A new surface for todays match so in the warm up the Colts made sure they got used to the surface.
Another small pitch greeted the Colts overlooked by a growing crowd.
First was the minute’s silence. Tough for players of this age and nerves and embarrassment soon turned into sniggers. To be fair the lads tried to stifle it but like standing before the Head Teach, it’s a tough call. One thing it did show was these Colts are now all in. One in, all in.
A full squad for todays fixture had caused the usual headache for the Coaches but as ever Mark had set the teams out fairly.
Training had been focused on decision making and they had been told to start well and start well they did.
Straight out the blocks and without missing a beat the Colts were off. Ryan taking full advantage of the quick start, Bang, 0-1 to the Colts.
Finn started in goal and enjoyed his first ‘pile on’ He came out at the feet of an opposing player and having taken the ball ended up at the bottom of the pile. He came up smiling, with a massive thumbs up. The keepers liked these little pitches as they could kick for goal.
He wasn’t so lucky the next time, diving in again on a 50/50 the ball squirmed under him and as he and the player went to get it, the ball trickled over the line. 1-1.
The Colts showed early on a desire to pass. It came backwards from Matty and as ever Cole looked to find a player.
George and Ryan led from the front and after one his usual runs, George was unlucky to put his shot just wide.
A few minutes later George was sporting the beginnings of a black eye from a stray elbow. A quick thumbs up to mum and he was back on. No way was this kid coming off.
This was a fast game on this surface and shots were flying in. Matthew now in goal made 2 great saves from long range.
Will, making a welcome return to the team slotted in at defence and looked as calm as ever. He made some great clearances and last ditch tackles.
James, playing with more confidence than ever soon got into the game and running onto a break of the ball at half way, he broke through to confidently slot home. 1-2.
Next came what was described by many as total football. The ball started with Matthew and went through ever outfield player before the resultant cross just eluded the striker. Brilliant play; applauded by even the home team.
Matthew continued to make saves and despite a double save, like Finn he was unable to stop the ball creeping over the line. 2-2. We had a game on here.
Ryan was back on, smashing in corners from side to side. A Free kick just outside the box caught his eye. His effort went just wide.
The Colts were doing what was asked of them. Jack strong in the tackle, Freddie looking for a pass and all getting their shots off when they could.
The next shot from the Colts drew a save but the ball broke to Ryan who passed it square to George to power home. 2-3.
Finn back in goal was again coming off his line and one such clearance led to a Colts throw in. It went into George who turned and smashed it home. 2-4.
Up n comers had a big lad playing and he decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Picking up the ball in his own box, he barged his way up field to make it 3-4. Great individual goal.
Colts got wise to this though and without instruction started doubling up on him after that. Jack as usual scrapped around him.
He managed to get through again and shot from distance. Finn jumped and with an outstretched right up, stopped the shot. A great save. The first real proper directed save from Finn. He was chuffed with that, although his arm was a bit sore after.
This game was getting tighter but at long last the Colts got a break, Luck that was well overdue. An OG made it 3-5.
Will was well settled in and from a break of the ball it sat up nicely. Boom, taking it on the half volley, he smashed it home. What a strike. 3-6
Not to be outdone the big guy made another run to make it 4-6.
Jack continued to scrap away and as the ball broke, James ran onto it to again bear down on goal. Keeper didn’t even have time to move as he slotted it into the bottom corner. Another composed finish. 4-7.
In what seemed like 5 minutes this fast paced match was over. The Colts had again played brilliantly.
Match Highlights
1.Finn making a great save with an outstretched arm
2.Freddie getting his head up
3.Matthew diving bravely at the feet of the striker
4.Cole directing play like a true sweeper
5.Jack smashing into the big guy
6.Matty keeping the ball by playing backwards
7.George playing on after taking an elbow in the face
8.Ryan striking his free-kicks and corners
9.Will with a text book half volley from about half way
10.James slotting in 2 goals after great runs
Things to work on for next week
Keeping a fast start and tackling. Some (FJ) dive in too quick
FINN
Only 5 minutes outfield was therefore too eager to get involved. Miss timed his tackles and got beat too easy. Great positioning though.
Strong in goal again. Great saves and now commands his area. Loved a pile on.
