A spirited performance from the Whites wasn’t quite enough to earn their first North Wilts League win of 2015 as they were pegged back by visitors Supermarine.
The Swindon side had eased past a depleted Colts team in the reverse fixture but, back to full-strength, the hosts were determined to show exactly what they are capable of.
They opened the scoring for the ninth time in their 13 Division 1 matches to date but again saw very capable opponents battle back to deny them maximum points.
The centre of the field resembled a gluepot but Colts produced some decent build-up play in the circumstances and might have gone in at half-time more than a single goal in front.
Brandon M’s direct running kept the Supermarine backline on its toes and he and Matthew both fired just wide in the early stages, while Toby twice cut in from the left before being crowded out on the edge of the box.
Callum and Matthew were involved when the Colts made the breakthrough, with the keeper spilling the latter’s shot to leave Liam with a close-range finish into an empty net.
The goalscorer was visibly lifted and produced some outrageous play on the difficult surface, on one occasion setting George free on the right with a superb back-heel.
Max swept up behind his defence expertly and distributed the ball to the flanks quickly and effectively to set up a series of attacks.
In front of him, Tom and Bradley had their hands full with a couple of mobile and dangerous Supermarine strikers but kept clear chances on goal to a minimum and both showed great composure both in and out of possession.
Luke S made sure there was no repeat of the midfield domination Supermarine enjoyed in November with a strong display in the anchor role. Further forward, Brandon H held the ball up for his supporting attackers and combined well with Luke V, whose pace and trickery asked plenty of questions.
Despite their efforts, Colts were unable to find a second goal and – after leading for more than half an hour – had their advantage cancelled out with ten minutes to play.  Tom, George and Matthew all made last-ditch blocks in a frantic melee before the ball broke for a Supermarine player to slip his finish under Max.
Both sides threatened a winner, with Callum and Brandon M putting shots inches off-target, Matthew meeting George’s cross with an effort that whistled over and Toby firing in a dangerous cross that just evaded his strikeforce.
There were some meaty challenges all over the field but Colts stood up well to a tough physical examination and can be satisfied after adding a hard-earned point to their tally for the season.
MOM: Brandon M.