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The first game of the season was upon us and Colts were up against an unknown quantity in Highview, they suspected going into the game that Highview were going to be fairly good standard, and being put into Division One as a new team supported this. Colts got off to the best of starts when Freeman picked out Liversidge who was battling at the back post and from a tight angle managed to nod the ball back across towards goal, where Lane crashed home the volley. There could be a tad of contraversy here as the ball may of crossed the line before Lane made contact. Colts went looking for another and it may of come when the keeper spilled a shot at Lanes feet, unfortunately for Colts and Lane the keeper managed to recover and collect the ball.
As Half chances from Lane, Jones and Bartlett went begging Highview started to get settled, Lee was called into making a few comfortable saves from freekicks and when he was beaten Pallister was on hand to clear off the line. Highview were getting closer and did manage to find the back of the net, fortunately the ref had seen a push on Rhodes Winsor and the goal was ruled out. Highview were causing more and more trouble for the Colts defence and with 35mins gone they were level, a good break from midfield followed by a slotted pass saw their striker finish well from a one on one. Colts were rattled and 5mins later they were behind for the first time. A long throw again causing problems, was flicked on to their player who made no mistake from two yards.
Both teams went into Half time knowing that this game could still go either way, At half time Manager Hufford moved Jones to Left Back, Pallister to his more recognised Right Back position and gave debut boy Rhodes Winsor more freedom by playing him Right Wing. Hufford thought that other debutant Freeman was causing enough issues and wanted Rhodes Winsor to do the same, it was Freeman who created the equaliser, picking up the ball on the half way line he beat two men before cutting back and playing a delightful crossfield ball to Lane to prod home from 6yds. Freeman had been whipping in great balls all game but this time it had resulted in a goal. Liversidge had a great opportunity but shot wide from close range when Jones inadvertly picked him out with a long distance shot.
Freeman again was in the thick of the action picking up the ball on the half way line with one man to beat between him and the goal keeper, Freeman proceeded to run and beat his man at ease unfortunately just before the keeper came out Freeman took a a bad touch and was met by the keeper graciously collecting.
The game was beginning to open up and Highview once again found them selves back in font, a goal kick from Lee dropped to a Highview player who looked up and smashed the ball in the top corner from about 30yds, easily the goal of the game. Lee apologised but it wasnt often this had happened. Colts went looking for something out of the game and introduced N.Parker for A.Wisker. Lane was put through but couldnt make the most of it and ended up injuring his foot, Freeman found himself in the area but good defending made sure he couldnt shoot. A few minutes later though Freeman had got what he deserved when he found space turned his man in the area and curled into the top corner.
With 5mins to go Lane won a corner and Colts sent everyone up, Hufford rose and headed onto the bar, which sparked a mad rush for the ball, Hufford again got to the ball first and headed the ball towards goal where it took a nick off a defender and looked like it went in. However no one was sure. Colts looked straight over to the ref and were happy to see that he had judged the ball to of crossed the line. Colts were again in front and had to see out the last few mins, Another goal nearly came and thanks to brave defending and a big clearance on the line by stand in captain Barlett it was not to be. Lane returned the favour to Freeman late on with a great crossfield ball but as Freeman tried to round the keeper he was denied by great keeping.
The full time whistle blew and Colts knew that it had definetly been a hard earned victory and that both teams could of won this game. A big bonus apart from the three points, and the performances from the debutants has to be the ninety minutes put in by playmaker Paul King who is probably still recovering from keyhole surgery on his cartiledge.
MOM : Robbie Freeman