Following a 13-0 defeat to the very strong Ledbury Swifts last week, Ross Juniors Colts under 9s took to the Ross Sports Centre field, to take on the Futsal Hawks at the weekend.

The Ross boys were determined to put on a better performance than their previous game, and that is exactly what happened.

The early exchanges saw a good even match, with good play from both teams.

A marauding run by Alfie led to a good chance for Charlie, who was unable to find the net and two Colts corners followed.

Futsal brought a great save from Isaac, and they soon scored on the break after more Colts pressure.

The entertainment was first class; both sides were fully committed, and Alfie made a goal line clearance and a long kick from Isaac nearly played in William.

Todds curled free kick tested the Futsal keeper and Todd also made a number of good runs. New boy Ollie was playing well at left back and Owen also had a strong game in the centre of defence.

At half time, the score was 1-0 to Futsal.

Early in the second half, Todd shot just wide following a corner and Futsal hit the post. More good saves were made by the strong arm of Isaac, but a poor pass was intercepted by Futsal and the ball hit the bar and went in.

It was a great end to end encounter. The ball was passed forward, but the defender didn’t clear and William made a brave challenge on the equally brave Futsal keeper and the ball went in the net. The comeback was on and the commitment was 110% by both teams.

A ball went in to the the Colts penalty area and struck an arm. The referee, who was excellent throughout, pointed to the spot and Isaac, like a young Paul Cooper, leapt like a salmon to save, and William cleared.

Isaac nearly put Todd in, and the crowd could sense a comeback. The next goal would be vital. Great play by Futsal down the right and the ball went in off the post.

The Colts were disheartened and Futsal were now playing with real confidence. Goals of real quality were scored and try as they might, the Colts could not recover. It was significant that the last piece of play was a goalmouth scramble at the Futsal end, with Alfie showing full commitment once again.

How harsh the game of football can be. For two thirds of the game, at least, the Colts matched a fine team but in the end they lost 1-7. With more determined performances like this the next win won’t be far away.