The Saints reserves recorded another win against a hard working Colts side.
The first half was dominated by the Saints playing down the slope but they only went in at the interval with a one goal lead after a Colts defender slipped on the half way line and striker John Daw picked up the loose ball and finished well from 16 yards out. The Saints were guilty of missing numerous chances in the first half, Jake Atkinson went close with a header Chris Tong should of done better after a cut back from Daw, the Colts keeper played excellent all night, the impresive Garry Keeble hit a 30 yarder which dipped and hit the underside of the bar which was then cleared to safety. The back three of Crane, Keeble and Pugh dealt with everything that came their way in the first period with ease. HT 0-1.
The Saints quickly doubled their lead at the start of the second period when Jamie Howard played an inch perfect pass to striker Michael Ward who made no mistake from 12 yards out. Garry Keeble had to don the goalies shirt after an injury to Ian Jones and it was he who helped keep the 2 goal advantage when he tipped a shot around the post at full stretch. The Colts came more in to the game in the second period and managed to pull a goal back with a long range strike from outside the area. Jacko Thomas thought he had regained the 2 goal lead but his effort was ruled offside. Thomas then set up Atkinson for the third when he laid the ball off to him and the winger scored the goal of the night by lobbing the keeper from 20 yards out. The Colts although under a lot of pressure never gave up and did manage one more goal with a few minutes to go against the run of play.
Another good win for the newly formed side which in reality should of been by a lot more although there were again some very good performances out there. Jamie Howard looked good in the centre, Garry Keeble was excellent in midfield in the first period, Matt Crane looked strong,once again all the under 18 lads played well. I’m going for Steve Goodwin again as my man of the match who I thought was excellent from start to finish.
On a sad note for the club and me personaly Chris Tong was taken to hospital after the game and has dislocated his knee and torn tendons.
Squad-I.Jones, G.B.Keeble, M.Crane, L.Pugh, J.Atkinson, T.Weaver, S.Goodwin, J.Howard(C), G.Keeble, M.Ward, J.Daw, C.Tong, A.Gilbert, J.Thomas, G.Morris.