Colts just too strong for the league leaders…
Given the muddy conditions the Colts played some very good football today in front of another capacity crowd. Frank played his best game for us to date, Jack A-B looked like his old self again, Stuart scored his 4th hat-trick of the season, Rhys made several fantastic saves but the star of the show was Master Nathan Hardy.
However the game didn’t start the way it was planned. The Colts were the brighter of the two teams but were caught cold as early as the 4th minute when we failed to clear a loose ball.0-1. Nathan was winning every tackle and was leading by example today and it was from one of these tackles that Richard picked up the ball and cut it back for Stuart to equalise.1-1.6 minutes played.
The 4-3-3 formation certainly opens up defences and takes the game to the opposition. We created lots of chances today. Stuart, Jack A-B, Nathan and James, when he came on, could all have scored more than they did. JJ was in top form defensively too as was Michael when he came on.
The Colts finally took the lead just before half time. Nathan was once again involved. His first touch was controlled today; he was battling for every ball and using his speed down the left flank as well. It was from one of these runs that he crossed for Stuart to slide it home. 2-1 and 28 minutes on the clock. Half time.
Now as turning points go they can’t come more obvious than this one. The second half had barely started when a great pass cut our defence to pieces and the Battersea forward was clean through on goal. What he didn’t realise was he had Rhys Appleyard in front of him in between the sticks.
He took his shot early and it was flying into the top corner, as the crowd winced and held their breath, you could just hear the impact of the ball against Rhys’s gloves as he flicked the ball round the post. Brilliant.
The corner came to nothing; we broke away with a neat one two between Scott and Nathan (again), before Jack A-B passed to Stuart to make it 3 (for Stuart) -1 and 33 minutes played.
Nathan who was still going strong finally got the goal he deserved. It came from a Jack O chip over the top of the defence and a neat finish into the corner. 4-1 and still only 37 minutes played. Jack A-B then got in on the action and the keeper made 3 very good saves from his shots. That elusive first goal of the campaign is getter closer Jack, be patient.
As the game drew to a close Remy cleared one off the line before Battersea scored their second (56 mins) but James had the final word tapping in from yet another Jack A-B shot saved by the keeper on 59 minutes. 5-2 and good night!!
MoM nominations were JJ and Rhys but no one could match the performance of Nathan today. He was absolutely brilliant.