The Whites were handed their first defeat in league and cup matches this season after an enthralling end-to-end battle with Westbury Youth Lions.
A hastily-arranged opening Division 1 fixture saw Westbury make their third trip to Combe in two months and they came up against a home side down to the bare seven players due to the half-term holiday.
After a slightly shaky start, the Colts hit their stride and were desperately unlucky not to score in an excellent ten-minute spell. Toby’s dipping effort clipped the bar and Bradley was foiled twice by the superb visiting keeper before setting up Tom for a shot that hit the inside of the post and stayed out after rolling agonisingly along the line.
With Matthew producing two tremendous tackles and Josh and George combining well at the back, Westbury were kept at bay attacking down the slope until the last minute of the first half. A momentary lapse then allowed their dangerous midfield man to race into the box unchallenged and the outcome was inevitable – a confident finish past helpless keeper Max.
The goal took the wind out of Colts’ sails and they were second best after that, with well-drilled Westbury stronger in the tackle and sharper on the ball. Tom’s brave keeping and some great blocks from George and Josh stopped them from adding to their advantage before the home side drew level with eight minutes to go.
Toby and Matthew linked up well on the edge of the box and Max was on hand to force the ball home in the ensuing melee.
The Colts sensed the chance to go on and take the points but, as they began to tire, were left outnumbered at the back by a fast break on the Westbury right and another clinical finish settled an absorbing contest.
It was a harsh introduction to top-division football but the boys did themselves proud with a battling performance and must keep their chins up with a series of hugely-competitive matches on the horizon.