Let it be said that the supports from the Colts Parents has been second to none but that dedication was tested when on a sunny but cold morning at Prees they were told that the snack bar was not open. A collective sigh bellowed from the touch line. It was Mothers day and I wonder if some of the mums were going to be treated to breakfast!
Still, it was another lovely day for football and the Colts were now back outside and loved the look of the 3G pitch at Prees.
The Coaches had a bit of headache planning the team as both Ryan and Will were away and with Freddie being selected for Tennis coaching he could only play the first 20 minutes.
Still, this was an opportunity for some real game time and in particular the GK to get a decent run out.
The Colts started brightly and Cole was quick to track back and steal the ball before slotting it to Freddie and onto Finn forcing a corner. Freddie took the corner and in typical style smashed it into the box for Finn to bundle it past the post.
Matthew had started out and took a throw in from Freddie and played a clever pass forward. The ball was intercepted but Freddie made a massive tackle, echoing around the ground to get the ball back.
Not to be outdone Cole soon smashed in with another strong tackle.
Finn enjoying his time out picked up the ball in defence and with a cry of ‘open the gate’ from Dad, he set off up the line. He kept going and going. If a question was asked about his delivery at the end it was answered when he knocked in a lovely cross which Freddie was unlucky not to connect with.
Cole took a throw in which set up James who shot from distance just over the bar. A nice little dipping half volley from distance.
Finn had taken his position at right mid to heart and was scampering up the wing at any opportunity. He looked to be stuck in the corner but with skill normally seen on the landing, lounge, kitchen and bedroom at home he was able to keep the ball before creating enough space for a shot.
Freddie was taking all the corners and having chipped one in it snuck in the near post. Without goal line technology, it was difficult to see if it was over but the goal was credited to Freddie after he had taken most of the corners over the last few weeks. 0 -1.
Matty was in goal, smiling as ever but got caught with a massive kick up field form the Press GK. He tried to kick it clear but it fell to a Prees player who was able to bundle it over despite a great effort from Matty to keep it out. 1-1.
Having seen the that, when he picked up the ball next, Matty booted it up field for it to be picked up by Finn who showed some close control and crossed it to Freddie who shot wide.
Matthew had slotted nicely into defence and as ever was in the right place at the right time and when it looked like Prees were in he made a great last ditch tackle before Cole swept up, as he does.
Into the 2nd quarter and with Freddie staying on he shot well and Matty tried poaching the rebound but clipped it just wide.
George was now on and loved the space he got. He opened the locker and got out all his tricks and skills. It looked like the Prees defence were dizzy at one time.
Matthew had slotted back in net and kicked upfield for Freddie to take control before passing to George who passed to Matty. But for good defending the Colts were in again.
Freddie, taking another corner passed to George who had waited on the edge of the box but his shot when just wide. The Colts needed to convert some of these efforts.
That was even more evident when the ball broke to allow Prees in one on one with Matthew. Coming out well, he stopped the attack which set George off again. Great positioning from Matthew in goal.
Freddie had to leave for Tennis and having patiently waiting is turn it was seconds before Jack made an impression. From a corner he picked up the loose ball and smashed home a lovely half volley. Super sub. 1-2
George kept tight to the left wing and picked the ball up in midfield before jinxing left and right to get his shot in which was saved well.
From a Colts Throw in, Jack gave it to George who passed it back to Jack. Jack, lifted his head and passed forward to Matty who shot home. 1-3. A typical Colts goal. Ticka taka.
Into the 3rd quarter Finn had a couple of early shots. Cole, typically intercepting a loose pass took it upfield, splitting the defence he banged it home. 1-4.
Colts were dominating this game but were unlucky to lose a goal from a scramble in their box. 2-4.
Jack was still on and picked up the ball on the edge of the box, taking it forward he shot to score his second of the match 2-5.
Finn kept running up the line, Cole and Jack kept tackling. Cole nicked the ball off a Prees player and squeezed down the line. He set off on a lovely run and was unlucky when his cross was deflected away from an advancing Jack.
Jack again showed how much he had come on in the last few weeks. He was bossing the midfield. Not just with his usual tackling but some of his passing was exceptional. He had turned into a real crowd favourite.
Into the last quarter of the game and Colts had control of the game.
Georges eyes lit up when there was a freekick on the edge of the box. He smashed it against the bar. A lovely shot.
Matty defended well and he James and George linked up well one more than one occasion. Matty putting in a great header to keep Prees out of this game.
George had been peppering the goal and was desperate to score and predictably the next shot was sent sailing into the net 2-6.
Prees snuck one before the game ended 3-6.
Match Highlights
1. Finn keeping the ball close to him in the corner
2. Freddie taking some great corners
3. Matthew defensive positioning
4. Cole turning defence into attack
5. Jack the super sub with a lovely half volley goal
6. Matty making a big header
7. George pushing for and getting his goal
8. Ryan was away
9. Will’s was away
10. James being strong on the ball
Things to work on for next week
Keeping shape.
FINN
Lovely tight control and some clever passing
