Ross Juniors Colts U17s made the long journey to Orleton on Sunday. Weather conditions were really bad, but luckily there was no standing water on the pitch, so the teams were good to go.

Orleton are second in the league, and had beaten The Colts 6-0 in a previous match back in September, so the boys were anticipating a hard game.

Orleton started the game, adjusting to the tricky conditions slightly better, but as the first half went on, the Ross boys grew into the game, putting some neat passing together.

The opponents had a lively front line and, on one particular break, their forward raced into the box and fired off a shot, which Archie excellently parried. Unluckily, the ball fell to an Orleton player, who calmly slotted it into the top corner.

The game continued with play going from end to end; The Colts were very much in this game, playing great attacking football. At times Orleton had to resort to some cynical fouling to halt the lads. In one instance, The Colts were awarded a free kick out on the right, the ball was floated in and Wilf scored with a great header.

The game was turning into a very tight battle in midfield; Aaron was putting a great shift in. Wilf, Lewis, Myles and Will M also got some crunching tackles in, but against the run of play, Orleton scored their second goal.

With half time approaching, it was important for the boys to get back on terms and they duly obliged with Will M scoring a great looping shot over the keeper from 25 yards.

The halftime whistle blew with the score at 2-2, a much needed drink and a few minutes break were gratefully taken, and Manager Tony took the opportunity to make a few tactical changes.

The second half got underway, but weather conditions worsened. The boys were determined to take the game to their opponents. The forward line of Dan F, Jack and Sam caused the Orleton back four some problems, not giving them any time on the ball.

Their defence were starting to tire and were struggling to clear the ball. They resorted to fouling the lads, and on one occasion, the lads were awarded another free kick. Dan F floated a great ball into the box, the ball broke to Wilf and he smashed into the net.

The boys are beginning to become set piece specialists with four goals in their last two games coming from this source.

With 15 minutes to go, Orleton started to throw everything at The Colts. The back four of Pirlo, H, Nat and Dan C battled really hard to contain them, but unfortunately the ball whizzed across the box to the back post, where an Orleton forward was waiting to tap it in, 3-3.

With a few minutes left, Orleton broke through and hit the ball. It was heading for the goal, but Archie threw himself full stretch to his left, to tip the ball around the post. It was a fantastic save and thankfully, just after, the referee blew the final whistle.

This was a fantastic performance by The Colts, they battled hard in every area. Manager, Tony Fletcher told the Gazette: “I’m sure they weren’t expecting a performance like that from the boys.”

The One Stop men of the match were Aaron and Archie; Aaron for his tireless work in midfield and Archie for making some brilliant saves.