The Colts’ brave bid for Wiltshire County U11 Cup glory fell agonisingly short with defeat to Highworth Town Juniors H in a close and exciting final.
While the post-match tears – of which there were plenty – illustrated just how tough the result was to take for the 13 heroes on duty, when the dust settles there will only be positives to take from what has been a remarkable, thrilling run since October.
It started when a depleted Colts team travelled to the south Wiltshire border to upset a strong Salisbury City side – whose current under-12s lifted the cup last season – thanks to Toby’s two goals in the last two minutes. A late, late strike from Brandon M also saw off FC Calne after a ding-dong last-16 battle on a freezing cold January afternoon, before a pair of fantastic performances against  Croft Blues and then Trowbridge Town sealed the Whites’ passage to the Wiltshire FA’s cup finals day at nearby Stanley Park.
Not many Castle Combe Colts teams have entered such prestigious territory in the club’s 18-year history. A total of 45 sides (involving around 500 players) entered the competition in the autumn with the hope of reaching the final and only two did so.
The inscription on the Colts’ medals may read ‘runners-up’, but the boys are winners in the eyes of their family, their coaches and their club. They should treasure their prizes and remember the part each and every one of them played in getting their side to the brink of the silverware.
Opponents Highworth claimed a famous victory on penalties over unbeaten Croft Reds in the last four and were worthy winners of the competition. The club’s congratulations go to them and they conducted themselves magnificently in the aftermath of their triumph, which came in a fiercely-contested final played in the correct spirit by everyone involved.

Colts made a nervous start on a tight pitch that certainly restricted their effectiveness in attack, with the pacy strikeforce never really getting much change from a solid and organised Highworth back-line.
Max pulled off a fine early save after Highworth broke on the right and also dealt with a couple of efforts from distance.
With Luke V and George offering a threat and Brandon M full of running up front, Colts started to gain a foothold. Matthew and Toby were just off target with efforts from distance and Liam was centimetres away with a low shot after breaking through on goal.
Highworth breathed a sigh of relief and took the lead instantly, their striker following up with an emphatic finish after Max had keep an initial attempt on goal.
That goal separated the sides at the interval but Colts were on level terms – to the delight of their noisy supporters – soon after the restart. Bradley’s corner from the left caused problems for the Highworth defence and Matthew fired high into the net after his first shot came back off the bar.
Brandon M headed Bradley’s corner from the opposite flank over the top soon afterwards and Tom threatened with strong runs on the right but Highworth recovered. A thumping effort came back off the Colts’ bar but they failed to heed the warning and a volley from an unmarked player made it 2-1 soon afterwards.
Luke S shielded his defence and linked well with Matthew in midfield but Highworth worked hard to get numbers behind the ball and strangled the supply line the Colts strikeforce.
Brandon H put in a shift in attack after brave Brandon M took a knock to the head and Callum and Josh stood tall alongside Bradley at the back as Highworth looked for a third goal.
Eventually, it arrived and the Colts’ cup hopes appeared to be at an end.
They showed tremendous fighting spirit to take the game to the final whistle, however, with Brandon M just unable to convert after rounding the keeper before Liam tricked his way through a crowded penalty area and lifted a shot into the roof of the net with two minutes to play.
A frantic finale saw Luke S and Callum try their luck from distance and George and Matthew crowded out on the edge of the box.
But there was to be no late drama this time. Highworth held on for a deserved victory and although the Colts were left to deal with one of football’s hardest situations, they can certainly hold their heads high and will benefit from the experience.
The good thing about sport is that there is always another day, another chance to put things right. And for this talented bunch they only have to wait another fortnight for that day to come around, with a League Cup final against Croft Reds in store. Bring it on!
MOM: Brandon M.