A depleted Whites line-up were put comprehensively to the sword by table-toppers Swindon Supermarine.
The visitors were reduced to the bare nine before kick-off and, with a poor record on Supermarine’s narrow pitch, were always going to be up against it. They were tasked with containing their dangerous hosts in the early stages but two soft set-piece goals in the first ten minutes set the tone for a long old morning.
Colts’ best spell arrived midway through the first half as they attempted to battle back and George, Liam F and Tom all created chances. Tom and Luke S were unable to force the ball home when Toby’s corner sparked a melee in the Supermarine box.
Two more Supermarine goals before the break put the outcome beyond any doubt, however, and with a strong wind in their faces the Colts were left with a damage-limitation exercise in the second period.
The home side pushed forward at will, overwhelming a tiring Colts midfield, and opened up a 6-0 lead before Colts responded with a goal of their own from a rare source. Callum’s run down the left created the opportunity and Tom laid the ball off for Josh to send an accurate long-range effort into the roof of the Supermarine net.
But the home side were not finished and, despite three or four fantastic saves from Max and some gutsy defending from Bradley, went on to rack up double figures thanks to a late onslaught.
Colts were outmuscled and outplayed throughout but must learn from a chastening experience. The target now is to earn themselves the chance to put on a performance they are capable of against the league leaders by reaching the cup final in May.