Colts into quarters after windy battle.
Was it on, was it off, were we away or are we at home? Eventually the game got under way with the Colts down hill and the wind up our backs on the Purley way. The squad was used to it’s full today with several changes but the first 15 minutes was all Colts football with Frank in goal a spectator, like the rest of us.
Sevenoaks Chipstead defended well and in numbers. Stuart and Nathan playing up front needed more support as chances were few and far between although we had all the possession. We decided to play 3 at the back David, Ollie and George playing really well, were totally in control so Ben was moved into midfield and Scott used as a third striker….and as if by magic, we scored!. Nathan headed Scott’s cross into the path of Ben who raced through to score his 1st Colts goal. 0-1 (18).
From the centre the Colts won the ball back immediately and moved it nicely out to the left. Stuart crossed it perfectly into the six-yard box for Nathan to finish it brilliantly with his left foot at the near post. 0-2 (19). The second goal provoked a fight back by Sevenoaks who pushed more boys forward and really took the game to us for the remainder of the half. They were rewarded when a long cross fell to an unmarked player at the back post. 1-2 (27). As the clock approached half time lady luck hit our post with a fierce shot and out for a goal kick. Phew! HALF TIME.
Ben and Ollie were rested with James and Remy coming on. Frank into midfield and Stuart into goal. As expected playing uphill and into the wind we were going to get a battering for a while but the defensive partnership of Remy and George kept a clean sheet for the whole of the second period. The halftime team talk was about keeping possession and not giving the ball away cheaply. When we break it was important to keep hold of the ball and allow the midfield to support the forwards. They listened!!
When James picked the ball up in his own half following Remy’s tackle and pass, he started running at the defence, in fact, he ran all the way into the box and finished superbly.1-3 (40). But back came Sevenoaks driving forward in numbers. JJ and Jack were tired and getting over run now but George and Remy were not going to be beaten. They won the ball and passed or ran the ball out of trouble. Either way we kept possession, which was vital now to run the clock down.
The final goal came after an almightily scramble with Scott first to react to Franks shot.1-4 (50). Leon fitted in at right and helped defend our way to the final whistle. It was tough, we made lots of changes but it was a good run out ahead of next weeks top of the table clash. We are just two games away from our first ever Cup Final!
7.1.07 Key learning point: NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE YOUR OPPONANTS.
M.O.M nominations were for Ollie, David, Ben, JJ and Remy but George won it by a mile this week. Well played son!