Another fine Autumn day for a football match and the Colts welcomed Winthorpe and Coddington Tigers, a team they knew would push them all the way.
The first half saw the Colts a little sluggish, constantly being second to the ball and backing off the opposition, giving them plenty of room to attack. And attack they did. After 15 minutes, the Tigers had made 3 or 4 very good chances and the Colts were struggling to get out of their half. Some of the boys seemed to be suffering an 11+ exam hangover.
WInthorpe got a well deserved goal on 7 minutes, after a defensive mix-up and an 'After you, Claude' exchange from the full-backs, both leaving it to the other, Ellis Nicholson took full advantage, nipped in between the two and poked the ball home. The positive was that heads didn't drop, even though the Colts were clearly shocked by falling behind. As the rest of the half progresses, one or two of the Colts players realised that they would need to work harder if they were going to achieve anything and a marginally more attacking attitude crept in. However, Winthorpe defended like lions and Tom, their keeper, collected up or batted away everything that was thrown at him (not much by the time their defenders had finished blocking every forward movement from the Colts).
Half time couldn't come soon enough. By the time it did arrive, Farndon were on top in terms of the numbers of shots, but little else. Martin spoke to the boys and gave them a rocket. He explained, politely, that more people needed to 'want' the ball and go out to get it. When the second half kicked off, it became clear that the boys had taken the advice on board. Winthorpe and Coddington had to bat off attack after attack.
The Colts' endeavours finally paid off in the 37th minute when, after a mazy dribble from James Scott that seemed to be in slow motion, Max was put through and tapped the ball into the bottom corner.
The rest of the half followed a similar pattern of Farndon attacks and Winthorpe/Coddington working hard to block those attacks. Jake Brown had been put into midfield and seemed to be enjoying himself in this unfamiliar position, tackling and dribbling, showing a good deal of confidence. The Tigers had worked incredibly hard through the first half and were beginning to tire and, in the 44th minute, Max Lockwood returned the earlier favour from James Scott and put him through on goal for a well-struck shot to make it 2-1. 5 minutes later, Tom Shephard was put through on goal after some neat work from several players with a final, perfectly placed pass from James Wilson. 3-1 to the home team.
Xander and Ben worked well in defence and in the second half, both moved for the ball and went out to meet opposition players instead of backing off. Both teams continued to fight for another goal in the last 10 minutes, but defences came to the fore and the game finished 3-1 to the Tigers.
Well done, boys. After such a slow start, you showed courage to dig in and get back on top in the second half. Please don't worry Martin and myself so much in the first hal next week!
