West Worcester Lions vs Colts (09/11/19)

The Saturday morning of Rememberance weekend 2019 saw Colts look to continue their run of positive displays against WWY Lions at the grandiose-titled 'West Worcester Park'. There were massive doubts pre-kick-off as to whether the match would proceed due to the wet weather in the build-up, however a pushed-back kick-off time of 11.15 saw the match commence after a well-observed minutes' silence. Weather conditions could only be described as 'biblical' as Colts got the game underway against what many would regard as 'derby' opponents due to the lads' familiarity with the opposition. Louis and George were both absent, so Colts were forced to field a slightly modified team from the previous week, with Ewan, impressive in that friendly coming in at central defence alongside Ollie and Dyl, in front of Cam in goal; Reggie, Caleb, Nathan and Josh formed the midfield while Harry started as lone striker. Tom and Zac, both absent for the previous weeks friendly match started on the bench.
The first half was a very even affair - WWY starting slightly the brighter and looking more threatening without really troubling Cam in goal. Disciplined defensive work from the back 3 restricted the home team to half chances, with the atrocious weather conditions hampering any fluid football from either side; as the half wore on there were several interesting battles developing, with Reggie in particular having a busy morning with his opposite number on the wing. Dyl and Ewan had composed first half-hours, and Cam was seldom called into action. The game then seemed to turn on a 2-minute period 20 minutes in, when some neat and determined work from Reggie, Caleb and Nathan resulted in the WWY 'keeper spilling the ball, but with Harry unable to capitalise, sliding the ball goalwards but watching it slip agonisingly wide of the post. With their next attack, the Lions took a slightly fortunate lead when a long ball was kicked clear by an on-rushing Cam, only for it to canon back past him off a WWY players 'knee, the same player having the momentum to power past the Colts luckless 'keeper and tap the ball home. Colts didn't let this setback affect them however and the rest of the first half was played out with the same level of grit and determination.
After the restart Colts were a different proposition - Ollie and Caleb gave everything to try and restore parity, with Josh getting forward with increased regularity. Zac and Tom replaced Nath (who'd taken a knock) and Cam (who was quite happy to shed his drenched gloves!) and both slotted in seemlessly. Some excellent link-up work between Harry and Reggie, Caleb and Josh ultimately went unrewarded as Colts started to turn the screw in their search for an equaliser. Dyl started to push further upfield in support of the almost constant wave of attacks, with WWY offering little in reply to the relentless barrage. Attacking possession was gradually turning into set-pieces in the form of both free-kicks and corners, and with time running out it was the latter which proved decisive. A lofted corner from Nathan was scrambled clear only as far as Ewan who slotted the ball through a congested goalmouth, wide of the Lions keeper to secure a well-earned point.
All in all, a very accomplished performance yet again, and a very encouraging level of work-rate and determination from all of the boys. Colts will be looking to build n this performance yet again as the mid-season fixture confirmation looms large.