An early start saw the Colts travel to Market Drayton.
In clear crisps skies they observed the rememberance silence in much more mature fashion that last time.
Drayton had a great set up but it was evident the pitch was tiny.
The Tigers were obvioulsy used to this pitch and in the first few minutes took an early 2 goal lead.
The first came from a corner that was not cleared 1-0.
The next was a well worked goal started down the line before the ball was cut back for a sweaty goal, tap in 2-0.
The Tigers kept on their early pressure and Cole headed off the line and Finn was in the right place to clear another from the line after a fine save from Zen.
The tigers knew what they were doing on this pitch and dominated the first quarter. The Colts stood firm however.
Another scramble led to a clearence from the Colts and the ball found its way to George. He lifted his head and played a great through ball to Matty but the pass was just too strong and the Tigers keeper came out to clear up.
Cole set Finn up down the line and with a burst of pace, his cross/shot was fingertipped away from an incoming George.
The last 5 mins of the quarter were great from the Colts. They had picked up pretty quick how to play on this small pitch.
It ended with George smashing one against the post, nearly knocking it over.
Ryan was on in the second quarter and he combinded well with Will hitting a pass from left back to right wing.
Cole remained strong in the tackle and between him and Jacob they left one or two tigers players flatterned. Strong but fair tackles and a hand shake to follow.
Will picked a throw in, with still plenty to do, he went on a lovely dribble and struck home. 2-1.
The throw ins were a chance to put pressure on the Tigers and Ryan picked up on one from Freddie. Turning on the half volley his strong shot was just wide.
From a corner Ryan scrambled the ball wide. The Colts were back in the game and now dominated this quarter.
Zen had taken some off his kicks which were now going from box to box and one foudn Will who set up Jack who took a great touch. A strong tackle stopped his shot on gaol.
From the corner Ryan headed golwards. In the scramble, Freddie got the ball over the line.....just 2-2.
A deserved eqauliser.
The Colts now had the measure of this game and the pitch and passed the ball about when needed but cleared it when under pressure. Jacob missed nothing in defence.
They had worked hard to getback into this game and had to work out how to play it.
Freddie set George up down the line and with an eye on a sweaty goal corssed to Ryan but the keeper came out bravely to nick the ball off his toe. Unlucky.
George had a freekick saved.
The two Matthews took up some great positions to defend well and keep the game level.
Finn was now in defence and had to be told to get back more than once!
Freddie and Ryan played a great short corner but were unluky not to score from it.
Freddie was at the back with Finn and he strode forward and set uo Ryan but his pass was just too strong.
Finn had stayed back in cover and had to be brave to head the ball clear.
From nothing, George took the ball and with more than one twist and turn found enough space to smash one home into the top bins 2-3. The Colts led, and deservedly so.
Finn tok one in the stomach.
George fed Jack who again was not quite quck enough with his shot and got tackled.
Finn tried his luck from range.
Into the last few minutes and with subs being made, the Colts lost concentration and from a corner lost a scrambled goal 3-3.
Zen made some great saves to keep the Colts in the game, one was particulry brave at the feet of the Tigers.
Ryan had a freekick which he drilled just wide.
In the last few seconds Will struck a left foot shot that hit the post.
The game closed at 3-3.
A great game.
Colts had done great to battle back from 2-0 and worked this out for themselves
Match Highlifhts
1 Zen - Brave keeping at the feet of the Tigers
2. Jacob - Very strong in the tackle and kept great position
3. Cole - A couple of crunching tackles and a strong sholulder barge to keep in position
4. Will - A nice goal and unlucky not to score the winner
5-. Jack - lovely couple of tocuhes and turns up front
6. Matthew - battled well in centre mid and took up a greta defensive position
7. Matty - nice wing back play
8. Freddie - Getting on the score sheet
9. Finn - heading clear
10. Geroge - playing despite being 100%
11. Ryan - a lovley cross filed pass from front to back.
