Team:  

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

Match Report:  

A trip to Keyworth and a chance to meet up with two of our ex players, Richo and Ollie who are now both wearing the green and black of United. For Tom and Jack the game presented the opportunity to face their school friends as opponents for the first time this season.

The Colts have slipped behind in the last two games despite going on to win both matches but today there was no need to come from behind as Dylan opened the scoring within the first two minutes. The goal was the result of an excellent run and a very cool finish that gave Ben in the Keyworth goal no chance at all.

Three minutes later the Colts went further ahead; an excellent in swinging corner from our French left sided midfielder Connor “Bartell” found Dylan at the far past un-marked and he was able to drive the ball in.

Despite being 0-2 the Colts were not dominating, in fact Keyworth would perhaps have looked the better placed team to someone that didn’t know the score. Tommy H was causing problems for the Colts with his strong running and had it not been for some last ditch tackles Keyworth might have reduced the deficit almost immediately after the Colts second goal.

As it was Keyworth were rewarded with a goal 10 minutes later when following a strong run Tommy H scored to make it 1-2.

This was a wake up call for the Colts and the players responded well to having their lead reduced. With 20 minutes on the clock Connor picked up the loose ball and drove it high into the net from some considerable way out – a strike of the highest calibre.

Half-Time: 1 – 3

During the halftime break we discussed the need to close down in midfield more. We took the decision to move Craig into midfield alongside Max with Sam moving into the centre of defence alongside Tom.

Before we had the chance to see whether the move worked, Chris further extended the Colts lead with another excellent long range strike. This goal was scored after less than 30 seconds of the re-start. Similar to Connors effort, this goal would have been replayed many times had it been on the TV.

Four and a half minutes later Craig scored his first goal of the season and for a Spurs fan this was something special. The reason being that it resembled the famous goal scored by Ricardo Villa in the 1981 FA Cup Final (seen by many as one of the best FA cup goals ever). Craig picked the ball up and dribbled past a number of defenders before putting the ball calmly in the back of the net.

We knew that Richo would be a threat to us as we know he can score goals; two minutes after Craig’s “Villa Classico” Richo proved us right. His finish was cool, calm and collected and well deserved after going close a few time earlier in the game.

Eight minutes later Keyworth almost got a third goal. An excellent attempt that looked goal bound all the way until somehow, Liam clawed the ball away for a corner. A truly excellent save that was made at a vital time in the game.

A number of substitutions were made during the course of the 2 nd half and it was pleasing that they were all made without the balance of the team being adversely affected. This is further proof that we have a great deal of versatility in the squad.

In the closes stages Macaulay added a 6 th goal for the Colts finishing well after a pinpoint cross from Dylan.

Fulltime – 2 – 6

Summary:  

Another good performance today from every player involved. This was always going to be a big game for both sides given the closeness of the two clubs from both a league and a geographical perspective. We play each other again on the 27 th April so really we are only at halftime. I am sure that the next game will be as enjoyable as this was (hopefully) for all concerned. The game was played in good spirits by both sets of players which is a credit to them all.

Dylan is now the highest ever Colts goal scorer at the Under 13 age group so well done to him – it is a great milestone for him to reach.

The recent form of the team has been very good indeed and every player is playing their part. The target now has to be to finish the season with a flourish and claim a mid table position at the end of April. Given the two small cup runs and the fact that the boys are only in their first season in Division 2 (after last seasons promotion) they have to be happy with the progress they are making.

It is going to be a tough test next Sunday (away at Vernon) but if the boys can produce the same form as they have done in the past 4 games then they should be able to avenge the defeat suffered at the hands of the same opposition earlier in the season.

Thanks to Ian and Spugy for sharing the Assistant Referee duties this week, your help is, as always, appreciated.

Well done lads.

Alan and Mark.