The Whites picked up from where they left off last season as victory over defending champions Westbury laid down an impressive marker for 2013-14.
Displaying the sort of form that saw them finish as runners-up behind the Lions last term, the hosts looked particularly strong after the break and were deserving of the three points that came their way at full-time.
Yet it was Westbury who made the better start to the game, knocking the ball around with aplomb and keeping possession well as the Colts struggled to find their feet.
Matthew – who was to prove a thorn in Westbury’s side all morning – then broke free on the left and unleashed a shot that the visiting keeper did well to push onto the top of his crossbar. It provided the Colts with the spark and confidence they needed to push on and, after a couple of raids involving midfielder Luke and lively wingers Toby and George, Matthew was on hand to fire them into the lead.
Their joy was shortlived, however, as Westbury drew level with a goal that their first-half play warranted. Max did well to parry an initial shot after a good move on the right but was powerless to keep out the follow-up effort.
He was forced into action more than once as half-time approached and chances came at both ends, throwing himself to his left to push aside one powerful effort from distance.
The Colts were asking plenty of questions at the other end, though, and went 2-1 up when the determined George forced the ball home following more good work from Matthew.
With defensive duo Josh and Tom tenacious in the tackle and Luke, Toby and Brandon M working hard in the engine room to keep their side on the front foot, the second half developed into a fascinating battle between Matthew and Westbury’s excellent keeper.
After being denied by both the custodian – on numerous occasions – and the woodwork, the energetic frontman was finally rewarded with a second goal after skipping past his nemesis and slotting the ball into an empty net.
Bradley got through plenty of work on the left, tackling well and sending over some accurate corners, and was denied by a last-ditch clearance in the closing seconds as Colts finished on top.
Brandon H’s involvement was curtailed by injury but he provided great support to his team-mates on a very promising morning that saw all ten squad members play a full part.