epsom after a superb strike from Sadie. They really showed a great deal of guts and determination against strong and threatening opponents in the shape of Villa who, it has to be said , were not a credit to the game in contrast. But after their consequent defeat against the Midlands side, the girls can lift their heads up high and be proud of their performances. Special praise for Megan Stark, Sammy and Alice Morgan who struck a stupendous goal against Villa, much to the delight of the watching barmy army. These girls were magnificent, ably supported by Kelsey, Bram, Katie Webb, Lola. Sadie, Alys and Robyn, they were a credit to their club and The Tiger fans who love them dearly . They were rewarded quite appropriately for their effort and the manner in which they conducted themselves with the fair play trophy, which Alice gleefully received from Gavin Peacock at the presentation night.

“I’m wet down to my knickers!” Sue exclaimed, as the rain steadily poured down upon the Tiger party. The grey skies were lightened by a truly magnificent game of football against The Bohemians from Norfolk who were a creditable outfit and a nice set of people to boot! A nil-nil draw resulted which put some pressure on Mardy as their nearest rivals Yeovil scraped a win in their match and were now only two points behind. Then “Ashers” burst onto the scene with a 35yard chip which sailed into the goals to give a victory against Adur A, this goal settled the girls and it was Adur b who felt the backlash after a spell of truly mesmerising football steered the Tigers to a four nil win with goals from “Ashers” x2, Kate and the inevitable Thrupp. This set up the eagerly awaited clash with Yeovil, and the Tigers smashed their illustrious counterparts with another superb display of passing football giving another 2 nil win. Hemel Hempstead were similarly dispatched giving the tournament to the Tigers who didn’t concede a goal in the process. Captain Jade Edwards led the victory dive closely followed by the Kaiser, ElzBelz, Katie J, the Thruppmeister, Smiler, Ashers and Supamac, The sports nutritionist Big Wayne was also singled out for Tiger attack as he was flattened by a posse of Tigers and also captured on film!

The 13’s needed 3 wins from 3 tough fixtures to go through to the final and what a go of it they made. Two goals from the exhilarating Simmonds on the left gave the Tigers a win against a fancied Portsmouth side setting up a huge game against Chase Town girls, a physical and stong outfit. The teams could not be separated at full time however and a nil-nil draw was the end result. A crushing 3-0 victory over Hemel Hempstead finished the tournament off for the Tigers with goals from Jonesy, and a brace from Zoe. A very creditable finish by a young side which augurs well for the future of the Club, Captain Cleverly can be very proud of her players and Jonesy, Sophie, Lisa, Megs, Shauna, Leah, Zoe and Rio can all feel very proud of their performances in the stunning yellow of the Mardy tigers! Six games , won 3 drawn 2 and lost one! 7 goals for and two against – a truly great effort!

At the presentation night, Jade gleefully accepted the Tigers’ fourth trophy of the season from Gavin Peacock and Tiger fans and players retired to the dancefloor where “Twisting Tracey” was her awesome self and Lyn “the Groover” was rocking with the best. The Tigers swamped the dance floor and the smiles and laughter of the occasion will sit in the minds of all true Tiger fans. With the huge trophy in his grasp, the Special One was a proud footballing man “What a great set of girls we have, all ages, they were all terrific, where the hell am I going to put this thing?”. Later on , with a cup of coffee in his hands and a smile on his face he was heard to whisper “ wasn’t that just great today, I can’t wait to do it all over again”. An with that, the Tiger Tour 2008 was all over, a great weekend for all the girls who can only benefit from the experience and for the Tiger fans who are truly fortunate to watch this Mardy Machine in action. ROLL ON NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!

Harry Hotshot “Roving Reporter”

Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name,

On tour with the Mardy tigers!

Eight Days of Footballing Thrills for Tiger Fans!

The Tigers clinched the SWGL at Penypound playing their own Samba brand of football to swamp a tired Pontypridd on a huge Abergavenny Thursdays’ pitch. This set up a clash against local rivals Crickhowell Panthers who were keen to finally get one over the Abergavenny Supakatz. On a freshly cut field in Llangynidyr, the Tigers struggled to find their fluid passing game against a commited Panthers’ outfit. Numerous Tiger chances were created and spurned until a cross from the right saw Zoe Simmonds crash the ball over the line to give the Tigers a half time 1-0 lead. This lead was short lived when a Panthers’ corner was delivered across the box and without a challenge, the ball was scrambled in the net, much to the delight of the Panther fans. The Tigers huffed and puffed through the remainder of the game and were caught cold when another long ball was not dealt with, allowing the speedy Crickhowell striker to bustle the ball past the stranded keeper to give the Panthers the lead they craved. A chance for Watkins right at the death for the Tigers was spurned and the Abergavenny outfit were condemned to their first and only defeat of the season at the hands of their fiercest rivals. The Special One was solemn but defiant “That’ll do us good in the long run, I can’t wait to see the response from my girls on Saturday in Manchester.”

Saturday came, and a bus full of Tigers and Tiger fans eagerly boarded the bus to Manchester entertained by Wayne “SATNAV” Edwards alias Big Wayne, the FA Cup final was watched and enjoyed and a few beers were put away before returning to the hotel for a few songs and japes whilst the girls retired to their rooms. Sunday morning the Tigers were up early, resplendent in their VW Capitol Merthyr tracksuits. After a light breakfast and a jaunt around the City the team eventually arrived at the Eastlands Stadium where the National Finals of the Tesco’s cup were to be held. First shout from Watkins was “Can we go to the fair, Wayne?”, which was treated with absolute disdain by the tense coach. The friendly Manchester City staff walked the girls into the stadium where it soon became apparent what a magnificent achievement this occasion was for the girls. The Tesco organisers were immense however , and soon put the girls minds to rest, pictures were taken and the players were then ushered into the away changing rooms where a warm up room was in wait for them. How would the Tigers respond? Would they freeze? The Special One was calm with the girls with the emphasis very much on enjoying the occasion and making the most of their big day. When Jade led the girls out at Eastlands Stadium, City of Manchester, it was the proudest day in the history of the Tigers, representing their Welsh homelands on a foreign field. Tears were in the eyes of Tiger fans , emotions were high as the Abergavenny Sambakatz took on Scottish outfit Clyde Cumbernauld, in the first semi-final. With an injury to Lisa Jones, “Supamac” Watkins dropped to fullback with Jonesy slotting in up front. The Tigers attacked their prey with claws unleashed playing the beautiful game naturally and instinctively, creating a raft of chances from the fearsome boots of Jeremiah, Thrupp, Jones and Edwards. Great goalkeeping and poor luck thwarted the Tigers in front of goal and nerves began to jangle in the Tigers’ technical area. Then came the magic moment which was made for sharing as Amy Thrupp was put through and lobbed the keeper to score the greatest goal in Tiger history which gave the Tigers a 1-0 half time lead. Superb defending from Cleverly, James, the outstanding Wesson and Jones protected the lead to take the Tigers to the UK finals, the only Welsh representatives to make the National Finals! “Smiler” Lambert, with her assured handling and kicking was also immense in goals, she must be given praise for taking up the gloves to replace the superb Tigers’ injured goalkeeper Sophie”Gloves”Foote.

The final was to be against a strong Northern Ireland representative side sprinkled with International players, more than a test for a village side in South Wales! Again the girls were magnificent, taking the game to their strong opponents. The Special One was nearly in seventh heaven when a superb left footed strike from ElzBelz hit the cross bar as the Tigers pushed on. The Irish team rallied however and pressurised the Sambagirls’ goal but great defending and commitment from all the girls denied their illustrious opponents. Nil-nil at half time , all to play for “Superb girls, keep it up!” enthused the Special One. Every Tiger bled for their shirt pressing the Irish outfit who knew they were in a great game, zero-zero full time – extra time!!! The extra time sped by quickly to set up a penalty shoot out, 5 brave Tigers stepped up to take their penalties, 2 struck the cross bar, which by now had been hit 3 times by Tigers’ players in the match, to give the result to the Northern Belles by 4 goals to three. An exhilarating game played in exceptional spirit by two excellent sides, tears in the dugout, tears in the stand and tears on the field, but WHAT A STORY FOR THE CLUB AND WHAT AN AMAZING MEMORY FOR THE PROUDEST TEAM IN WALES!!

“Did you hear that bloke shout at me when I was attending to Amy?” mused Big Wayne the fitness coach, “ We’ve only got three and a half minutes……….!” “Cheeky so and so !!” and tears turned to laughter for all the Tigerettes and Tigers. “ I’m so proud of my players”, gasped the Special One, “What can I say, I’m speechless……… Big thanks to all the fans who shouted for us today, you were fantastic” And with that, he smiled as he saw Big Wayne lifting the Training goodies supplied by Tesco’s, grunting and groaning as he carried them to the bus for the long journey home.

Harry Hotshot, Roving Reporter,

Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name!

Following the Mardy Tigers

Mark Adams Cup Final U14’s

Mardy Tigers 4-1 Cardiff City

Tiger fans flocked to Penydarren Boys and Girls Club for the Mark Adams Cup final and what a treat they had in store. The Tigers were nervous before the kick off, Tiger fans were tense waiting to see their SambaCatz perform once again on the big stage. Prematch briefings from the Special One and his coaching staff spurred the Tigers on and top support from the Barmy army with Lindsay with tonsillitis ensured a great atmosphere for this match against the mighty Cardiff City and their massed fans. The Tigers led by Edwards took to the pitch and took the game to their opponents creating wave after wave of chances, a superb through ball from Edwards then found Thrupp in space with a run on the keeper, the lethal right foot of Thrupp lashed the ball towards the City net and through the brave City goalkeeper to give the Abergavenny Soccer princesses a lead which they thoroughly deserved. Tiger fans were ecstatic , “I would bet my mortgage on her finishing that!” exclaimed the Special One. City rallied and then Tiger disaster time, a cross was not dealt with and somehow the ball rolled past “Smiler” Lambert for the equaliser. Further disaster for the Tigers followed with Edwards limping off the pitch with an Achilles injury, was this a game to far for the Mardy outfit? Tigers responded with further chances being created and it was a sublime move from midfield which found Simmonds in space , with the ball at her predatory left foot she launched it into the City net to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead. With young Alice Morgan the Tigers’ Academy starlet coming on to replace the stricken Edwards, the Tigers regained their poise and held out until half time.

The Tigers were quiet at half time, Tigers’ masseur Big Wayne was spurring on the girls with his unique motivational style and the Special One urged his young ***cat Princesses for one more effort to take the spoils. The second half saw Tigers dominate proceedings with little in the way of football from their illustrious opponents , chances were spurned before “Supamac” Watkins was released by the superb Jeremiah for a thundering run and thunderbolt which was adjudged to have crossed the line by the Russian linesman. 3-1 and coasting, Thrupp magnificently finished proceedings with a deft finish to put the game safe. The final whistle came and tigers and their fans were delirious , superb performances all over the pitch from Cleverly, James, Jones, Lovering, Jonesy and Smiler between the sticks had taken the Tigers to victory.

Captain Edwards lifted the third piece of silverware this season for the Abergavenny Suapkatz, Tiger fans were smiling and the Special One beaming with delight. “We were brilliant today, these girls are awesome, they just keep going!” . Tiger fans and players retired to a local hostelry to reflect on their achievement,. “Awesome” uttered the tired Special One dreaming of further adventure with the Tiger Posse. Big Wayne and Mike were merely concentrating on their lagers, happy to see another Trophy in the Claws of the Tiger Girls!!!!

Harry Hotshot Roving Reporter,

Wherever the Game, Harry’s yer name,

Following the Mardy tigers          

Scintillating Soccer Triumph for Terrific Tigers -  The Mardy Soccer Journey Marches On!

The Mardy Tigers travelled to Aberystwyth on Sunday to represent their league (SWGL) in the Welsh Finals, the winners of which would represent Wales in the UK finals at the City of Manchester Stadium. Tiger fans were dreaming of a trip up North, could their Soccer Princesses step up to the mark and bring the spoils of victory back to Abergavenny? A very early start saw the bleary eyed Tigers embark on a tortuous journey through Mid Wales arriving in plenty of time for obligatory hamburgers and chips from the catering van. The Special One was his usual tense self trying to control his nerves with numerous cups of tea and walks around the pitches. His mood worsened though when it was realised that the two North Wales entrants were indeed district representative sides picked from several different clubs, which was contrary to the entry rules. However, this galvanised the brooding genius to spur on his posse of Tigers to what was to become their greatest triumph in their short history.

“Mold FC” drawn from 6 clubs were the first opponents, buoyant from a draw against NWCFA, a loss for the Tigers would see them knocked out in the first stages. A tense start saw the Tigers struggle to play with their normal rhythm but then their fluency came from nowhere and Edwards, Curson, Thrupp and Jeremiah came into their own with Curson smashing the first through the goalkeeper to put the Supakatz in front. Then, the lethal Thrupp scored the goal of the tournament, after latching on to a through ball from midfield, she gave herself an angle before firing a precision strike into the far corner. Two nil, Happy Days! Superb defending from Cleverly, “Wesson the Kaiser”, James and Jones and calm handling fron Lambert saw the girls through. With  Jonesy and Lovering also tenacious in the tackle the result was never in doubt. Dreams were starting to come true for Tiger fans.

NWCFA were next, another representative side, but the Tigers were not overawed and, in a scrappy match punctuated by brief spells of samba soccer, a superb finish from “Supamac” Watkins who turned and blasted in a short range effort, gave the Tigers the edge. Simmonds by now was terrorising the right back and the Tigers finished strongly to take the delirious fans to a final against Llangyfelach girls, a strong outfit from Swansea.

Nerves were jangling and disasters were happening, an injury plague had beset the Tigers, Wesson jarred her knee and was struggling, Watkins strained her quad and was out and Jones was nursing a groin pull with an ice lolly! Physio Big Wayne was overworked in the gazebo applying his magical potions to cure the sick for the final, but what a job he did. A patched up Tiger outfit took the field with Jonesy stepping in for Watkins and Lisa  bravely toughing it out for the cause. The Tigers took the game to the Swansea side who had a half chance when their striker shot well wide after being put through. Chances came for the Tigers but they were not put away until a glorious second half performance saw the outstanding Thrupp score two memorable goals, both cool finishes, to break the Llangyfelach hearts. Delirium and delight amongst Tiger fans and the best sight was a beaming Special One ecstatic with his side’s achievement. “They just go out and do it, they’re not overcoached they are magnificent” uttered the man with the Midas touch, “Welsh Champions!!!” With Big Wayne leading the singing, further honours were lavished on the Tigers with Elz Belz picking up the player of the tournament trophy, receiving her award from Neville Southall, the great Welsh International Goalkeeper. Tired but happy this band of players sang their hearts out on the way home with “Supamac” Watkins, leading proceedings with the theme tune to the Titanic. “Blue Moon” is the Manchester City song and now the Footballing Soccer ***cats can learn another song for their bus journey to Eastlands. Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!

This Saturday see the girls travel to Penydarren to face the mighty Cardiff City in the U14 Cup final, this comes hot on the heels of a dynamic win which may have clinched the title for the Tigers against Crickhowell. Goals from Jeremiah(2), Thrupp and Simmonds, sealed a 4-2 victory on the Field of Dreams in Mardy!

Harry Hotshot, Roving Reporter,

 Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name,

Following the Mardy Tigers!

Abertyssyg Angels U14’s 0-5 Mardy Tigers U14’s

Snow and hail greeted the Tigers on arrival at the picturesque Abertyssyg pitch, Big Wayne made an immediate impact by scything into Paul Simmonds 4x4 leaving a rather dented Rover in the car park but all was well with the travelling barmy army who basked in the April sunshine. The pitch offered a superb playing surface which suited the Supakatz and they were soon in their stride with the post wobbling from a thunderbolt unleashed from the penalty spot, more chances were spurned and the Special One was becoming tense on the touchline. His nerves were calmed after a straightforward finish from the Tigers’ centre forward but the home side then wasted a glorious chance to level proceedings when the Tigers rearguard failed to deal with a high ball in the box. One nil at half time, the Tigers needed to raise their game against their gutsy opponents, the special one posted Katie J back on the right and it was her pinpoint cross which found the predatory Thrupp to finish with aplomb. The ever improving Rhiannon Jones then curled a third goal in from a tight angle and the Supakatz were sizzling in the Sun! Thrupp added a fourth with a stunning finish again after some superb passing had released Jeremiah on the right and it was the ever impressive “Smiler” Lanbert who finished off proceedings with a deft finish to take the spoils.

The Angels were brave opponents who battled to the end, but the quality and strength of the Abergavenny Samba Soccer Princesses were too much for them. Captain Edwards was again immense and the back four of Wesson, Jones, James and Cleverly, although a little rusty held firm. The wing demons, Katie J and Zoe were superb, as was Leah who battled hard for the cause when she came on. Special mention to Kayleigh for stepping into goalkeeping duties to cover for Sophie Foote, who is recovering from injury. Tiger fans all hope she has a quick and speedy recovery.

The Special One praised his band of footballing Tigers, who grafted hard for this victory on a cabbage patch of a pitch and faced by some rather vociferous home support. “I’m pleased with the result, we need to step up a few gears for the game on Wednesday if we’re going to progress in the Cup, but we can do it!”

Harry Hotshot “ Roving Reporter”

Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name,

Following the Mardy Tigers

Crickhowell Panthers 2-3 Mardy Tigers

This sumptious cup tie was eagerly awaited by all, and did it deliver! With both teams pressing for league honours, nerves were frayed on both sides. The “Special One” was tense, chewing his jacket nervously, the Tigers were stricken by injuries. Their ever present Goalkeeper Sophie “Gloves” Foote, out with a long term injury was on the side to support her team mates, we all wish her a speedy recovery. Rhian Lambert was ill, “Rio” Cleverly was nursing a muscle strain, who would play in goals? Who would play where? Decisions had to be made and the “Special One” was making them!

Finally the two teams squared up for their first encounter of the season, with brave Megan James donning the gloves for the first half. It was the Tigers who snarled out of the blocks early on and several chances were created, thwarted by some brave and agile goalkeeping. A through ball from Curson found Jeremiah who lashed a fiece ball in from the right flank which Academy Starlet “Jonesy” Jones deftly flicked in past the distraught keeper from close range. The Panthers rallied though , as you would expect from a team of their stature and troubled the Tigers’ back four where Frankie “Kaiser” Wesson was having yet another legendary game ably supported by Lisa Jones and Cleverly. However it was the Tigers who struck again with Captain fantastic Jade Edwards bundling in a Zoe Simmonds’ corner at the near post. The panthers hit back with a rasping flick from their wide player grazing the Tigers’ cross bar, this was really end to end stuff from two exceptional girls’ football teams. Flying winger “Katie-J” Jeremiah nearly sealed the first half with a third goal that would have calmed the nerves of the barmy army when she shot over from 20 yards. Half time, two nil up but a second half against the slope, the Tigers would need to be on their game to take this tie.

“ First 10 minutes, girls. We need to keep it tight and stop them scoring!” roared the tense “Special One” rallying his young Tiger Starlets but the ***cat Princesses failed to clear a cross ball which fell to a Panther marksman who slotted the ball home to make it game on, after two minutes of the second half. Nervous glances, tension was etched across the faces of the faithful Tigers’ fans. The Tigers rolled their sleeves up and Thrupp and Watkins hurtled into the game playing direct and positive football. The Samba soccer returned like a long lost best friend and when Jeremiah latched onto a precision pass from midfield and slid it out onto her right foot, there was only one outcome, A rifle like shot into the top corner which sent the travelling  crowd into a frenzy. Edwards who had donned the gloves for the second half was immense in goals, Kayleigh Watkins had a great game with her tireless running and Wesson was superb, Megan James strangled the threat from the Panthers left winger and the game went to the Abergavenny Supakatz but not without a turn at the end. A clearance from Edwards dropped to a Panthers striker who launched a shot on goal , but Edwards had injured herself and the ball rolled past her in to the empty net to give a consolation goal for the home side. The referee sportingly ended the contest which was as good a game of girls’ football seen anywhere in the country. Both sides, fans and management are eagerly awaiting the league clashes at the end of the season!

“What a game!” , the “Special One” mused “The Tigers were great today, young Megan James is improving with every game, she never lets the Tigers down! Happy days! I’ll enjoy my pint tonight!”.

Harry Hotshot “ Roving Reporter”, Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name, Following the Mardy tigers!

Mardy Tigers U14’s 8 - Cambrian U14’s 3

The Barmy army massed to the Field of Dreams at Abergavenny Leisure Centre keen to see their ***cat idols entertain visitors Cambrian aka Ferndale Fillies.  A win was important for the Tigers to pressurise their rivals at the top of the league, Crickhowell Panthers, and manager Jeremiah  was keen to get this message across to the tigers at their pre-match briefing. Then disaster for the Tigers, ever present goalkeeper Sophie “Gloves” Foote injured her hip in the warm up and was soon forced off with her injury for Rhian “Smiler” Lambert to take over in goals. The game was a slow affair, with the blustery conditions affecting the normally fluid passing game of the Tigers resulting in passes regularly being overhit and nestling in the hands of the capable Cambrian shot-stopper. The pressure was building though and when the superb Jeremiah latched on to a precision pass from midfield, her laser guided missile strike rasped into the bulging net. Tiger fans were ecstatic on the popular bank in this natural cauldron of football, waiting for the expected glut of goals. This did not come , however and it was the plucky visitors who took the game to the Mardy Big Cats coming close on two occasions to that elusive equaliser. The Tigers rolled their sleeves up and clawed their way to a 1-0 half time lead with the visitors still very much in the hunt.

The half time talk saw the Special One spurring on his bedraggled big cats , “I’d rather us playing against the wind, lets get our passing going!”. The Tigers stormed out of the traps and another pinpoint ball found the dangerous Simmonds in space in the box and her left foot did the rest. 2 nil and all is well? No, Cambrian struck through their prolific striker who capitalised on weak defending to skilfully glance the ball into the Tigers’ net. A superb run and strike from midfield took Mardy to a 3-1 lead and again the visitors came back, the Abergavenny Big Cats were not used to this sort of response from their striken prey. A strike from Captain fantastic Edwards settled the Mardy girls nerves and then a superb chip from Amy Thrupp with the outside of her famous right foot from all of 20 yards gave Mardy daylight. Cambrian again bounced back with another goal which kept the game alive but then like a gift from above, the Tiger Samba football clicked in with Simmonds rounding off a glorious move with a deft first time volley, Thrupp added another and Jeremiah killed the game with another glorious finish, slotting the ball in at the far post after a fine run and cross from Simmonds. The back four of James, Jones Wesson and makeshift centrehalf for the day Hopkins, ably supported by Rhian Lambert in the sticks, now looked solid and The Tigers held on for their victory which further extends their unbeaten record this season.

Manager Jeremiah was quick to praise his charges picking out Captain Edwards, the Thruppmeister and Jeremiah for special praise and gave a special mention to Rhiannon “Jonesy” Jones, whose tireless running always pressed the Cambrian defence. “ She ran her socks off today”, Jeremiah beamed, “ but we need to be better than that in the coming weeks if we’re going to win anything, pleased with a win though. Still sweating on the fitness of two of my tigers, get well soon Sophie and Rhian!”. This was a hard game for the Tigers but once again they showed their quality and ability to score high class goals, this is the time of the season which will test the nerves of the Mardy faithful!!

Harry Hotshot “ Roving reporter”,

Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name, following the Mardy Tigers

It was Christmas eve in a village we all know well. The dark, crisp night time was speckled with glowing splinters from warm houses decorated with colourful lights and Christmas trees. This was a magical time for children hoping for their perfect presents, and adults happy to be with their families in their warm houses. But within this peaceful village, the moonlight shone eerily through the cold mist creating a mystical shroud around the houses and gardens. What was to happen that night would shape future generations and would determine the destiny of one small boy gazing from his bedroom at the frost covered fields lit by the fluorescent moonlight. JJ wondered if he’d been good enough all year to have his dream Christmas present, but what was this present that meant so much to him? Even he didn’t know, but soon he would get some help from the unknown to take him to places beyond his house, his village and even his wildest dreams.

“Go to bed now, Jose!”, his mum gently ordered, “You look tired and Santa doesn’t want to wait for you to go to sleep so that you’ll make him late”. “Ok” JJ sighed reluctantly, inside he was alive with excitement, perhaps a premonition of what was to come. He kissed his Mam and Dad and slowly made his way upstairs to his room where his little dog Millie was nestling up against the radiator. “Hello Millmeister” JJ whispered as he tweaked her bat like ears “I can’t wait until tomorrow”. The little dog looked up and wagged what was left of her tail in agreement, happy to be with JJ. Boy and dog snuggled up and soon a cacophony of snores echoed around the room illuminated by a crack of light from a crooked curtain. Silence infiltrated every room and house and street engulfing the village until a stream of mist like vapour hissed under the door of JJ’s room alerting Millie who whined quietly.

Coldness and fear jerked JJ into semi-consciousness, he shakily put his glasses on, cursing as one of the arms poked an already red eye, “Owch!!”, he cried , “Is anyone there? Expecting no-one he was positively petrified when a thick Scottish, rugged accent , honed in the pubs and clubs of Glasgow replied “Yes, Son!”.

“Who is it?”, the startled youngster bumbled.

“Don’t be afraid”, rasped the voice “Tonight,  me and a few of ma canny fiends are goin’ to show you your destiny, Jose Jeremiah!”

“My Destiny”, JJ was crying now, Millie was shielding her doggy face with a big black paw, “Are you going to kill me?”

“No son, you are destined for great things and I’m here to help you. I’m goin’ to take you on a journey of discovery!”, the voice was raising in volume and a human shape appeared from the hissing mist. JJ squinted into the glowing light inquisitively trying to make out this mysterious figure. He moved forward, slowly, step by step but hurtled back when a ringing “Don’t you know me boy?”, emanated from the life source.

“Nnnnno”, stuttered JJ, the figure was now unmistakeable, it was a small grey haired, wizened, hard, old man with piercing eyes and a threatening demeanour. “I’m so sorry Sir but I don’t know who you are”.

“I am the ghost of managers’ past , my name’s Bill by the way, you can call me Mr. Shankly”, the man answered softening his gravelly tone. “Come here, we’re off!”, and with that he took JJ and Millie in his strong arms and whisked them away through the gaping darkness. In seconds they were there.

“Bloody Hell, Mr. Shankly we’re on top of a football stand”, gasped JJ, clutching the petrified Milmeister.

“Stop your cursing, it’s not any football stand, this is Anfield!” an angry voice boomed, “this is where I had my greatest years,dya wanna meet some of the greats?”.

“Yes please” the boy replied, his heart pounding with ever increasing force. JJ had been in love with football since he was a babe in arms, as a child he would often dream of managing a great football side and taking them onto glory. “You will do it, you know!”, Shankly hissed with a cheeky grin, as if he were reading the boy’s mind.

“Do What?”, JJ retorted, feeling a little more comfortable on top of a grandstand with his dog and a strange, rough Scottish bloke.

“You must find out tonight, c’mon come and see ma players”. Suddenly they were on the pitch, the great Liver Bird stared down at then disdainfully, “This is ma centre forward, he’s Scottish too.I signed him from St Mirren for thirty seven thousand pounds.”

“Thirty Seven and a half thousand” , the footballer protested. He looked magnificent in his all red strip, “So you’re the one are you? Just remember son, keep the ball on the grass and you’ll not be far wrong!”. With that he was gone.

“What does he mean, I’m the one?” JJ asked Shankly.

“If you are the one you’ll find out tonight”, Shankly replied and pointed at another Liverpool clad player with a strange curly hair cut and tight shorts. “I know, a bit of a fashion victim but one helluva player, he’ll manage one day, but he’s an attacker, his teams can’ defend”.

The curly player approached JJ with a big smile,”Is the gaffa being nice to you”, he asked, “Only he can be a bit frightening some times, by the way boss dya think that Hamburg is a good move for me……………”. His voice trailed off , JJ was back in his room, as before silent, except for the Scottish voice getting ever quieter “You are the one JJ, you are the one, you are………………”.

“NO! NO! You are not the One, I am the One, the Only One, the one and only, the SPECIAL ONE” boomed a mediterranean voice from the corner of the room. Looking at the Milmeister who seemed quite taken with the handsome boyish figure whose craggy looks were emphasised by designer stubble, the special one said “I had a dog once, I brought her to UK, she didn’t like, the police didn’t like, crazy people the British. I manage Chelsea, we are great team, championship, FA Cup, we are special. I am Mourinho the ghost of Managers present, temporarily out of job at moment. Big Russian, he not like me, I go, its easy. England they want the special one,  the special one not too sure, Carvalho Portuguese, can’t have a special team without Carvalho!”. JJ was mesmerised by this strange little guy with a rather large ego.

“What do you want with me?” JJ asked.

“I want to show you greatness in football”, Mourinho exclaimed , “You come!!”. JJ shut his eyes and soon he was in a leather armchair sat next to the special one in front of a huge plasma screen. “ Watch!”, Mourinho ordered as first Chelsea then Porto appeared on TV, “Great players, two wingers Robben and Duff, two great midfielders Deco and Essien, a great striker Drogba- I love Didier, Terry and Cech. Attacking football, we play and your team will one day when perhaps you may become the special one! BUT NOT YET!”, he laughed and disappeared , his laughter echoing in the darkness.

JJ, still a little shaky, clutched his pillow and cursed his bad dreams, what was happening to him? Was it about to end or get better or worse?

“Better of course”, a slightly effeminate London accent whispered, “Me and Victoria, she’s a WAG, would like you to come with us to our house in LA”. JJ’s heart pounded “Jesus, its Jennifer Saunders”, he thought.

“Of course its not Jennifer Saunders, it’s me David”, the well dressed man replied, a huge diamond sparkling in his left ear.

“David who?” JJ asked quizzically.

“Are you being fick?” Becks replied now getting a bit fed up with this particular child and worrying that he might lose his UNICEF status if he hit the irritating youngster. “I’m David Beckham and you’re coming with me…..”

“Would you like a jaffa cake, they’re my favourite” whispered the slightly gawky but reasonably attractive lady “I’m VB and you can sit on my throne if you’d like to”. JJ alighted the throne and felt very powerful for once in his life. “You must live your dreams, like me and Victoria do, every day don’t we darling?”

“Of course we do David”, VB replied, munching another jaffa cake.

“I fink I’m goin’ to be a great manager too, you know I’ve worked wiv Capello, Fergie, he threw a cuppa tea at me, Venables and Mclaren”.

“Don’t be darft David, that’s a car ennit?” VB intervened.

“Oh Victoria, I do love you, you’re so intelligent, I always fought there was something wrong wiv him!”

“Anyways, you are goin to be the special one, and fulfil your footballing dreams and produce a dream team like Real. Only when I was in the team! Like I’m going to do one day.”

“One day, I’ll do it!”

“Do What?”,an irritated Lorraine shouted “ You’ve been twitching and jabbering all night, I’m trying to watch the X factor!”

The next day JJ is giving his orders to his team of Soccer Princesses from Mardy, ten minutes later, he realises his dreams have come true, superb samba football and goals follow, Crickhowell falter, the cup is ours, happy days, “I am the special one……”.

“What are you on” asks Big Wayne “you want to get a grip!”

“Sorry mate, just dreaming”, JJ said knowingly “two wingers Katie J and Zoe, great strikers the Thruppmeister and Kayleigh, midfielders Elzbelz and Jade, defenders the Kaiser, “Rio”Cleverly, Smiler and Lisa, Cech or Foote – no competition and a great squad with Megan, Leah, Zoe T, Jonesy and Alice. “I’m not the special one, just the lucky one!” he mused.

In the distance three figures watch and argue,

“I was the special one…………!”

“I am the ONE……………….”

“I might be one , One day!”

THE END – HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Pantyscallog U14’s 0-4 Mardy Tigers U14’s

The tense Tigers travelled to Pant nursing a few injuries and missing their silky winger “Katie-J” Jeremiah who was struck with a sickness bug hours before the game. Manager Jeremiah spurred his young charges on, knowing fully that this was going to be a tough game against a commited , physical team on their own patch. The Tigers captain Jade Edwards won the toss and played with the elements in the first half and it was her team of Tigers who took the game to the Merthyr girls, chances came and went with the ever alert Thrupp going close, but no goals resulted. Tiger fans were tense, biting their nails in the Cold Autumnal breeze. Then a goal came from the thunder boots of Kayleigh “SuperMac” Watkins who, in one movement, swivelled and hit a rocket into the bottom corner of the bulging net. Delight for the ***catz and Happiness for their loyal supporters, the Barmy Army. More pressure was then applied by the ravenous Tigers, eager to finish their prey off early in the game. This led to a multitude of corners, one of which was blasted home by Captain Fantastic Edwards, two nil and all was well. Pant rallied and a superb through ball saw their lone striker bearing down on the Tigers’ goal. Sophie “Gloves” Foote, Mardy’s superb young keeper, responded with a super stop to deflect the ball past the post for a corner, resulting in huge applause from the travelling faithful. This “wonder save” took the Tigers into half-time with a two goal cushion, half the job done, the toughest yet to come. Jeremiah calmly gathered his young Tigers and delivered yet another rabble rousing team talk, this galvanised the Abergavenny Big Catz for what would become a staggering second half performance.

Mardy launched at their opponents straight from the first whistle with Zoe Simmonds prominent on the left flank and the predatory Thrupp, a constant menace to the home defence. With “Kaiser” Wesson and “Rio” Cleverly solid at the back and repelling all attacks thrown at them, the Tigers confidently slipped up a few gears and took the game to Pant. Slick passing from “Jonesy” Jones and Rhian “Smiler” Lambert put the Thruppmeister through on goal and the darling of the Barmy Army delivered her usual clinical brand of finishing to put the Tigers into “three goal lead heaven”. More pressure was to come with Simmonds and Watkins going close, it was Simmonds who stabbed in the fourth goal from close range to make the game safe for the Samba Soccer Princesses. Tough defending from Academy starlet Zoe “ I’m better than Gary Neville” Thomas, the ever improving and dependable Megan James and Lisa “I’m too nice to be a footballer” Jones saw the Tigers through to achieve a great win at a hard to win venue.

“Sometimes you have to win matches by skill, sometimes by graft, we did the hard work today, nobody was going to give us that win, we had to earn it!”, an elated manager “The Special One” emphasised at the post match press conference. “Great performance all round especially in view of the injuries we had today, what a great squad effort.” When asked if he had been a good manager, and did he deserve a Christmas present, the “Special One” suggested that he had been good, although he did not expect too many presents, “All I want for Christmas is to get my hands on the Tesco’s Cup next week, that’ll do for me Pal!”, and with that, this superb tactical genious smiled and went home a very happy football manager for a well deserved “cup of char”.

Harry Hotshot “Roving Reporter”

“Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name”, following the Mardy Tigers

Tesco’s Cup Final South Wales Division , Mardy Tigers U14’s 7-0 Margam

A school bus full of Tigers, fans and Jose made their way through the wind, rain and traffic to a windswept Jenner Park, home of the famous Barry Town, to face a previously undefeated outfit from Margam, one of the strongest girls teams in South Wales. These Tigers are a special breed though and they took the experience in their strides as they marched into the changing rooms looking magnificent in their royal blue Cup Final tee-shirts. Then disaster struck, a fullback with no boots!! The manager was stressed, the full back upset, where were they? But assistant bottle carrier Curson loaned his magic Kaiser boots to the player and it was game on again. With the girls ready for action, the team talk was given by the “special one”, and by motivation coach, Big Wayne. How could they lose??

The Tigers came out of the blocks snarling and took an instant lead when “SuperMac” Watkins lashed a short range howitzer into the roof of the net within 30 seconds of the start. The stunned Margam girls rallied a little but were further behind when dazzling right winger “Katie-J” Jeremiah notched two superb goals with her usual panache and grace, what a game she was having as she tore into the Margam defence at every opportunity like a female Ronaldo! Three nil down and further pain was soon to be inflicted on the Port Talbot outfit when Rhian “ I’ve lost my boots” Lambert launched a long range effort which bounced over the keeper and flew into the net. It must have been those magic boots that were loaned to her Curson mused, funny how he had not yet scored with them!!!! Four nil at half time and Tiger fans were ecstatic, the noise from the travelling faithful never diminished with Lindsay” C’mon Tigers” Lambert and Sue “I’m normally too posh to shout” Curson much to the fore.

“You’ve done half a job, now go out and finish it off”, exclaimed a happy “Special One”, and do it they did! With Edwards and Elz superb in midfield and “Rio” Cleverly, blotting out attacks the tasty Tigers were up for the kill. Frankie “The Kaiser” Wesson was once again huge at the back, what a season this girl is having. But it was another purring ***cat who tore into the Margam girls, Zoe “ just like Eddie Gray” Simmonds changed gears like a purring sports car to score two awesome strikes to clinch the game for the Abergavenny Big Catz. With an inevitable supastrike from the fantastic Thruppmeister, a seven goal cushion was established. This enable Jeremiah to blood his young Tigers, Megan James came on for Lambert at the back and was particularly impressive, the athletic Lisa “I’m getting better and better” Jones was replaced by Zoe Thomas who was awesome and “Jonesy” Jones gave a cameo role up front and performed amazingly well. Last but not least academy starlet Alice “the Guvnor”Morgan played alongside Elz in the middle of the park and wasn’t she just great, playing two years above her age group, what potential! The final whistle came much to the delight of all Tiger fans, a truly sporting occasion played in the best spirit, the true winner being the beautiful game of football. Cheerrs were heard in Mardy when Captain Fantastic Edwards lifted the Trophy for the Tigers. The images of Tigers smiling, embracing, eating spaghetti Bolognese and chips were truly memorable, a very happy day for the purring, purrfect ***cat principality princesses. The “Special One” was an emotional man, “Awesome, just awesome, simply the best!”. The singing in the bus was huge but not harmonic, the sight of the “special one” sat amongst his special Tigers was a sight that we will remember for a very long time. Bring on the next round!!!!!

Harry Hot Shot Roving Reporter

Wherever the game Harry’s yer name, following Mardy Tigers

Fifteen Love – Mardy Aces storm to Victory!

Mardy Tigers U14’s 6-0 Pantyscallog Village

Mardy Tigers U14’s 6 – 1 Thornhill

Mardy entertained Thornhill in the First Round of the Tesco’s Cup at Abergavenny Leisure Centre, this was an eagerly awaited contest between two unbeaten sides in the SWGL. On a glorious sun kissed day the Tigers put on their best display of the season to take the game to the young Cardiff outfit and it was their superb winger Kate “Katie J” Jeremiah who opened the scoring with a stunning drive from 20 yards to bewilder their Thornhill prey. To their credit, Thornhill raised their game and pressurised the Tigers who stood firm with stout defending from central duo, Wesson “The Kaiser” and “Rio” Cleverly, however, this pressure soon paid dividends and an opportunistic strike from the Thornhill centre forward levelled things after 15 minutes. The Tigers knew they were in a game and raised the tempo and level of their game to switch on the Samba football their new strip merits, Jade Edwards regained the lead with scrappy toe poke into the net and the game further swung in favour of the Abergavenny Supakats when a penalty was awarded for a handball in the box, “Katie J” stepped up to guide the penalty past the hapless keeper to make it 3-1. Amy Thrupp then burst onto the scene with a goal of pure striker’s venom latching onto a through ball and lobbing the keeper, 4-1 the Tigers went in at half time a very happy posse.

Manager Jeremiah urged his team of talented Tigers to hold their nerve and kill off the game, they took the field for the second half and mesmerised their opponents with a feast of exuberant and beautiful football. This soon translated into another goal of the highest quality when bustling centre forward Kayliegh “Supermac” Watkins got in front of her marker to volley the football into the back of the net, stunning the happy band of Tiger fans who were now basking in the warmth of the late Autumn sunshine. A further venomous strike from midfield ended the game with a deserved 6-1 victory for the Mardy Big Cats and put a huge smile on Manager Jeremiah’s face. “ What a show, we put on today, fantastic girls, you were brilliant!” Tiger fans were ecstatic, the Tigers tired and happy, all in all, not a bad day at the Abergavenny Field of Dreams!

Harry Hotshot, Roving Reporter,

Wherever the game Harry’s yer name,

Following the Mardy Tigers

Dinas Powys U14’s 2-6 Mardy Tigers U14’s

Mardy Tigers travelled to Dinas Powys in the quarter final of the Tesco’s Cup to face a young outfit currently unbeaten in the SWGL. On a sunny day in a superb location the Tigers started assuredly, snapping into their passing routine and moving the ball fluently through the midfield. With two minutes on the clock the ball fell to the lethal boots of the Tigers Captain, Jade Edwards who blasted a 25 yard thunderbolt into the roof of the net. This triggered  a feast of fabulous football from the Mardy BigKatz who blitzed their startled opponents, goals soon followed. The second goal came from a well constructed goal from silky winger “Katie J” Jeremiah who responded well to a rebound and promptly lashed the ball into the net. Goal three came from the predatory boots of goal maestro Amy Thrupp who pounced on a through ball from midfield, drew the keeper and slotted the ball into the corner. It was Thrupp who then turned provider dragging the ball to the edge of the box for the central midfielder to fire a missile past the stricken keeper. Four nil at half time, the Tigers must surely go on to win from this position!

Half time saw a complete turnaround, Dinas were on the scoresheet 30 seconds into the second half when a cruelly deflected shot trickled past the impressive Sophie Foote, who was completely wrongfooted. This spurred the Cardiff outfit on and a further clinical strike further cut the deficit to 4-2. Dinas attacked the Tigers net mercilessly and it was some superb defending from Frankie “ the Kaiser” Wesson, makeshift centre half Kayleigh “Supermac” Watkins and full backs Lisa Jones and Megan James who kept the home side at bay. Normal service was resumed with another piece of Soccer Salsa magic from the sensational Tigers, the ball was moved down the left by Simmonds who found Thrupp. The striker weaved into the box and again rolled a perfect ball to her midfield colleague who deftly placed the ball into the corner to from 18 yards to ease the nerves of manager Jeremiah and the travelling Mardy faithful. Winger Jeremiah added her second late on in the game to take the Abergavenny Supakatz into the semi-finals of this competition.

Manager Jeremiah was full of praise for his team and singled out Watkins for her superb defending , “Jonesy” for her hard work and graft and the fantastic Frankie “the Kaiser” Wesson , who was donning her new red boots for the first time. “Frankie was brilliant today”, Manager Jeremiah cooed “ She shackled her opponent and led the defence superbly, she is getting better and better. I’m very happy to be in the semi-finals after a great display like this”. The Mardy faithful travelled home ecstatic after watching their charges chalk up another win on the road against quality opposition who never gave up and really got stuck in for their team. This match was a credit to girls football in South Wales.

Harry Hotshot “Roving Reporter”,

Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name,

Following the Mardy Tigers.

Mardy Tigers U14’s 10-2 Coedcae U14’s

The Mardy machine keeps rolling with this huge victory over their local rivals Coedcae. In a one sided contest, Captain Jade Edwards opened the scoring against her old club with a stinging left footed rapier that left the keeper stranded, this goal lifted the Tiger terrors to new heights and the barmy army were treated to a goal fest as the Tigers set about their work. The impressive Zoe Simmonds led the charge with a wonder strike into the corner, the first of four wonderful goals from this emerging talent. Strike of the first half came from Kayleigh “SuperMac” Watkins who latched onto a through ball to unleash a thunderbolt into the corner of the net from 25 yards. Six nil at half time, Manager Jeremiah rung the changes “If they score seven this half you deserve to lose” was his comment of the match. He had no need to worry as the impressive Thrupp took control of the midfield and started to pull the strings, further goals came from “Jonesy” and “Katie J”, the latter a splendid finish with the outside of her right boot to leave Coedcae hopes dashed. The Coedcae girls rallied to score two great goals late on in the second half from their impressive left winger but it was the Abergavenny Supakatz who took the spoils at the final whistle much to the delight of the barmy army on the touchline.

The Tigers next game is a semi-final of the Tesco’s Cup against Trefelin next week, a win will see these girls in the final to be played under the lights in Jenner Park, home of Barry Town. Tiger fans are biting their nails, praying for their team to take them to Barry in search of Silverware. The “Special One” (there is only one Special one in full time employment at the moment!), is tense, “we take one game at a time” he told a packed press conference at the end of the game, “ we are looking forward to next week, it will be a great occasion”.

Special mention to the Under 12’s who beat league leaders Georgetown in a friendly today at the Theatre of Dreams, two super strikes from Sammi Quayle, a new recruit from Griffithstown gave the Tigerettes a well deserved win. Captain Alice Morgan deserves a special mention for being selected as MoM in every game this year, well done Alice the Tigers are proud of you. Well done girls!

Harry Hotshot “Roving Reporter”,

“Wherever the game, Harry’s yer name”,

following the Mardy Tigers.

Trefelyn U14’s 0-3 Mardy Tigers U14’s

On a wet and windy afternoon in Sunny Trefelyn, the Tigers resumed their Tesco’s Cup action with a semi-final, a victory seeing the winners play under lights at Jenner Park, home of Barry Town. Against a spirited and physical Trefelyn outfit, the Tigers struggled to find their normal fluency and, playing against the wind in the first half, this was a tight encounter for the Abergavenny Big Katz. With dazzling winger Zoe Simmonds in fine fettle down the left, the ball was eased down the left flank and Simmonds flashed in a ball to the venomous feet of Kayleigh Watkins who sidefooted into the gaping net much to the delight of an anxious manager on the touchline. This spurred on the Trefelyn girls who launched a series of long range blasts at Sophie Foote in the Tigers’ goal, this young emerging talent dealt wonderfully with all that was thrown at here and kept the ***cat Princesses in the game. The Tigers held on to the half time break with this slender one goal cushion, manager Jeremiah took his girls into the changing rooms at half time to give his usual stirring team talk and the Tigers came out roaring and ready for action in the second half.

The start of the second half saw the Tigers rip into their opponents, with the pressure mounting Trefelyn worked an opening for their striker who was thwarted by the ever alert Foote. Then it was the turn of the lethal Thruppmeister to burst onto the scene hitting two quickfire strikes to take the Big Katz nearer to the final prize. Thrupp’s clinical finishing ended the contest but not before Trefelyn wasted a glorious chance to test the Mardy nerves. Cool defending by Frankie Wesson, Rhian Cleverly, Zoe Thomas and Megan James made the game safe for the Tigers who roared into the Tesco’s Cup Final. At the final whistle, Tigers and their fans were ecstatic “We’re off to the sea side” Big Wayne screeched as the tired and muddy Tigers left the field. “That was a tight one” a relieved Jeremiah uttered at the post match press conference “ We battled well today, young Sophie was brilliant in goals today, superb handling! It would be great to play Margam in the final at Jenner Park”. Later in the day, his dream came true when Margam beat Crickhowell in the other semi-final to set the fixture up. The Tigers will have to take their game up a notch to see off this Margam side who will be up for the fight, Tiger fans can’t wait for this much anticipated clash, the bus is arranged, the champagne on ice and the tranquillisers are on order for the “Special One”.