The penultimate home game for the Colts and they were back on the School grounds. An early start for the management as they set up ready for the lad’s arrival.
Training had been a bit hit and miss on Friday. The grass was too long to complete their passing and ball retention drill.
No James this week and some of the lads had to get off early so the some of the lads were going to get 20 minutes straight.
It was a drizzly morning and after the game kicked off the rain set in for most of the match.
The game kicked off and the Colts started well. Within a few minutes and like last week Finn was quickly on the score sheet. Freddie, starting in goal saved from a Worthen corner and kicked out to Finn on the wing. He set off down the line and his cross/shot squirmed under the keeper. 1-0.
Ryan picked up from last week and was soon playing a little deeper and picking the ball up at left back he struck a lovely curling pass up the line to Matty. A beautiful pass.
The Colts had got stronger in the tackle over the last few weeks and Ryan and Matty had to be strong in the early exchanges.
Cole had slotted into defence and took the ball into midfield and passed to Finn who ran down the line before crossing to Matty who’s first time shot went wide.
Cole showed again how he had developed into a cultured defender and taking the ball down he passed to Ryan up the line who struck a typically elegant cross.
Cole had to be alert in defence and did well, when he was caught 2 on 1.
The Colts had started well and kept the ball well. Ryan picked it up on the left but lost it. Finn hunted it down before hitting a shot that clipped the outside of the post.
Matty was next to go on a mazy run. Taking the ball from the goal kick he ended up one on one. He only had to slot it into the corners as the keeper stayed on his line but he shot straight at him. This missed effort only made him more determined.
Before he had chance to reflect on the shot, Ryan had smashed one off the bar.
Finn was in soon after, one on one again but the keeper made a great double save. Maybe the lads needed to finish off the season with some finishing training. They needed to try and hit the corners.
Cole received a throw in from Ryan and strode up field before putting Matty in again whose shot was saved again.
Only a few swaps at the end of the first quarter and the Colts took the field again.
Matthew was now in goal and had to make a smart save before Freddie did a great defensive header.
Worthen took a corner and a scramble on the line made it 1-1. They deserved to get back in the game at this stage of the match. The Colts could rue those missed chances.
Will had slotted onto defence and was picking up where Cole had left off. He was timing his tackles brilliantly and working hard to get in the right position.
They were keen to keep playing football and following on from training they worked hard to keep the ball. Freddie passed back to Will to clear which set Finn off again to make it 2-1 with another shot having cut inside.
Matty kept working hard up front. Scrapping away for the ball. His desire upfront was followed by Will and Freddie in defence who were linking up well.
Both were defending brilliantly and kicking the ball clear, out to touch if they were in trouble. “They can’t score from there!!”
Matthew in goal kept the Colts in it with some perfect GK. Bending down to take a shot with one knee on the floor, keeping the whole of his body behind the ball.
Finn kept shooting on sight and was unlucky when he struck from a long way out and hit the corner of the post/bar.
Freddie worked hard to get the ball back with Matty and when it broke Freddie shot wide.
Some of the lads then left early which meant it was time for those who had waited to get on the pitch and it was easy to see they were ready.
Straight from the off they were at Worthen. From the first corner Jack knocked one in for Will to slot home. 3-1.
The Colts next goal was lovely to watch. Matthew in defence passed it forward to George who ran in on goal to finish nicely 4-1.
Will kept looking for a pass and Jack as ever was strong in the tackle. They linked up nicely shortly after as Jack passed to George who passed back to Will to slot home 5-1.
Straight from the KO George nicked the ball and went the length of the field to make it 6-1.
Jack battled away, doing the ugly work, heading one away. Matthew backed him up allow George to run away again 7-1.
Jack was not going to give the ball up easily today and held off a player when he took the ball into the corner.
Will kept making some lovely passes and was unlucky when one of his signature crosses was not converted.
Jack was next on the score sheet. Battling away in typical style he scrambled for the ball and poked home with his left foot to make it 8-1.
Matthew stayed strong in defence and Freddie made some great saves to keep Worthen at bay.
From Fredide kick out Will picked it up, you can guess the rest, he found George with another sublime pass before he slotted home 9-1.
Into the last quarter and all the lads were keen to get on the sheet. Cole battled strongly to win the ball and fire home. Hold on, the whistle had gone and it was disallowed for a push. This was bound to be a talking point for the lads in the studio after the game.
Ryan and George were at last playing together. They had been desperate to do so for a few weeks now. They linked up well almost immediately. Ryan smashing in a cross for George early on.
This was now all out attack for the Colts and they did well not to get caught out. George tracked back well to prevent them getting in on goal. The team soon took up a lovely shape. Cole in defence, George and Ryan on the wings and Jack battling away.
This gave great shape and allowed Ryan to pick the ball up, cut inside and shoot. His arms were up before it hit the net, right in the corner, in top bins. A great strike 10-1.
Jack took the last 5 minutes in goal, allowing Matthew to play upfront. Jack made some great saves and one clearance made it as far as the half way line.
Matthew soon linked up with Ryan, before Matthew made the crowd roar.
A corner was swung in by Ryan. Matthew, 4 yards out struck a lovely volley into the net……… GOAL, GOAL, GOAL. 11-1 Matthew peeled away in celebration as the rest of the team followed. They soon caught him and swamped him as they jumped on him to celebrate. Everyone was smiling. A great moment for Matthew and the team as it was clear everyone knew what it meant. It wasn’t just about him scoring. It really wasn’t about this game. It was recognition that others had given up their positions, noticeably today but all season to give others a chance. All had taken their turn in goal or defence. A real team moment and despite the rain made the whole day and the season so far worthwhile.
Perhaps the moment was too much for the Colts as they conceded to make it 11-2. Jack dived high into the air but the shot was too high and strong for him to get it.
George rounded the day off with another great individual goal 12-2.
A great game. Lots of goals, lots of passes, lots of football and lots of smiles.
Match Highlights
1. Finn with a brace of goals
2. Freddie in defence
3. Matthew with a goal
4. Cole with some strong challenges
5. Jack battling away
6. Matty keeping his head up despite missing a few chances
7. Georges defence splitting runs
8. Ryan left foot thunderbolt
9. Will’s passing and mature defending
10. James was absent
Things to work on for next week
Being a bit more clinical. Trying to hit the corners
In real terms, it is coming together nicely.
FINN
Great to see him score two. Needs to work on tracking back
