The Whites and Mid-Wilts League newcomers FC Bath Blue produced a superb advert for U10s football as they put their respective unbeaten records on the line on a glorious morning at Castle Combe.
In the end it was Bath who deservedly emerged with theirs intact as they ended the Colts’ nine-match winning streak in competitive league and cup matches, stretching all the way back to April.
But a hugely-impressive visiting side were pushed all the way by their hosts, who were in front twice and turned around after the interval 2-1 up.
Bath’s skill, range of passing and movement caused headaches for the Colts all morning but some disciplined defensive play denied them in the opening exchanges and laid the platform for the opening goal.
Bradley did well to close down a Bath player and win possession on the left and the ball was transferred upfield to Matthew, who took on the last defender before unleashing a shot across goal that squirmed past the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
A great move involving Brandon M and Toby led to Luke curling a superb shot from the edge of the box against the angle of post and bar as Colts looked to increase their lead. George also forced the keeper into a good stop with a rising drive from Matthew’s lay-off.
Bath then drew level thanks to a stunning long-range strike from the right wing which scorched into the top corner of the net with Colts keeper Max absolutely helpless.
Josh and Tom fought brilliantly throughout to limit Bath’s goalscoring opportunities and the latter popped up at the other end of the field to create the home side’s second goal. He forced his way into the box from the right and centred for Brandon to score with a first-time finish.
Colts struggled to retain possession and began to lose their battles all over the park after the break, however, and Max became increasingly busy, producing some brave close-range saves.
Bath equalised for a second time when a rising shot just beat a despairing lunge from the excellent Josh and found the roof of the net.
Matthew twice went close with powerful free-kicks from just outside the box, seeing the first sensationally headed off the line before the keeper stood tall to parry away the second.
As the Colts’ legs became weary, another one-touch move from Bath carved a path through the defence and produced a one-on-one chance. This time, Max was powerless to prevent the goal and it proved to be the winner, despite the hosts’ frenzied late attempts to force a draw.
Despite the scoreline, the Colts should be proud of their efforts against a side who will certainly take some stopping this season. They will look forward to the challenge of doing just that when the sides meet again in Bath in January.