The Whites finished 2016-17 on a high note and in the process ensured a series of firsts; a first win over a top-five Division 1 team and the first time they had come from behind to win this season, as well as a debut success in five attempts on Supermarine’s narrow 9v9 pitch.
A full complement of 12 players made the trip to the west of Swindon and all played a full part in an excellent victory. Colts were beaten by the odd goal in seven on home soil in November and this was another close encounter that might have gone either way.
The visitors adopted an attacking formation but looked vulnerable out wide early on and fell a goal behind when Supermarine’s stand-out player cut inside and planted a low shot past Max, who went on to show a very safe pair of hands behind a defence that grew in confidence as the match progressed.
Matthew had the ball in the net twice, only for an assistant’s flag to deny him, as he and Liam B proved a real threat in the final third with their tenacity and movement. He did managed one that counted, however, to draw the Colts level when he applied the final touch to Bradley’s excellent far-post free-kick from deep.
It was end-to-end stuff in the second half and both teams might have added to their tallies. Tom and Josh were assured and strong at the back and Luke S showed bravery to make at two crucial blocks that diverted goalbound Supermarine attempts away from the target. Toby stuck to his defensive duties in the wing-back position and cleared the danger with his head three times, with Bradley, Liam F and Matthew working hard in a congested midfield to supply Callum, Liam B and Brandon H up front.  George also offered plenty in an attacking sense from the right flank.
Liam B continued to keep the Supermarine defence on their toes and curled just wide from a difficult angle but it was Callum who conjured up the winner – and the Colts’ final goal of the season – when he chased what seemed to be a lost cause, beat the keeper and kept his cool to slot the ball into an empty net.
The visitors held on to their slender lead without serious alarm during the final 15 minutes. With one or two players moving on to pastures new and the move to 11v11 football in prospect next season, the match was also the end of a chapter for this talented team. Having enjoyed so much to shout about in recent years, it was fitting that they marked it with three straight successive victories.