Much had been made about this fixture following the last meeting in the Semi of the Powerleague Cup. The Colts had tasted defeat and in the buildup made it clear they did not want to taste it again.
The Colts have a bit of a Keeper crisis at the moment. Finn has hung up his gloves and Matthew has also said he wants more outfield time and watching Futsal, who can blame them. It is a real chance to get much more of the ball.
This meant the whole team was going to have to take their turn in goal.
A late KO meant this was the last match of the day and with little time for a warm up the game got under way.
Ryan started brightly and from a kick in dragged his shot wide.
Movements later a scramble near the goal let Ryan in to make a good start 1-0 to the Colts.
From the kick off, however, the Colts failed to stop an opposing player who ran through and scored. Not even enough time for the Colts fans to stop celebrating 1-1.
This lad was taking this game by the scruff of the next and on the ball again he danced around the Colts to make it 1-2.
Finn was outfield and made a useful last ditch tackles and cleared one away with his head. A great defensive header.
Matty J was starting in goal and made some important saves early on. Wait a minute, he’s dropped the ball down and run up field. Brilliant little run from the ‘rush keeper’ Bought a massive smile and thumbs up from him, acknowledge by the coaches. They had been listening at training after all.
Same lad, same story. Another solo run made it 1-3.
The Colts were up against it here but from the resultant KO they all got involved and Finn broke in on goal but his shot was saved. Each player had touched the ball before that shot. Total football!!!
Ryan took a kick in and managed to find a good square pass to Finn who shot was again saved. Those two efforts may have changed the complexion of this game.
Back at the other end a scramble led to Matty J grabbing the ball on what looked like the line but the officials gave the goal. Whole of the ball over whole of the line??? 1-4.
Finn managed to get in again and hit the post. Ryan taking the rebound also stuck the post.
Will now took his turn in goal and made an important save within seconds of coming on.
The colts were also tackling hard. Special mention to Jack, who despite being half the size of some of them kept coming out of the tackles with the ball. Good lad.
It wasn’t just hard tackling, George was now on twisting and turning and slotted home after another well worked passing move. Pass, Pass, Pass. The Colts were in touch and if they kept passing like this they would be there or there about. 2-4
From KO the Colts could not stop a very strong shot flying in. 2-5
James was flying up the wing and combining with Freddie managed to put some great crosses in which led to George shooting. James also had a couple of efforts that were unlucky not to go in.
A mistake from the Colts Keeper gifted the other team a goal. A poor throw out. 2-6.
Soon to correct it, Will made another great save. James was able to pick up the ball and passing to George who twisted and shot just wide.
Unfortunately another GK error led to another sloppy goal. 2-7. Its worth saying this though. The only error was losing the ball to close to their own goal. The reason the player had the ball in that position was the Colts were intent on passing it out. They kept looking to pass and that can not be criticised. Great ideas and all brave enough to want the ball.
James was defending well and his tackle broke for Ryan to run upfield to slot home 3-7.
Cole was now taking his turn in goal and made a strong save to deny a fierce shot.
Another mistake from a Kick in led to another goal 3-8. Again, great confidence to want to pass the ball but once in possession needed to move the ball forward quicker.
Cole made a succession of saves, a double save. First with his feet then with strong hands.
An unlucky OG from a deflection began to flatter the score line 3-9.
Finn was able to pinch the ball in defence and ran up field. A great break away which lead to Matty J slotting home 4-9.
Another strong shot from the opposition made it 4-10.
Another smart move by the colts allowed Will to be put in by George to make to 5-10.
Freddie made some smart saves, diving to tip it wide before George got in on the act to make it 6-10 after the ball had been passed from James to Ryan to George.
A tough game for the Colts.
They had the right idea to pass and but for some silly mistakes, this game could have been very different.
Match Highlights
1.Finn with a strong defensive header
2.Freddie with some diving saves and nearly hitting the roof with a goal kick
3.Matthew having loads of the ball
4.Cole with a double save
5.Jack smashing into the tackles….and winning most of them
6.Matty playing as rush keeper.
7.George showing and developing his skills
8.Ryan linking up well with teammates
9.Will getting in the goals again
10.James playing like a winger
Things to work on for next week
Not to stop wanting the ball. Great to see them pass as much as they did.
Once in receipt, need to move the ball on quickly.
Tackling or stopping good players. Too many times the opposition skipped through 2-3 tackles and made lots of ground.
Try to correct the mistakes from this game.
FINN
Not his best game
Still struggling with tackling
Great to see him wanting the ball and had some good shots on goal.
Looked like he loves playing out and flies across the pitch at time.
