A rare midweek outing at Stanley Park produced an even more unusual scoreline for U11 football as the Whites’ first competitive contest with old friends FC Chippenham ended in stalemate.
Squeezed into the Division 1 schedule before the clocks go back, the clash kicked off at 5.40pm and saw neither team give an inch in pursuit of the local bragging rights.
Although the Colts carved out enough chances to win two games, let alone one, their defence was asked plenty of questions by a very well-drilled Chippenham outfit who looked to get the ball wide on a regular basis.
Max had few shots to save but was kept on his toes throughout and always looked assured with the ball at his feet and in his hands.
His job was made somewhat easier by a towering performance from Tom, who cut out just about everything at the heart of the defence. Alongside him, Josh delivered a typically solid display on his welcome return to the team while Bradley was tenacious and intelligent in possession on the left.
Luke worked very hard in a congested midfield area and made contributions in both boxes, while Matthew’s 1v1 ability and drive in the final third looked always looked the likeliest source of that elusive goal. Both players, along with Bradley, tested the Chippenham keeper from distance but found him in the right place on each occasion.
Brandon H and Luke VDB showed good vision and awareness on the flanks and the direct running of Brandon M – who came closest to a winner with a late chance that went agonisingly wide – and Callum forced the home defence back.
Toby’s wing wizardry and crossing ability came to the fore in the second half. Striker Liam linked the play well, hitting the side-netting with one effort and heading another just off target at the end of a wonderful Colts move.
Chippenham also had their moments going forward, giving the Colts a couple of late scares as the low sun began to have an influence, and neither side was too disappointed with the outcome at the end of a match that was played in a fantastic spirit from the first whistle to last.

MOM: Tom.