Youthful Tigers wary ahead of clash with MA Olympic

A DISAPPOINTED Edge Hill United has regrouped and refocused ahead of its chance to finish with two major trophies in the Premier Youth.

The Tigers won the league in the most dramatic of circumstances, with four teams separated by four competition points with their finishing order decided on the final match day of the regular season. They had the best defence – 21 goals conceded in 18 games – the fewest losses (three), and the equal best attack of 57 goals (more than three per game) as they won what many describe as the truest title as the best team of the season.

The Tigers lost the grand final to the team they tied with for the best attack in the season – Marlin Coast (5-2) – but coach Angelo Mauro said the team had regrouped.

“They were a little disappointed at training but Marlin Coast were physically dominant,” Mauro said. “Hopefully we can turn it around and get it done on the day.”

The 2.30pm kick-off will be far friendlier than the noon start they endured on grand final day as players struggled in the heat, but that is the least of the Tigers’ troubles ahead of a big clash with MA Olympic.

MA Olympic scored 129 goals and allowed just nine in a lopsided competition in which only three teams finished with more wins than losses.

They won the grand final on penalties.

That record, and the quality of competition, makes it hard for Mauro and the Tigers’ coaches to get a gauge on the true quality of their opponents, but the coach said his team would prepare as per normal.

They are boosted by the Premier League experience in the team, with Luca Mauro and Joe McDonnell both regular fixtures on the bench, while Dalziel Beal and Louis

Heising spent time in the club’s top team.

And that doesn’t consider the number of games they played in the reserve grade.

“That does help them a bit, that experience; it’s great for them to step up and see the level that’s required to play in the Premier League,” coach Mauro said.

“It does mean that Luca and Joe don’t always train with us, but it’s good experience to be involved in that top team.”