Result: Southgate Titans 7 – 0 Tulse Hill & Dulwich Fusiliers
Goalscorers: Jatin Patel (3), Ian Jackson (2), Bill Anderson (1), Greg Wildisen (1)
Match Report by: Benjamin Turner
Under clear skies but buffeted by the gales of Storm Amy, the Titans marched out at Trent Park for what promised to be a fierce encounter with the visiting Fusiliers. The 10.30am pushback came early for the troops from south of the river, and by the first whistle it was clear which regiment was most ready for combat.
After last week’s scrappy 2–1 skirmish at Sunbury, the Titans were battle-hardened and sharp. Fears that the Fusiliers might be reinforced by their senior Musketeers brigade proved unfounded — it was the home side who commanded the field. From the opening charge, the Titans launched wave upon wave of attacks, overrunning enemy lines with relentless pressing and rapid counterstrikes. Bob in goal might as well have been manning the tea urn; the ball never came near his D-shaped trench.
The Fusiliers’ casualties mounted relentlessly across both halves: Jatin struck thrice with precision artillery, Jacko bagged a brace, Bill added a composed finish, and Greg completed the rout with a bayonet length tap-in at the back post. Noteworthy were Jacko’s heinous acts of treachery in striving for his hat-trick, latching on to one goal-bound shot to help it to its target, and blasting straight at the keeper instead of squaring for a certain tap-in.
When the smoke cleared, the scoreboard read 7–0. A rare day when formation, discipline, and firepower all aligned. The Fusiliers retreated bloodied and battered, left to lick their wounds while the Titans raised their sticks in triumph.
Next week brings a tough assignment to the Eastern Front — an early-season top-of-the-table clash with fellow ex-Premier Leaguers Chelmsford.