The Whites claimed their best result of the season as a wonderful performance earned them a comprehensive away victory over newly-crowned Division 1 champions Westbury.
After forming a guard of honour for the previously unbeaten title-winners, the seven-man Colts were determined to prove they themselves are a force to be reckoned with and were on the front foot from the kick-off.
Midfield dynamos Toby and Matthew had early shots well saved by a Lions keeper who has impressed in every one of the teams’ four meetings this season.
On a smaller pitch, Matthew was rarely far from the action and hit a post before curling a superb effort into the roof of the net to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Frontmen Bradley and Brandon worked hard to close down a skilful Westbury side, who deserve credit for sticking to their footballing principles throughout and produced some eye-catching passing moves.
However, they were blunted by some imperious defending from Luke and Tom, who ensured Max had a quieter-than-expected evening between the posts. When the number one was called upon he was as safe as houses, while his accurate kicking from hand and the floor set up a number of attacks.
When Matthew hit the woodwork again, with the ball rolling agonisingly across the goalline and out, it seemed as though it might be another of those days for a Colts side who have failed to make their pressure count on so many occasions this term. He was not to be denied a second goal, though, and seconds later pounced inside the box to finish powerfully.
Toby’s sublime lob then came back off the woodwork but the rampant Colts did not have long to wait for a third goal – and what a goal it was. There appeared little immediate danger when a clearance reached Luke on the halfway line but he connected with a sweet volley that sailed over the helpless keeper’s head and into the net to spark a well-rehearsed celebration routine.
Colts continued to press after the break and Matthew was denied a hat-trick when a Westbury defender did brilliantly to head his free-kick off the line.
Brandon and Toby also tested the keeper and the visitors’ fourth goal arrived when the latter burst down the left and centred for Bradley to smash home a first-time effort.
Westbury had the final word, following up to score after Max parried an initial effort, but nothing could take the gloss off a fantastic Colts display. The challenge now is to maintain the high standard they have set in their final game of the season at Bradford.