Team:

• Liam Cooper
• Jack Morris
• Robbie O’Donnell
• Craig Dale
• Tom Marshall
• Max Pashley
• Ryan Shield
• Macaulay Kilpatrick
• Dylan Farrow
• Connor Bartell
• Chris Cockbill
• George Carline
• Will Gill
• Sam Jaffe

Match Report:

The first official day of British Summer Time saw the Colts returning to the venue that a couple of seasons ago served as our “home” and “away” ground. Clifton Playing Fields were the venue for the 9 a-side league that we took part in as the bridge between mini-soccer and the 11 a-side game (an excellent initiative that in my opinion should have been continued for all up and coming Under 11 teams). Not only was the venue familiar, so were the opposition; Clifton are a team that we have played against many times. The games are always good encounters both on and off the pitch.

Clifton started the game with only 9 players; a tenth appeared with not long gone but the lads in white were showing strong resolve. Not only were they containing the attacking threat of the Colts they were also launching a few attacks of their own.

Ryan S started the game in great style; tough tackling when he needed to and creative and skilful when the opportunity arose. Ryan is a player who occasionally struggles with consistency but he was certainly setting the standard today.

With 10 minutes of the game gone Dylan opened the scoring for the Colts with a well worked and well executed finish. Good to see the back problems are behind our leading scorer.

Fifteen minutes after Dylans goal, George (entering the fray as a substitute) netted to make it 0-2. I would like to claim that the personnel change I made was “inspired” but in truth it had more to do with the pass (from Dylan) and Georges ability to finish.

Colts were dominating the proceedings but Clifton continued to battle hard to stay in the game. If he wasn’t for the excellent form of the Clifton goalkeeper the gap between the two sides might have been greater. Apparently the Clifton keeper is still relatively new to the club but on today’s showing he will certainly establish himself as a key member of their team.

Max was playing against his old club today for the first time since his transfer to the Colts. He was certainly up for the game today and covered merely every blade of grass through his industry in midfield. On 34 minutes he got his just reward firing home to make it 0-3 to the Colts.

Half-Time: 0 – 3

Just before halftime we introduced Sam to the game. Making his debut, without even meeting his team mates before the game, he was showing signs of being a very good addition to the squad. Good in the tackle, an excellent first touch and vision (for making the pass) we are sure Sam will become a key player between now and the end of the season.

Today was like having two new players in the team as Liam returned between the posts. He will say that he didn’t have too much to do but his confident handling (of crosses and corners), and his excellent distribution provide a firm foundation at the back which gives the whole team confidence.

Four minutes after the re-start Will scored a very cool goal; moving the ball away from the defender he finished in real style. Colts 0-4 up.

Within a minute Dylan scored his second of the morning to make it 0-5.

When you have a big advantage in a game it is easy to loose sight of some of the fundamentals and that is exactly what happened next. At 0-5 up the boys lost a little concentration and allowed Clifton a (well deserved) consolation goal. It is vital that, no matter what the score, our players don’t loose their shape as a team. With too many players forward, Clifton were left with 4 on 2 (3 including Liam) at the back. The Clifton player finished well but we have to be disappointed with the concession.

Fulltime – 1 – 5

Summary:  

Before the game today we told the boys to remember what it felt like the last time they won a game; how good and how positive everything felt. We said that with the right application, a lot of effort, good team spirit and scoring more goals than the opposition would ensure that they would get the same feeling at the end of this game (thanks to Brian McClair for that one!).

Welcome to Sam – an excellent debut – well done. Maybe another Don Mason in the making!

Welcome back to Liam – a sound performance – and good to have you back.

Also, good to see Dylan and Macaulay back to their injury free best. Both players were struggling in the game leading up to the break but both came through today without problems.

Everyone played their part today; there was not one player that didn’t put in 100%. Thank you for that - sorry not to personally mention you all but you know how pleased Mark and I were with each and everyone of you.

Final mention to Ryan S. Today (especially in the first half) I thought his performance was excellent. He performed one trick that was pure genius. It was good to see him back to his best.

Thank you to Steve for running the line today – as always a faultless performance.

Keep up the good work next week against Arnold.

Alan and Mark.