U15s Colts
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Sun 27 Sep 2020
Kidderminster Lions
2
1
Worcester City FC
U15s Colts
Kidderminster Lions vs Colts U12 (28/09/20)

Kidderminster Lions vs Colts U12 (28/09/20)

Chris Wilds28 Sep 2020 - 12:53
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Soft Goals prove costly in keenly-contested encounter

Wolverley High School was the location for Colts 2nd away-day of the season – a new venue for most and indeed a new opposition to test their mettle against. The bright conditions were tempered by a decidedly chilly northerly wind coupled with an exposed pitch that resembled something of a bowl rather than a football pitch. Local roadworks threatened to put the pre-match warm up in jeopardy however it was the referee who was caught out most markedly, causing a 10-minute delay to proceedings.
Colts also lost Conner James in the warm-up after a collision left him with a painfully swollen finger and unable to play. Preparations were not going to plan it seemed, however Colts lined up with their now-familiar 3-4-1 formation with Elton in Goal, Clarke, Glazzard and Beale in defence, Sivaharan, Perks, Bousfield and Heywood and Davies ploughing a lone furrow in attack. The bench, demonstrating the squads’ strength in depth consisted of Johnson, Fisher, Coopey and Box.
Once the game finally kicked off, Lions started in a positive manner looking composed on the ball and strong in the tackle. Colts didn’t seem overawed by their opposition, however, and were soon into their stride; an intriguing battle began to form. Despite hitting the post after 5 minutes, the home teams slight superiority didn’t convert into any concrete chances and as the first half settled both teams showed their quality with some neat passing and plenty of endeavour. Bousfield and Davies looked busy as an attacking threat and gave Lions defence plenty to think about. Beale was typically tigerish in the challenge and lead the way with some brave tackles, ably assisted by the unflappable Glazzard and ever-improving Clarke. Boulsfield was forced off with a knock midway through the first half and was replaced by Coopey who immediately looked busy. On the left wing, Perks was starting to enjoy some space - linking up well with Davies and Heywood.
Lions eventually opened the scoring on 20 minutes when a wayward pass dropped to a Lions midfielder, who fired a speculative shot from distance that bobbled past Elton in the Colts goal to make it 1-0. Despite the setback Colt continued to plug away and were in the ascendency come half time.
At the break Colts manager Coopey replaced Glazzard with Fisher and Perks with Box, the latter immediately playing with intent and purpose that will have pleased the management team.
The second half started in the same vein as the first half – both teams playing combative football with clear-cut chances at a premium. 5 minutes in and the ball again broke to a Lions midfielder who slotted the ball into the net to double the home teams lead. Colts could consider themselves unlucky – however the slight feeling of injustice seemed to spur them on and they carried more purpose and momentum as the game progressed. Sivaharan was starting to find space in a slightly advanced position & Box started to make constant inroads on the right wing. The best chance of the game so far fell to Davies who slotted the ball agonisingly wide after creating a chance out of nothing, spinning away from his marker and advancing into the box but ultimately unable to force a save. Bousfield replaced him on 45 minutes and immediately looked to capitalise on a fatiguing Lions back line – firstly breaking through a crowd of players before seeing his shot saved and then minutes later racing free and slamming the ball into the corner of the net to reduce arrears. 2-1, and Colts were in the ascendency. Johnson replaced Coopey and the last 10 minutes saw them throw everything at their hosts in search of an equaliser, with Lions nerve just about holding. In a last throw of the dice, as Colts were awarded a free kick, Coopey Jnr was reintroduced to see if he could conjure up some trademark dead-ball magic but his effort was soaked up by a resolute defensive line.
So Colts tasted defeat for the first time this term, however the manner of the performance will have encouraged the coaches and parents alike – a performance which got stronger through the first half and into the second as the growing self-confidence came to the fore.
Players MoM: Ollie Beale/Ollie Bousfield
Managers MoM: Caleb Clarke.

Match details

Match date

Sun 27 Sep 2020

Kickoff

14:00
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