The Whites took a big step towards securing a second season at North Wilts League Division 1 level thanks to an accomplished performance at Pewsey Vale.
While the scoreline repeated the one achieved by the Colts at Castle Combe before Easter, Pewsey were once again skilful and menacing in the final third and strong in the tackle at the back. However, Colts were every bit as solid themselves and produced a 30-minute purple patch either side of half-time to take the three points on offer.
The hosts were the first to settle on a dry pitch, with the wind counter-acting the slope advantage the Colts had in the opening period. Colts managed to scramble the ball clear a couple of times in the early exchanges and Callum and Bradley stuck to their task superbly to cancel out the threat posed by a pacy Pewsey frontline.
In front of them, Luke S cut out a number of probing passes with both his feet and head and was strong in the tackle throughout.
George and Brandon M looked a potent partnership up front and it was the latter who opened the scoring when he broke clear on the right and fired in a shot that flew in at the keeper’s near post thanks to a deflection.
Colts failed to capitalise on accurate corners from Toby and Bradley, with Luke S turning one just wide, but they were beginning to find their rhythm and doubled the lead before the break. Bradley’s magnificent ball out of defence set George free and he dispatched his shot into the bottom corner with aplomb.
Tom continued his comeback from injuury on the right flank, while Brandon H took up some useful positions in and around the box before the interval. Early in the second half he went close with a volley off his weaker left foot.
Toby produced a storming left-wing display in the second period but, again, nobody was on hand to finish off a couple of brilliant crosses. He came within the width of a post of scoring himself when a fierce free-kick rebounded back off an upright after Matthew’s mazy run was halted on the edge of the box.
Matthew had a shot blocked, headed over from a corner and was then involved in the move of the match, which led to goal number three. Four or five Colts players exchanged passes before Brandon M laid the ball off for Luke V to cap a strong display with a low finish.
Brandon M saw a brave lob fall just short of the net and then thundered an effort into the side-netting but Pewsey finished the game strongly. However, Max was always alert to the danger and commanded his area – and his defence – brilliantly all morning.
The first of two finals this season - in the County Cup against Highworth Town Juniors – is next up for the Colts. The same again at Stanley Park on Sunday 26th would do very nicely indeed!
MOM: Toby.