A desperately disappointing defeat at the hands of the Club Colts. The young Colts lad certainty are not the push overs of previous years and were able to hold their own in an evenly contested match.

We started with the usual 4-5-1 formation, H in goals with Briggsy back in the team partnering Bertie and Andy and Stef full backs. In midfield we have Aidan, Nathan and Jens with Joe and Mehdi on the flanks. Jeff is the lone striker.
The first half was evenly contested, with both teams attacking at will. Mehdi was lively on the right wing and was getting the better of their full back. Chances were few and far between, although Jens did have the ball in the back of the net, only to be ruled offside. The midfield was working extremely hard, but unable to find opportunities for the strikers. Colts had their chances too and were unlucky not to go one up, when their striker toe poked his effort against the post. HT 0-0.

Knowlesy came on at the start of the second half replacing Nathan in centre midfield. Again Colts were battling extremely hard and their talisman Mark Granger was getting more and more of the possession. Our play was getting more ragged and we were unable to utilize the flanks as much as we were in the first half. Then the danger signs, Colts had a great attempt on goals, which somehow H was able to get down to parry the ball around the post. Then minutes later Colts were awarded a free kick outside the box in a central position. Their new signing at centre back stepped up and fired an absolute rocket into the top right hand corner, stunning the Spartans and his own teammates. This was a desperate blow and our game got scrappy.

We introduced fresh legs with Rick Man and Cowley replacing Mehdi and Andy B respectively. We pressed with renewed vigor, but the Colts somehow managed to hold off all our efforts. Jens came closest to putting us back on level terms. Nana was introduced for the remaining 9 mins, but even with 3 strikers the Colts defense held resolute. FT 1-0. MOM: Aidan.

All in all I think a draw was the fairer result. Only a wonder goal was the difference. I was happy to see that we played with more passion, but certainly think we can improve against our third Club opponents in Wanderers next week.