Once again, the hallowed turf at Oxon was basking in early morning sun with slight dew. Another perfect day for footy.
The Coaches were all in early and looked smart in their new matching jackets “all the gear, no idea” was heard echoing from the line.
The Colts had come up against Meole Brace before, the last time claiming the victory. Finn was well aware of Ethan (dad’s cousin’s child). Family went out the window as they shared a threatening gaze across the pitch.
The same warm up had the lads in fine shape to kick off before an ever increasing crowd for this local derby.
The Colts took up great positions in the early parts of the game and kept great shape. Maybe, just maybe the ‘boring’ training session and zonal work had sunk in.
As ever the Colts defended well and Finn, fresh from some drills in the garden the day before came off his line to clear any early chances.
Cole, starting in defence went on a powerful run forward as the Colts pressed forward. George up front was working hard as the first defender against a very composed Meole side. They were big lads and were all tidy on the ball.
A quick break saw Meole get in, 2 onto 1. Despite Finn advancing well and diving at the feet of the striker the ball squirmed under him. 0-1.
Undeterred the Colts, kept pushing and Finn continued to come off his line well. This is becoming something of a trademark for the Blonde Shot Stopper.
From a free kick the Colts had their first sight at goal. A good first save was followed by a good goal mouth scramble and the ball went just wide.
Matthew followed up previous performances with another solid start in goal and bravely carried on following a knock to his knee.
James, playing with more enthusiasm made a great run down the wing.
Will was now playing in defence and with one great tackle and pass he turned defence into attack, counter, counter, counter
Against the run of that passage of play, Ethan broke to score Meols 2nd. 0-2. Matthew got a hand to it but it was too strong for him and it crept slowing into the net. Heartbreak for the Colts who were well into this game.
A quick switch off and the Colts found themselves 2 onto 1 and with a tidy finish Meole made it 0-3.
The Colts kept pushing forward and Ryan made a great cross to James who’s shot was saved by a very good Meole Keeper. The colts just needed a break. They had no luck so far.
Will, again made a great forward pass and the Colts were in. Another save and goalmouth scramble retained Meole clean sheet.
Meole broke again, and Ethan struck another shot from distance that went in. Good goal. 0-4
Freddie now found himself in defence and his clearance set the Colts off again. Another counter attack thwarted by a resolute Meole defence. It was coming for the Colts, you could see and feel a goal was coming.
Ethan was running the game and with a great solo effort made it 0-5. This boy is going to be one to watch.
Colts kept pushing, pushing for a goal. Ryan slotted a pass forward and in the scramble, Matty poked it home. GOAL. A real strikers finish. 1-5. The Colts deserved that.
Growing in confidence a cross from George was picked up by Matty who struck just wide.
Colts had to be careful at the back and following a mistimed clearance, Meole were in again. Finn advanced and cut the angle. Meoles shot, going wide because of Finns position, fell to another Meole Player to slot into an empty net. 1-6.
The Colts kept trying to pass and Ryan knocked into George who passed to Matty who again was inches wide from scoring a great team goal.
Freddie now found himself in goal and made some great saves. His big kick forward was a huge help and one led to James cutting in a great cross.
Cole stood fast from another Meole counter and made a great header clearance off the line.
Another kick forward from Freddie put James in who struck just wide.
Cole was hard to beat this week and made a great recovery tackle having chased an advancing Meole player down.
Jack and Will combined well to set the Colts forward. Corner
James swung it in. Jack poked it home. GOAL 2-6. A well-deserved goal for the Colts. It had been coming.
It was not enough to peg a good Meole side back however.
They play again next week.
Match Highlights
1.Finn advancing off his line
2.Freddie making some important saves
3.Matthew braving out a knock on the knee
4.Coles recovery tackle
5.Jack poking one home
6.Matty scoring a strikers goal
7.Will passing in the middle of the park
8.George turning the defence inside out
9.Ryan looking composed on the ball
10.James playing with more freedom, bombing down the line
Things to work on for next week
Being stronger in the tackle
FINN
Tough game for Finn.
Was unlucky to concede having got into a great position off his line.
Not much out field play this week. Not enough time to influence the game but he had played a lot in recent weeks.
Made some good tackles and looked to pass.
