Wheatley

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report – ‘Selection Box’
6th January 2008
Oxford City Colts 3 Wheatley 1
Mince Pies, Christmas Pudding, Turkey, Stuffing, Roger’s Selection Box, Chocolate Log, Fizzy Drinks……………would the excesses of Christmas have a negative impact on the boys’ performance????
Well, for the first half it certainly seemed to be the case!
A bright, glorious, fresh morning greeted all for the first game of 2008; though most parents were well wrapped up and trying to shake off the winter bug that has affected so many.
A rather scrappy first 10 minutes saw Wheatley slowly start to get on top. After missing two gilt-edge chances, the third that came along was headed into the back of the net, after a rebound off the cross-bar, to give Wheatley a 15th minute lead.
Roger was not impressed! Words of encouragement were given to all concerned and slowly Colts started to have a bit more of the play. Their first real effort on goal saw a long-range shot by Brian Muinami easily dealt with by the opposing keeper. Roger made a couple of first-half substitutions to try and improve things. Bradley Rowbotham was giving his all for the team and had one excellent volley that narrowly cleared the bar.
The half-time whistle could not come quickly enough for Colts who were quite fortunate only to be one down at the break. Roger and Stuart were going to have to earn their money during the team talk as the Colts never really got going in that half. Was Roger regretting handing out that Selection Box??!!

A change of formation saw the reliable Wayne Beechers start up front with Bradley. Joe Roberson came on into midfield.
Whatever the management team had said at half-time certainly seemed to have the desired effect. Wayne was an inspired change and he was soon causing the Wheatley defence plenty of problems. Bradley was very unlucky to see a shot hit the post and rebound to safety. Other chances were created as Colts started to get a grip of the match for the first time. In the 43rd minute Colts equalised. After a 50:50 clash with the Wheatley keeper, Wayne was the quickest to react and knock home Colts’ first goal of 2008. The Wheatley keeper required quite lengthy treatment after the clash but there was never any hint of a foul on him.
With Christmas delights now firmly behind them Colts started to get a grip of the game and were awarded a penalty after a blatant handball in the box. After missing their last penalty, Bradley was given the responsibility of putting Colts ahead. However, his rather weak effort was saved by the Wheatley keeper. But Referee Tony Beechers – who had a fine game – correctly spotted encroachment by several Wheatley players. Bradley’s second effort was expertly dispatched into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.
To their credit Wheatley did not give up and kept on trying to seek an equaliser. Colts too were pushing forward to try and secure the game. With two minutes to go, after good work by Grady Cherry and Bradley, a low cross was gleefully hit home at the far post by Charlie Woods. The three points were now secure. Certainly a game ‘of two halves’.

Many thanks to Tony for being Referee and Jason for running the line.

Attendance: 59 (includes 1 dog)
Team: R Horwood, H Comely, M White, A Martin, W Beechers, C Adams, G Cherry, B Muinami, D Dennis, B Rowbotham, T Walker. Subs, J Roberson L Williams, C Woods,
Man of the Match: 1st half W.Beechers, 2nd half W.Beechers

Marston Saints

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
16th December 2007

Marston Saints 4 - Oxford City Colts 4

The final league match before the Christmas and New Year break saw Colts make the short trip to third in the table Marston Saints. Unlike previous weeks, the sun was shinning on this crisp winter’s morning much to the relief of the fans and despite the recent heavy rain the Marston pitch was in good condition. Coach Roger Cherry, suffering from flu, made a few changes to the team pushing the speedy Brian Muinami into midfield. Colts started the game well with the midfield competing strongly for the ball and the defence looking solid against a fast Marston attack. Colts distribution was much improved on recent weeks and they used both wings well. This tactic proved effective when in the 18th minute Isaac Moffat-Young whipped in an excellent cross from the right and Daniel Dennis moved in front of his marker to steer the ball past the helpless Marston keeper.

Marston looked a little fragile at the back as Colts continued to press forward and their second goal on 24 minutes came from well judged cross from the left wing by Curtis Adams. This time it was Bradley Rowbotham who finished neatly. With Marston looking rattled Bradley added to their misery a minute later with a well struck shot from outside the box to give Colts a 3-0 lead. Unfortunately for the Colts, Marston then started to play and in the last five minutes of the first half they pulled two goals back. Both came from Colts’ failure to clear the ball from their own penalty area handing possession back to Marston just outside the box. The first was a lob into the top of the goal; the second a fiercely stuck shot that keeper Joe Russell was unhappy not to have blocked.

So at half time despite being a goal up, the boys’ morale had dropped. Roger switched things around bringing the versatile Joe Roberson on up front and telling the boys that they must score the next goal. Spirits seemed a little higher as Colts started the second half but unfortunately it was Marston who scored next. Another poor clearance handed the ball to Marston in a dangerous position. Once again they used the ball well spreading it across the front line before executing a clinical finish.

Having given up a three goal lead it would have been easy to for Colts’ heads to have dropped but once again the boys raised their game and pushed forward. Their reward came when Isaac Moffat-Young’s shot hit the bar only to rebound to Joe Roberson who headed Colts back into the lead. The boys were extremely unlucky not to increase their lead a few minutes later when Charlie Wood’s header hit the post a nearly crossed the line. With a victory against the local rivals looking more than possible, Colts’ football started to loose its fluency. They played too many poor passes and resorted to simply hitting the ball back to the opposition. So it was no surprise when Marston scored the last goal to earn a deserved draw. This time a goalmouth scramble landed at the feet of one the Marston strikers who put his shot just inside the far post. In the final minute Marston could have taken all three points when they shot over the bar from close range.

So in the end a draw was probably a fair result, although both teams probably felt they could have won. Colts looked very good at times and used both wings well. A little more composure in defence and midfield and 2008 has every possibility of being a successful year. Many thanks must go to Roger and Stuart for their work both today and throughout the year. Thanks also to Tony and Clive for running the line, sometimes in the face of strong criticism from the Marston fans.

Team: J Russell, H Comely, A Martin, W Beechers, L Williams, I Moffat-Young, B Muinami, G Cherry, C Adams, D Dennis, B Rowbotham. Subs: M White, C Wood, J Roberson, T Walker.

Man of the Match: 1st half I Moffat-Young, 2nd half J Roberson

Quarry

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
Oxford Mail Cup: 3rd Round
2nd December 2007

Oxford City Colts 2 – Quarry 3

As in recent weeks, conditions were once again appalling for this eagerly awaited third round cup tie against local rivals Quarry. Heavy rain during the week had left the Court Place Farm pitch very boggy and a further downpour just before kick off created a number of puddles in both penalty areas.

Colts started as underdogs against a strong free-scoring Quarry team from the top division of the Oxford Mail League. Coach Roger Cherry opted for the familiar 4-4-2 formation that had worked so well against Saxton in the last round. Following last week’s tactical training session and playing the first half with the wind and rain behind them, Colts started well and did not appear intimidated by the higher league opposition. The defence looked solid and well organised with Wayne Beechers combining particularly well with the midfield. However, in the final third the boys were unable to break down the strong Quarry defence.

After a fairly even opening to the game, Quarry took the lead midway through the first half. An attack down the left wing led to a cross the centre forward who received the ball with his back to goal. He turned quickly and, before a challenge came in from the Colts’ defence, he fired a fierce shot into the roof of the net.

Colts responded well to this setback competing more strongly and they were soon rewarded with an equaliser. Bradley Rowbotham’s determined run and cross from the right wing was only parried by the Quarry goalkeeper and Joe Roberson was on hand to tuck the ball away. Having levelled the match, Colts let the initiative slip with Quarry dominating the last few minutes of the half. They retook the lead shortly before the break with another powerful run and sot from their main striker.

So at half time Colts were possibly a little unfortunate to be behind. Roger and Stuart encouraged the boys to raise their game for the second half telling them that they were still more than capable of winning. The wind and rain eased at the beginning of the second half and the game took on a real cup tie atmosphere. It was classic end to end football with both sides creating a number of chances. The best fell to Quarry who were denied by an excellent save from Reece Horwood. As the game progressed, Quarry showed why they are in the top division as they started to dominate in midfield and create a number of chances. They were prevented from scoring by a brave performance form the Colts defence with Adam Martin and Harvey Comely making a number of well-timed tackles. However, the pressure finally told with ten minutes to go as Quarry scored following a poor clearance from a goal kick.

Colts’ heads did not drop and for the remainder of the game they looked the better side. As they pushed forward and pressured the Quarry goal, the visitors made a number of defensive errors. Bradley Rowbotham was a constant threat and managed to pull a goal back for the Colts with just a few minutes left setting up an exciting conclusion to the game. The final minutes were played out in hail storm with Colts pushing hard for an equaliser. However, it was not to be as the Quarry defence held firm to hang on to a victory and a place in the next round.

So in the end Colts can be proud of their efforts and consider themselves a little unlucky not to have taken anything from a close match against higher league opposition. Our thanks must go to Tony Beechers for an excellent performance as referee in such dismal conditions and, once again, to Jason for running the line. Special thanks to Jane Wood for the much needed after-match hotdogs.

Team: J Russell, H Comely, B Muinami, A Martin, W Beechers, L Williams, G Cherry, J Roberson, C Adams, T Walker, D Dennis, Subs: R Horwood, M White, C Wood, I Moffat-Young, B Rowbotham.

Man of the Match: 1st half W Beechers, 2nd half A Martin

Benson

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
25th November 2007

Oxford City Colts 1 – Benson 2

Despite a dramatic improvement in the weather, Colts performance on this pleasant autumnal morning was, like England’s failure to qualify for Euro 2008, best forgotten. Gone were last week’s biting wind and rain and pleasant sunshine greeted the players and supporters for the return fixture against Benson. The previous match at Benson, the first of the season, had been a close affair with Colts twice coming from behind to win 3-2. With home advantage, confidence was high that Colts could do the double over a well-organised but inconsistent Benson team.

Coach Roger Cherry started with almost the same team who had played well to beat Littlemore last week. However, it was to be one of those Sunday morning fixtures when Colts never really got going. The boys were hesitant in midfield allowing Benson too much time to control and distribute the ball and it was no surprise when the opposition took the lead after only five minutes. A through ball was pounced upon by a Benson striker who shot cleanly into the corner of the net.

This set back, and plenty of encouragement from Roger, saw the Colts raise their game. For the remainder of the first half they had the lion’s share of possession and Liam Williams was unlucky not to equalise when his shot was cleared off the line. The midfield started to look a little more assured and Harvey Comely once again impressed on the right side of defence.

Things started to look much better after twenty minutes when Colts were awarded a penalty for handball. Adam Martin strode up confidently only to see his shot saved by the impressive Benson keeper. The Benson goalie again came to his side’s rescue when heroically saving an impressive strike from Joe Roberson. However, Colts were soon level thanks to another goal straight from a corner; this week it was Bradley Rowbotham with the well-taken kick.

So at half time the teams were level with Roger impressing upon the boys that they could win if they were more competitive. But his words fell on deaf ears as Colts made heavy weather of the second half. Again they sat back and gave Benson too much time on the ball and when Colts did win possession their passing was not up to its usual standard. Benson always looked threatening on the break and after 45 minutes another through ball allowed the Benson centre forward to run through the middle and strike a clean shot into the Colts net.

For the final quarter Colts were once again chasing the game, but unlike previous matches when they have played some excellent football there was to be no come back. Benson’s greater determination and desire left Colts resorting to shooting from distance which failed to trouble the opposition’s keeper. In the end Benson probably deserved their victory and Colts must now look forward to next week’s cup tie against local rivals Quarry. Hopefully this defeat to Benson will eliminate any complacency and make Colts more determined to progress in the Oxford Mail Cup. Many thanks to Tony Beechers for refereeing, Clive for running the line and Sue for the after match refreshments.

Team: R Horwood, H Comely, M White, A Martin, W Beechers, L Williams, G Cherry, J Roberson, I Moffat-Young, T Walker, B Rowbotham. Subs: J Russell, C Wood, C Adams, D Dennis.

Man of the Match: 1st half H Comely, 2nd half B Rowbotham

Littlemore

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
25th November 2007

Oxford City Colts 3 – Littlemore 0

After the excitement of last weeks’ dramatic last minute victory, Colts were fairly comfortable winners against a determined Littlemore side in a match played in quite appalling conditions. The weather at Court Place Farm was dreadful; the heavy unrelenting rain and biting wind forcing some spectators back into the clubhouse leaving the brave and possibly more foolhardy to endure the whole match.

Coach Roger Cherry started with a strong side for the first half in which Colts played into the wind. However, they failed to dominate against a Littlemore team who had won only one of their matches so far this season. Possibly because of the abysmal conditions, both sides looked hesitant in midfield and Colts were often guilty of failing to be first to the ball. When they did move the ball forward, Colts’ striker Bradley Rowbotham looked dangerous and was unlucky not to score on couple of occasions; both shots beating both the Littlemore keeper and unfortunately, the far post.

Colts started to get on top as the first half drew to a close and their greater possession was rewarded with an excellent goal direct from an Isaac Moffat-Young corner. His well-struck kick evaded both attack and defence, creeping in at the far post. Littlemore tried to respond but were unable to breach the Colts' defence. Mitchell White played with great authority breaking down a number of Littlemore attacks and keeper Reece Horwood looked particularly convincing on a wretched day for goalkeeping.

At half time Roger swapped things around in an effort to prevent the boys from getting too cold. Playing with the wind and rain behind them Colts dominated the early part of the second half with Joe Roberson very busy in midfield. However, despite having more of the ball, they were unable to increase their lead until well into the second period. A lovely move down the right saw Charlie Wood deliver an excellent cross which Bradley buried in the back of the Littlemore net. With the opposition down to ten men because of injury, Colts controlled the rest of the match. They added to their lead through a well-struck shot from Grady Cherry giving the boys a deserved 3-0 winning margin. Both players and spectators were pleased to hear the final whistle just a few minutes later with everyone heading straight for the warmth of the clubhouse.

So a good result on what was a miserable day. Credit should go to Littlemore who have some excellent young players who worked hard throughout the match. Many thanks to the referee who kept things moving in difficult conditions and to Tony Beechers for running the line. Also special thanks to Kelly for providing some much needed hot food after the game.

Team: R Horwood, H Comely, M White, A Martin, W Beechers, L Williams, G Cherry, I Moffat-Young, C Adams, T Walker, B Rowbotham. Subs: J Russell, B Muinami, C Wood, J Roberson, D Dennis.

Man of the Match: 1st half M White, 2nd half G Cherry, J Roberson

Crowmarsh

Posted by Robin on November 11, 2007, 8:50 pm, in reply to "Under 11's "

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
11th November 2007

Oxford City Colts 5 – Crowmarsh 4

Despite some exciting football in recent weeks, this thrilling encounter with Crowmarsh was surely the match of season so far. Both teams started the day on 16 points and both needed a win to stay in contention for promotion. The weather was not good as heavy rain started to fall only an hour before kick off and so there was a distinct prospect of another scrappy game. Fortunately as the teams warmed up, much to the delight of the fans, the rain lifted.

Colts started the game strongly and immediately went on the attack. Crowmarsh failed to cope with the early pressure and within two minutes Colts took the lead. A cross from the right found its way to Isaac Moffat-Young who skilfully put the ball into the roof of the net giving the keeper no chance. This early set back was the wake up call needed by the Crowmarsh team who then showed why they are second top scorers in the league. They used the ball well in midfield putting the Colts’ defence under pressure. After 10 minutes an accurate through ball allowed the Crowmarsh attack to get behind the Colts defence. A neat cross was easily tucked into the Colts’ net at the far post. Worse was to follow as Crowmarsh took the lead from an impressive finish following another pass that opened up the Colts defence. It looked as if Crowmarsh might dominate but the Colts tried hard to fight their way back into the match. At times Colts looked the better side although Crowmarsh always looked dangerous on the break and maintained their lead at the break.

Coach Roger Cherry had some encouraging words at half time telling the boys that they were capable of winning if they raised their game. Unfortunately it was Crowmarsh who started the second half the stronger and within minutes the ball was again in the back of the Colts’ net. Although disallowed for offside it was a warning of what was to follow. Colts defence were not playing with their usual authority and Crowmarsh soon increased their lead to three goals. First a weak goal kick was picked up by the one of the Crowmarsh players who blasted the ball into the corner of the net. Shortly after, another through ball saw a composed finish as the Crowmarsh striker took the ball around the keeper before hammering home an unstoppable shot.

At 4-1 down with only a quarter of the match to go Colts looked beaten. Roger Cherry switched the players around and at once things improved. Bradley Rowbotham looked a threat in attack and his persistence paid off with a goal from looping shot over the Crowmarsh keeper. Sensing they still had a chance Colts threw everything into attack and once again Bradley forced the ball into the net after some indecision in the Crowmarsh defence. The unlikely turn around continued a few minutes later as Charlie Wood equalised, squeezing the ball home at the near post. The game felt more like a cup tie as both teams went for the win and although Crowmarsh still looked dangerous on the counter attack, their through balls were not running to feet. As the end of game approached and a draw looked likely, Colts threaded a pass to Daniel Dennis on the edge of the Crowmarsh box. With his back to goal he turned superbly before unleashing a shot into the bottom corner of the Crowmarsh net giving Colts what had appeared some 15 minutes earlier an unlikely win. Delight for the home fans and despair for the visitors.

This was an excellent result for the Colts in a very close and exciting game. Full credit must go to Crowmarsh who played well and will be disappointed to go home empty handed. Many thanks to Tony Beechers for refereeing, Jason for running the line and to Jane for the refreshments.

Team: R Horwood, H Comely, M White, A Martin, W Beechers, L Williams, G Cherry, J Roberson, I Moffat-Young, T Walker, D Dennis. Subs: J Russell, C Wood, J Roberson, B Rowbotham, C Adams

Man of the Match: 1st half H Comely, 2nd half B Rowbotham

Saxton Rovers

U 11's Match Report - Cup

Posted by Clive Roberson on November 4, 2007, 6:50 pm, in reply to "Re: u11s go into next round of the cup"

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
4th November 2007

Saxton Rovers 1 Oxford City Colts 3

A welcome break from league action saw the Colts travel to Abingdon to take on fellow league rivals Saxton Rovers. Cup fever seemed to have gripped the Colts’ fans, as a large travelling contingent made the short trip to South Abingdon.
Coach Roger Cherry opted for a starting line-up that surprisingly didn’t include Bradley Rowbotham or Grady Cherry, both of whom were left to ‘warm the bench’.
Wearing the lucky black-and-white stripes of the away kit – sponsored by Amber Wealth Creations – the Colts were looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season last week.

The first five minutes were a very scrappy affair with neither side dominating. But from their first meaningful attack, Saxton whipped in a cross from the left which was missed by the Colts’ defence, but not by the lurking Saxton forward who calmly put his side ahead.
It took Colts 15 minutes to win their first corner, from which Isaac
Moffat-Young shot over the bar.
Colts then had to make an early substitution that saw Liam Williams go off, with what looked like a throat injury, to be replaced by Curtis Adams.
The rest of the half saw plenty of effort and endeavour from the Colts without really creating any real chances. Though the defence was as mean as ever and restricted Saxton to a few half-chances, that keeper Joe Russell dealt with comfortably. Roger must have been impressed with Harvey Comley, who had an impressive half in his new position of right-back.
Rather strangely the referee seemed to blow the half-time whistle 5 minutes early to signal the end of a very tight 25 minutes.

Roger’s half-time team talk did not involve any tea cup throwing, but encouragement and praise for all involved in the first half.
Four changes were made at half time to try and keep their dreams of Wembley alive.

It soon became evident that whatever Roger had said at half-time, certainly had the desired effect as Colts had two great chances to get back on level terms within minutes of the restart.
But the equalizer was not long in coming. From their first corner the ball was cleared to the edge of the box where Mitchell White hit an unstoppable volley in to the roof of the net. Certainly a contender for goal of the season!

With confidence and belief now flowing through the team, Colts took a complete hold of the game and were close to a second through a Bradley Rowbotham free-kick and a Tyler Walker effort. The away support sensed a second goal was not too far away and they were not to be disappointed. A cross from Curtis Adams saw the Saxton goalie only managing to parry the ball away, which was seized on instantly by Bradley who lashed the ball home to put the Colts ahead.
Saxton were by no means finished and had a great chance to equalise shortly after the Colts’ second, but only wayward finishing prevented it from happening.

Colts had further chances to seal the game through Grady Cherry and Tyler, but these went begging. In one alarming moment for Colts, when it seemed that Saxton were outnumbering the defence, Adam Martin produced a timely interception, reminiscent of the late Bobby Moore, to break up the attack.

With minutes remaining Colts grabbed the decisive third that ensured they will be in the hat for the next round draw. A good passing movement between Bradley and Tyler saw the latter calmly stroking the ball home to confirm victory.

The final whistle signalled great scenes of joy by player’s and fans. Let’s hope the draw is favourable and a lucrative home draw against a local rival can be achieved.
Many thanks to Jason for running the line.

Attendance: 52 (includes 2 dogs)

Team: J Russell, H Comely, M White, A Martin, W Beechers, L Williams, B Muinami, I Moffat-Young, J Roberson, D Dennis, T Walker. Subs R Horwood, C Adams, C Woods, G Cherry, B Rowbotham
Man of the Match: 1st half I Moffat-Young, 2nd half Adam Martin

St Edmunds

Posted by robin on October 28, 2007, 4:26 pm, in reply to "u11s colts"

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
28th October 2007

Oxford City Colts 1 – St Edmunds 3

Conditions were far from perfect as the Colts tried to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. The visitors to Court Place Farm were top of the table St Edmunds but in driving rain and with a stiff breeze both teams struggled to play their best football.

Having won the toss and deciding to play downwind in their lucky Amber Wealth Creations sponsored black and white away kit, Colts started brightly. The midfield competed strongly creating a number of attacking opportunities. In defence, the back four continued to look strong despite a pacey opposition attack. St Edmunds always looked dangerous running on to a number of well placed through balls and it was a sign of things to come when, after ten minutes, they found the back of the Colts net only for their striker to be penalised for offside.

St Edmunds has the meanest defence in the league having conceded only eight goals in their previous eight games. However, it was Colts who took the lead on 20 minutes. A free kick from the right edge of the penalty area passed through a crowd of players before arriving at Tyler Walker’s feet and he easily slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Colts, with their confidence increasing, continued to push forward, Curtis Adams looking especially strong in the left of midfield. But with St Edmunds always looking fast on the break, Colts, needed to use the advantage of the wind to create more scoring chances before the break. Unfortunately despite their best efforts they were unable to increase their lead. They paid the price after 20 minutes when some poor defending let St Edmunds back into the game. Having failed to clear a corner, the ball found its way to one of the St Edmunds strikers who tucked the ball neatly into the corner from close range to level the score at 1-1.

During the break Coach Roger Cherry changed the side around for what was to be a difficult second half playing into the wind and rain. Predictably St Edmunds started the second half strongly but the Colts defence, who record is second only to their opponents, held firm. Harvey Comely and Isaac Moffat-Young both impressed on the right side. However, with the weather now in their favour, St Edmunds looked increasingly threatening and midway through the half another through ball from the midfield led to an unstoppable shot giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Colts remained in the game until the closing minutes but were unable to find a decisive pass with which to open up the St Edmunds defence. Shortly before the final whistle St Edmunds sealed their victory with a third goal from close range. So the unbeaten run comes to an end against the league leaders, although on another day and in better conditions Colts might have had better fortune. Many thanks to Clive for an excellent performance as referee and to Jason for running the line.

Team: J Russell, M White, C Adams, A Martin, B Muinami, W Beechers, L Williams, G Cherry, B Rowbotham, H Comely, T Walker. Subs R Horwood, C Woods, D Dennis, I Moffat-Young, J Roberson

Man of the Match: 1st half C Adams, 2nd half I Moffat-Young

Florence Park - Home

Oxford City Colts U11 Match Report
3rd February 2008

Oxford City Colts 4 Florence Park 2

Having beaten league leaders St Edmunds last week, Colts next challenge was a home game against second in the table Florence Park. A bitterly cold wind blew across the Court Place Farm pitch making playing conditions difficult for both teams. Unperturbed by the freezing condition Colts supporters were once again out in numbers to cheer the boys on. Coach Roger Cherry elected to play with three up front, a formation which had proved so successful last time out.

Although Colts started with the wind behind them it was Florence Park, unbeaten since mid-December, who started the better having more than their fair share of possession in the first few minutes. However, it was not long before Colts settled and started to dominate with some excellent passing moves and an early double strike from Bradley Rowbotham had Florence Park very much on the back foot. His first on seven minutes came from a well-crafted move: Joe Roberson split the defence with a precise through ball to Wayne Beechers who crossed for Bradley to finish with a well struck shot. The second, only a minute later, followed a strong challenge from Mitchell White in midfield. The ball landed at Bradleys feet and he went straight for goal, tucking the ball past the advancing keeper.

The remainder of the first half was played predominantly in the Florence Park half, the strong wind making it difficult for the away side to clear the ball. Wayne Beechers caught the eye with a number of skilful touches around the edge of the box. However, Colts struggled to turn their domination into further goals and they were forced to wait until the 28th minute to add to their lead. An optimistic ball into the area caught the wind and bounced high over the Florence Park keeper who was only able to parry the ball to Beechers who finished neatly. With a 3-0 lead and half time approaching Colts were guilty of a lapse in concentration which allowed Florence Park back into the game. Failing to clear an attack, the ball fell to one of the Florence Park strikers who steered his shot just inside the post.

At half time Roger told the boys they were in for a difficult second period playing into the gale force wind, but as long as they remained committed victory was likely. Unfortunately things did not go according to plan. Florence Park started strongly and with the wind at their backs pushed forward into the Colts half creating a number of chances. It was no surprise when they pulled the score back to 3-2 after five minutes; a close range shot giving Colts keeper Reece Horwood no chance. Florence park almost drew level a few minutes later but were denied by an excellent high save from Reece.

With Colts under continuous pressure Roger decided to strengthen the defence by moving Grady Cherry to centre back. His presence negated Florence Parks attacking threat and as the half progressed Colts slowly worked their way back into the game. When they broke into the visitors half they always looked dangerous and after 50 minutes Colts restored their two goal advantage. Bradley drove another fierce shot across the keeper who was unable to prevent him from completing his hat trick.

Florence Park pushed forward in the last few minutes but were unable to open up the Colts defence who remained solid until the final whistle. So another well-fought victory against good opposition saw Colts move to within a point of Florence Park with a game in hand. Roger was obviously delighted with the teams progress in recent weeks and after the match was very pleased to welcome new signing Luke Holt, son of Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Gary Holt, to the team. He will undoubtedly add strength to the Colts side who now look a very good bet for promotion. Our thanks once again go to Tony Beechers for refereeing, to Jason for running the line and Kelly and Sue for the post match food.

Team: J Russell, L Williams, H Comely, A Martin, M White, G Cherry, T Walker, C Wood, B Rowbotham, J Roberson, W Beechers. Subs R Horwood, B Muinami, C Adams.

Man of the Match: 1st half W Beechers, 2nd half R Horwood