The Colts progressed to the second round of the North Wilts League Cup as an excellent all-round display accounted for Division 2 pace-setters Ferndale Rodbourne.
A fast start set the tone as the home side adapted quickly to a new formation that left the midfield somewhat less exposed than it had been in the previous two matches.
Matthew finished the game with four goals to his name and opened his account when he touched home Luke’s dangerous corner early on.
He completed a quick hat-trick thanks to some determined play in and around the Ferndale area before Callum grabbed his first Whites goal and then laid on another for the hardworking Brandon M to make it 5-0 at half-time.
Ferndale were not finished and cut the deficit when they twice cashed in on some slack defending, leaving Luke and Callum – who donned the gloves in the second half – helpless.
But Colts ended the game on a high and added three more goals in the last five minutes. George latched on to Luke’s fine through ball before producing a cool finish and then Max, free from his goalkeeping duties, lashed a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. Matthew’s close-range effort rounded off the scoring after Tom’s free-kick was parried into his path.
Tom and Bradley shone for the third game on the trot at the back, producing timely tackles and some intelligent positional play.
Brandon H had a hand in a couple of the goals and showed great vision from midfield, while also going close in a couple of goalmouth scrambles. Liam’s pace and tenacity always had Ferndale worried and he was unfortunate not to get his name on the scoresheet, while Toby and Luke VDB offered a real threat on the left flank.
Parents’ man of the match: Matthew.