A Home game, away. The Colts are now playing on the show pitch at the West Mids Show ground and it looked in perfect condition. New goals and nets. A little wet under foot but plenty of grass meant it wasn’t going to be a mud bath.
The Colts warmed up off the pitch to keep it looking sharp. A little word in their ear to calm them down and they were up for this.
A little cold but once the whistle blew the football soon warmed everyone up as the cake stall opened.
A quick start for the Colts and before the writer had time to open his pad it was 1-0. An early corner was cleared to Freddie who passed to James to take it in and smash it home.
Within seconds the Colts were pushing forward again and following a scramble Freddie’s shot was saved out to Cole who playing in defence slotted it home. ‘Nutmegs” he called at half time. 2-0.
Finn playing in goal for the first quarter started strong and made his usual saves and clearances. After a save, Ryan was able to clear it to Freddie who passed it forward to James just inside the opposition half. James ran one on one, “skilling” it round the keeper he slotted it home. A great team goal finished very stylishly. 3-0.
The Colts were passing the best they ever had. Freddie in particular kept finding a player but all the lads were looking to pass.
Drama came the Colts way. Cole blocking a shot. Penalty. Some may say a little harsh but he had got his arm outstretched. The tiger’s keeper stepped up. It was going to be Keeper v Keeper, A fierce shot, straight at Finn, was it too hard, no, first his fingertips, then his face and the ball was bouncing off the bar. Saved. Massive thumbs up. Great save. Finn deserved this attention and applause after his performances in goal. Especially as he is thinking of hanging his gloves up.
George was enjoying himself today and with some silky skills he was linking up with the passing master, Freddie.
Will, braving a poorly eye that threatened to think about missing his quarter was strong in defence. He wasnt going to let a sore eye, knock the smile from his face.
George twisted and turned and was unlucky to hit the post.
The tiger pushed forward and with them in one on one, Matty P saved well.
Freddie keep passing well this time linking up well with Ryan who showed his usual composure in front of goal. 4-0.
Matty J went clean through after a great run forward but shot just wide. Jack was now linking up well with others and at one pint he, Cole and George linked up brilliant. Looked like something straight off the training ground.
Tigers kept their head up and were rewarded with a good individual goal that Matty P was unlucky not to save. Coming out well, the ball just slipped passed him. 4-1.
A Free kick on the left wing lit up in the eyes or Ryan. The crowd were expecting a little chip into the box. Wrong. Bang a typical fierce left foot shot and it was in the back of the net. 5-1.
Will continued to tackle well alongside Jack and after they won the ball Ryan shot just wide.
Finn was now out in defence and held the line well. He even cleared one with his head, in fact they all headed well today. The Colts are getting much braver.
Will went on a strong run and was unlucky not to score. The ball bobbling on the edge of the box line. No surprise to see him pick himself up smiling.
They all had a go at corners and Freddie smashed one in the near post and an OG made it 6-1.
Freddie passed to George who slotted home 7-1.
Cole battled hard to win the ball back and set George up again 8-1.
Almost a replay, this time Cole battled to set up Freddie 9-1.
All the Colts wanted in on a goal and a scramble led to Jack poking home 10-1.
Cole again set up George who was one on one. No drama 11-1.
George nearly headed home from a Freddie corner but only managed to head it back to Freddie.
Not to be out done, Freddie broke free to finish 12-1.
What a start at the new ground. Show ground. Show pitch. Show stoppers.
Match Highlights
1.Finn saving a penalty with his finger and then his face.
2.Freddie passing, alot
3.Matthew saving a one on one
4.Cole nut megging for his goal
5.Jack poking home his goal
6.Matty making some strong runs
7.George twisting and turning
8.Ryan striking in his free kick
9.Will running through and playing on with his poorly eye
10.James going in goal and rounding the keeper to sot home.
Things to work on for next week
Finding a new keeper!!
FINN
Another strong quarter in goal, topped by saving the penalty but usual clearances and saves. Been offered a place at West Brom Development Centre after 2 weeks but wants to hang up his gloves. Had a massive smile on his face when he saw it was a pen and was later heard to say he knew he was going to save it. Deserved all the cheers that followed the save. You had a feeling he would save it.
A great quarter outfield. Had listed and did not dive in and made some great passes.
