The Whites reached their second semi-final of the season thanks to a performance full of heart and determination at Croft Sports Centre.
Beaten only once since September and boasting an incredibly special player in their line-up, Croft Blues presented a real danger to the Colts’ hopes of continuing a proud run in their debut County Cup campaign.
Keeping the home dangerman at bay proved easier said than done and his rocket of a right boot conjured up two goals. He also hit the post and the side-netting and set up his side’s second equaliser with an unstoppable run into the box.
But it was the Colts who produced the better football, most of the chances and, crucially, five goals of their own to deservedly win a game in which they were never behind.
Playing up the slope and on a better playing surface than they have experienced of late, the visitors were quickly into their stride and took the lead when George’s cross-cum-shot from the right whistled into the top corner.
Toby’s skilful play on the opposite flank led to a number of opportunities and he almost scored himself, firing just wide after finding himself in space on the edge of the area.
Croft drew level thanks to a surging run and confident finish but Colts rallied and George went agonisingly close to finishing off a fine move involving Liam and Matthew with an angled drive that cannoned back off the post.
Matthew had a long-range free-kick palmed away and was close to converting Toby’s low centre, while Brandon M was off target after the keeper saved his initial effort.
Brandon M did not have to wait long for his goal, however, lobbing the advancing keeper expertly after good work in the build-up from Brandon H and Toby.
Croft levelled almost straight from the kick-off and then rattled an upright on the stroke of half-time.
With the slope in their favour, Colts pushed their opponents back for long spells after the break.
Max swept up behind his defence brilliantly and communicated well throughout. Tenacious defensive duo Tom and Bradley were certainly not overawed by their much bigger opponent, with the latter delighting the travelling fans with one neat side-step to beat his man and set up an attack.
Callum showed great energy and discipline, teaming up well with Matthew in midfield and getting forward to support the front players with some strong runs.
George’s predatory eye for goal made the difference and he needed no second invitation when the Croft keeper hesitated as a ball was played in behind the defence. The Colts winger nipped in, rounded the home number one and rolled in his second of the afternoon.
He completed his hat-trick by burying a shot high into the net after Bradley’s lofted pass caused confusion in the Croft defence.
It stayed at 4-2 for a while and the Colts defence was tested as Croft tried to find a way back. They eventually cut the deficit thanks to a thunderous low strike from the edge of the box and a tense final five minutes was on the cards.
However, the Colts were determined not to be pegged back for a third time and, after Brandon M broke clear and had a shot blocked, Matthew planted the ball into an empty net from outside the area to settle their nerves.
Liam’s trickery caused no end of problems and he won a late free-kick on the edge of the area as the visitors finished the contest well on top.
A total of 45 teams from across Wiltshire entered the competition at the start of the season and only four now remain. That the Colts are one of them is something that should make every player in the squad extremely proud.
MOM: George.