100% start to the League continues - but only just.
Following 2 successive defeats it was important to get back to winning ways today. We did, but without performing that well.
Wandle were the quickest out of the blocks and the Colts spent much of the opening exchanges on the back foot. Rhys was involved early on as we found it difficult to get our pass and move football going. But we did get more into the match the longer it went on and took the lead as the half hour approached. Scott headed the ball back towards goal after the keeper’s drop kick. Nathan flicked it on and James raced in between two defenders and buried his shot in the bottom corner. 1-0 (27) the deadlock broken.
Wandle were the stronger in midfield today as we always seemed a yard shot tracking them. JJ gave as good as he got, but he needed support. Nathan and James chased everything playing upfront today without Stuart and it was Nathan’s through ball to James that brought the Colts second goal, deep into first half injury time. James rounded the keeper, cut it back onto his left foot and chipped it into the top corner. 2-0 (35). HALF TIME.
We have in recent weeks been slow to get going in the second half conceding important early goals and it happened again today. A long ball caught us out straight down the middle and it was 2-1 (42). Wandle were now all over us and Rhys was called into to save us on no fewer than five occasions before Wandle rightly drew level when a free lick wasn’t cleared effectively. 2-2 (57) and game on.
Wandle drawing level seemed to inspire our boys as we found another gear for the last fifteen minutes. It was now end-to-end stuff as both teams went for the win. Rhys once again was called into action and was by far the best player on the pitch today and arguably the best keeper in this division.
As the final whistle drew closer Remy cleared from a Wandle attack, Jack controlled it and played James through wonderfully and our hearts were in our mouths at this point. But James, who is having a great season playing with growing maturity and great vision lobbed the keeper from 35 yards to earn his hat trick and the points. 3-2 (67). Well-played Jimmy Bell!!
12.11.06 Key learning point: GREAT TEAMS WIN WHEN THEY DON’T PLAY THAT WELL.
M.O.M nominations were for Jack, Scott, Ollie, Nathan but the clear winner this week was Rhys for an outstanding performance.