Kidderminster Athletic Hawks U13 vs WCFC U13 Colts (26/09/21)

After losses in their first 2 games, Colts third fixture of the season promised to be a tough match against last-seasons champions Kidderminster Athletic Hawks at the familiar Habberley Road Sports Ground. Colts lined up as a 4-3-3 with Wharton in goal, Glazzard, Sivaharan, Fisher and Adusei-Hillel at the back, Box, Heywood & Perks forming a 3-man midfield & Bousfield, Coopey and Elton forming the 3-pronged spearhead. For the first time this term Colts were able to boast a full bench of Beale, James, Davies, Johnson and parker.
The away team started in positive fashion with plenty of attacking intent, however some loose defending saw them a goal-down after only 3 minutes - an unmarked Hawks striker finding acres of space to fire low into the net giving Wharton no chance. An injury then picked up by Glazzard saw him replaced early by James in a like-for-like positional change.
Despite the early set-backs, Colts endeavour continued to see them create chances. By the time Elton bundled over to level the scores after blocked shots from Perks and Bousfield, they could well have been 2-or-3 goals to the good. Despite several good chances to nudge their noses ahead before half time they had to settle with a 1-1 scoreline at the break.
Manager Steve Coopey shuffled his pack at the break – Davies, Johnson and Parker being introduced as a new-look attacking force. Beale replaced Fisher at full back, and the game resumed.
Within a minute Colts were ahead as the newly-introduced front three combined and Parker slotted the ball home into the corner of the net. Colts continued to dominate possession and extended their lead 10 minutes into the half when a set-piece eventually found its way to Adusei-Hillel who calmly finished to give City breathing space.
Colts took their foot off the gas a little and the home side almost grabbed a lifeline when a cross-shot bounced off the top of the crossbar. However, it got even better for City a few moments later when Parker doubled his tally after some good work from Perks and Coopey. With tiring legs on both sides, manager Coopey reintroduced Box and Elton; with 15 minutes remaining Elton’s strength paid dividends as he forced his way through and poked home from the edge of the area. City were now pegging Athletic into their own half and looked as if they’d score at will, and Elton did indeed complete his Hat-trick with another bustling run and shot with the clock running down.
A very impressive performance all round – built on grit and hard work and some excellent interplay.
Managers man-of-the-match: Cameron – a real strikers performance from Cam with an excellent hat-trick.
Players man-of-the-match: Levi – put in a real shift and topped off a gutsy showing with a well taken goal.