Eight is just great for Valley Tigers

LITTLEBOROUGH JNR... 4 VALLEY TIGERS U9S ...... 8 CRAIG PROCTOR THE Tigers triumphed over both the opposition and the conditions to get their first win in the cup competition.

Thankfully the rain had stopped by kick off and the Tigers started on top despite the muddy pitch, nearly taking the lead when Rafi Daoud shot against the post.

The first goal came soon after when a good move involving Rafi and Oliver Proctor ended with Thomas Egan crossing for Lucas Rothwell to finish really well.

With Daniel Cowley and William Johnson playing well in defence Liam Taylor was being well defended and Rossy continued to be much the better side adding two further goals before half time both great finishes by Rafi.

An unfortunate lapse in defence just before half time left the score at the interval 3-1 to the Tigers.

The second half started with a personal battle between Thomas and the Boro keeper.

Five times he got himself into good scoring positions only to be denied by good saves and the woodwork.

The Tigers’ pressure eventually counted when William forced in a corner from Jake Bulpit.

Littleborough got the score back to 4-2, further goals from Jake and Earl Murphy ended any thoughts of a comeback from the hosts.

Jake converted the rebound after Rafi had his shot saved and a shot fro Earl from the right hand byline flew into the top corner.

There was still time for two more goals from each side leaving the score 8-4 .

After his misses, Tom Egan made it 7-2 finding the top corner from outside the box .

Littleborough got the score back to 7-4 but the Tigers had the final word with Rafi putting Oliver Proctor through to finish really well.

Great all round performance from the team, but it was William Johnson who was made man of the match by team manager Mike Taylor for his tackling and covering in defence and popping up with a goal. ●● The Bacup pitch on Friday ahead of last weekend’s game and, below, after the match, the surface having taken a battering!