What a morning!
The Whites clinched the holy grail of the Mid Wilts League Blue Division championship in fittingly dramatic fashion with a 2-1 away win over closest challengers FC Bath Blue.
Runners-up in the top division a year ago, Colts’ ambition was to go one better this time around. The presence of impressive newcomers Bath threatened to throw a spanner in the works, however, not least when they emerged from Castle Combe with a 3-2 win in November.
It was to prove the only occasion in the 16-game season in which the Colts would drop points as they recovered from the setback to complete the double over every other team - all of whom raised their game when facing the league leaders – to set up a winner-takes-all showdown at Bath Community Academy.
The top two sides in the division served up a high-quality encounter that was always played in the right spirit.
Bath settled first and took an early lead when the ball was allowed to bounce into the area and the home striker lifted it past Max.
That was the way it stayed until midway through the second half. A change in tactics saw the visitors commit more men forward in search of an equaliser and it arrived when Matthew’s shot was blocked and Tom did well to adjust his position and stab the ball into the corner of the net.
Colts’ noisy travelling army of supporters sensed a famous victory and were in dreamland with five minutes of normal time to go. Tom again found space on the right and crossed for Matthew to sidefoot home to spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch.
With Josh blocking and tackling everything that came his way at the back and Max’s handling and positional play exemplary behind him, Colts held on to their advantage as the seconds took an age to tick by.
The final whistle confirmed the Colts as champions and gave this fantastic group of players a moment to treasure and life experience they will never forget. They have won tournaments and important matches in the past, but now – no matter how long they play football for - they can always look back say they were the best team in their league at under-10 level.
Goalscorers Matthew and Tom grabbed the headlines and were absolutely fantastic in the engine room and on the right flank respectively in the second half, driving the Colts to a decisive triumph.
But all of the boys were heroes, as they have been throughout the season. Bradley, Brandon M and George all fought gamely in attack against a very strong Bath defensive pairing, Toby was tenacious on the left and Luke and Brandon anchored the midfield to help to ensure the dangerous hosts did not create many clear-cut chances.
It was a huge team effort and final playing record of 15 wins from 16 matches and 45 points from a possible 48 says everything about the talent, commitment and consistency of a very special squad.
A cup final appearance at Hardenhuish Park awaits and will be the perfect way to round off both a wonderful campaign and four fantastic years in mini soccer.
You did it, boys……WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!