Hartham Press
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Today Colts hosted Hartham Press in the Division 2 Cup Quarter final live from SP5, why the pitch change? No one knows. After last weeks thrilling 3-2 match Colts saw this as an opportunity to prove they weren't lucky to score three goals in the second half and win 3-2. It was definitely thought that the change to the smaller pitch would only benefit Hartham Press who wouldn't have as much ground to cover against the Colts.
Colts lined up 3-5-2, with Sam Jones in for the absent Paul King (knee injury) and Neil Parker making a start up top. This decision, it was hoped, would help Colts control the midfield, an area they were second best in for the majority of the previous game. Hartham Press were believed to line up 5-3-2 with the aim of
The first goal of the game came from a set piece, from the right side of the pitch about level with the edge of the 18 yard box; Hartham Press made use of their physical size advantage and headed home from an in swinging free kick. The marking wasn't the best from Colts, but it was always going to be difficult due to the size of the opposition. Although they were one nil down, Colts continued on, knowing they'd come back from 2-0 previously.
1-0 down at half time, Colts had their usual "chat" about how the first half played out, deciding what needed to be done to up the game in the second. A change was made; with Nathan Searle replacing the Wembley bound Neil Parker.
The second goal of the game came from a long ball played up to the Hartham Press front line, with a mix up between Kieran Hufford and Dave Whitten leading to the Hartham Press striker being through on goal, chipping the ball over the stranded Adrian Lee. It was a disappointing goal to concede, especially with the usual Sunday league shouts of "[team] first and second" and "no bounce" not being acted upon.
Then came the last 20 minutes, the period in the game when everyone would expect Colts to really over run the Hartham Press team due to their abundance in youth. This did happen and as every minute passed it was as if the Colts team grew in confidence. However this failed to result in a goal, numerous chances to hit the back of the net came and went. Josh Bartlett connected well with his head but the ball sailed just over, Rob Peduto placed a volley just wide of the right post after a display of determination down the right flank from Pete Lane, eventually getting the cross in.
The game ended 2-0 Hartham Press' favour, though on a different day it could have easily been a Colts goal fest. The only other incident of note was the appeal for a penalty from Hartham when a dipping head from their striker was met by the boot of Mark Pallister, though it couldn't have been more than two foot from the floor. The penalty was not given as the striker was in an offside position as the initial ball was played. Wrong place wrong time?
The encroachment of ground at thrown-ins seemed a particular sharp point for the referee with countless players sent back to the area the ball went off the field.
Attendance: 9 (at peak)