A baptism of fire. Those four words sprang instantly to mind when the North Wilts League fixture list was released in August.
The Colts, who marched to the Mid-Wilts League double in May, have moved on to pastures new for 2014-15 and immediately found themselves up against a Croft Juniors Reds side unbeaten in at least two seasons and with a Division 1 title of their own to defend. And in their own back yard to boot.
With their 9v9 adventure only 25 minutes old, things looked decidedly bleak for the league’s new boys.
A couple of soft goals, together with some clinical finishing from the edge of the box, left the Colts 4-0 down without registering a shot of their own.
Croft were physically stronger, quicker to the ball and comfortable in possession, while the Colts struggled to get a grip on proceedings – not helped by the over-complicated system deployed by their manager.
But they grew in stature and were able to leave the field with their heads held high thanks to a determined second-half performance which reaped two goals from the predatory George and saw the home team on the back foot at times.
Max made some excellent saves and dealt well with a succession of accurate corners to prevent further damage at the other end until Croft took advantage of some tired tackling to score with virtually the game’s final kick.
Bradley, Tom and Brandon M worked tirelessly at the back as a menacing Croft side pushed forward in numbers, standing up to taller opponents admirably. Luke S also did more than his fair share of defensive work and almost opened the Colts’ account with a fierce drive that the home keeper did well to parry away.
Toby and Matthew linked up with debutant Callum in midfield and became increasingly influential as the game wore on, with Matthew having a hand in both goals.
The pace of Luke VdB and Liam posed questions of the Croft defence in the closing stages and offered plenty of promise for the months ahead.
Having endured a taste of their own medicine at times, the Colts can take pride from their second-half comeback and are sure to be better for the experience of taking on – and competing with – one of Wiltshire’s finest teams at U11 level.

Parents' man of the match: Bradley.