IN beautiful sunny, then wet and rainy conditions, Colts came out on to the near perfect playing surface, hoping to fair better than last season. Last season Colts won 2 and drew 1, losing the rest of their matches, but this is a much improved, more experienced Colts side who only lost 1-0 to Cup Winners Ross Juniors last Thursday.

There was an even start to the match before the effervescent Charlie broke down the right and sent a screamer across the face of the Wanderers goal. Then Belmont had a number of corners which came to nothing. Edward was making solid tackles and creating a lot from the central midfield position and Charlie continued asking questions of the Wanderers’ defence down the right wing.

Belmont then had a good attack but a last ditch tackle by Callum saved the day. Joe passed to William on the left wing. He opened up his body to curl the ball into the far corner but before it arrived, a Belmont defender intercepted it, but could only direct the ball in to his own net. Soon after another attack involving William was just kicked out for a corner. For the fans, both teams were playing some great football.

Three substitutions were made half way through each half. Charlie, William and Joe making way for Alex, Owen and Alfie. Alex was soon in the action but could not connect with a cross and an Edward corner was just put wide by Alfie. The tenacious Alfie soon scored a great goal, avoiding 2 tackles on the right hand side of the area before coolly slotting the ball home. Edward then threw the ball to Owen whose shot slid passed the far post. Half time 2-0.

The starting squad resumed the second half and Callum, with his best game so far, made another saving tackle. The Wanderers keeper was called in to action to save a stinging shot from William and two long range shots from Edward. The ginger combination of Edward and William worked well but William just failed to make good contact. The superb Isaac, who didn’t put a foot (or hand) wrong in the Colts’ goal, put William through to no avail and then Isaac made a great save following a quick Belmont break.

Charlie stormed down the wing and hit a rocket just over the bar, then the triple substitution took place again. Owen then scored following combative play on the left of the Belmont box, losing the ball, getting it back and then drilling it into the corner. Alfie robbed the Belmont left back from the kick off and put a cross in but Alex could not connect with it. Then Alex made a good break and passed to Alfie who fell but was not awarded a penalty. Alfie then broke clear but a great challenge on him led to a rare Wanderers’ chance. Alfie then made a storming run which was saved by the Belmont keeper and Alex latched on to a defensive error, but the ball was just cleared before he pulled the trigger. Callum then uncharacteristically broke in to the Belmont half and passed to Alex who rifled the ball in to the top corner. A final Belmont break nearly ruined the Colts’ clean sheet, but the referee (who had had a good match) blew his whistle and Colts celebrated a 4-0 win.