A misty morning greeted the Colts as they made their way to the further pitch at SCAT. It was a smaller pitch than they had played on recently so they had clear instructions to shoot on sight.
No James or Will for this game so all the lads would get a good run out. Finn, Matty and Freddie had had a sleep over the night before but with Halloween it seems they and the rest of the Colts were all fired up. It looked like they had more treats than tricks.
It was a strong start from the Colts, even passing the ball backwards to keep possession. An early shot from George set the tone. The Colts were going to pepper the goal today.
George started well down the left side and at the end of a great run, crossed it to Matty J who had snuck in on the back post from right midfield for an easy tap in. 0-1.
The Colts were linking up well today and another pass from Geroge put Matty J 1 on 1 with the keeper who made a great save.
The Colts looked strong in defence too. A combination of a save from Finn and George clearing off the line during a hectic goal mouth scramble kept the score 0-1.
Up the other end throw in put their goalie out of position and Ryan slotted home to make it 0-2 inside the first 10 minutes.
It was clear the Colts were enjoying this smaller pithc. Finn was kicking for goal out of his hands and Ryan was firing in plenty of shots. One just missing the post.
Freddie was now on and loves to shoot form distance. Picking up the ball on the half way line and with the goalie off his line WHALLOP, a fierce shot sailed over the keeper.0-3. Another great strike from Freddie who later said, ‘the keeper didn’t even try to save it’
Next came the Colts best ever passage of play. Jack made one of his usual strong tackles. Cole picked up the loose ball. Cole shone in this game. His positioning and reading of the game was way beyond his years. He passed to Ryan who turned and slotted home. A cool finish 0-4. A proper team goal.
The Colts had for a change their fair share of luck in this game, something that was felt had gone against them in other matches. Finn saved one with his foot and the ball just popped up nice to catch it. Tackles broke in the Colts favour and Meresides Mistakes fell into the path of the Colts advancing midfield. Luck is one thing but in this game the Colts were taking full advantage.
Matthew was now in goal and as ever made some brave saves. Cole was solid in defence and clearing up, sweeping up again he ran forward. He did this a lot in the game and passed to George who stuck to make it 0-5.
Freddie and Ryan began to link up well and exchanged some great passes. Proper passes too, well thought out and moved to get the return. Total football.
Mereside who kept battling hard got their reward with a break of the ball allowing them to sneak one back 1-5.
The Colts kept pushing and another team move saw Cole clear to Matthew who passed to George. His cross found Matty J and a fine save kept out what would have been a terrific goal for the colts.
Cole was now everywhere and deserved his run up front. The small pitch came back to haunt the Colts and the meresides hit a hit shot, too high for any keeper and despite Matthew making a great leap he was unable to keep it out. 2-5.
Up the other end the Colts won a penalty. Cole was told to take it. He struck just wide. A Shame and he deserved a goal today.
At training the Colts had been working on counter attack and with Finn picking up the ball in his own half a strong run allowed Ryan to battle his way through to make it 2-6.
Luck stayed on the Colts side. Following a save the Meresides keeper decided to drop the ball and kick it from the ground. He miskicked it, straight to Finn who shot home 2-7. It was a bit of luck but the Colts deserved it. They had pressured the ball well all game and after some training on pressing had learnt to go forward in order. The striker being the first defender. This looked lucky but had come about from some solid training sessions.
The game was rounded up with another great team goal. Cole and Freddie combined well with some tidy passes. It got fed into Ryan who smashed it in to take his tally to 4 goals. 2-8.
This was a great performance from the Colts. Well-deserved after the hard work they had put in during the last few games and at training.
Match Highlights
1. Finn playing up front and scoring a poaches goal
2. Freddie with another Worldie
3. Matthew making some strong saves
4. Cole playing like an adult. Great reading of the game
5. Jack keeping position well
6. Matty making ground to get to the back post for a tap in finish
7. George twisting and turning and keeping the ball
8. Ryan banging in four goals.
Things to work on for next week
More of the same!!
FINN
Another strong game in goal. Great closing down and positiion. Better kicking out wide or as far as he could down the middle.
Scoring a strikers goal and making some important tackles.
