The Colts go into the Christmas break breathing down the necks of the league leaders after overcoming Kew Park Rangers 4-1 on Sunday. It was a strong second-half performance from the Colts who had looked a little rusty in their first game for three weeks. A double from Churchman and strikes from Williams and Rondeau secured the victory after Kew had taken a deserved lead. The visitors carved out a number of chances early in the game as the Colts were exposed at the back. Although Hogan was alert to the first attack, producing an excellent block, he could do nothing to stop Rangers going ahead after five minutes. Churchman got the Colts level shortly after, latching on to the rebound after the keeper could only parry Kearley’s shot. Hogan produced another super save to keep the scores level, before the Colts turned up the pressure, creating a string of chances. Kearley narrowly shot wide twice when in a good position, Power almost converted in a penalty box scramble and Thornton saw his effort cleared off the line. Churchman was at the heart of much of the Colts’ good work, spreading the play well with some intelligent passes to wide players Rondeau and Kearley. Williams came on in the second half for his first appearance in more than a month after his hand injury and immediately got on the scoresheet, cutting inside the defender on the edge of the box and burying his shot past the despairing keeper. By now it was one-way traffic, with Thornton and Abassi breaking forward from defence at every opportunity. Churchman got his second of the game following some intricate approach play between Williams and Kearley and Creegan almost made it four but his crisp shot just went the wrong side of the post. It was left to Rondeau to wrap up the game with another fine finish, beating two defenders in the box and drilling it past the keeper to ensure the Colts will enjoy a happy Christmas.

Coach: Mick Thornton
Manager: Mike Churchman

Squad: Hogan, Thornton, Abbasi, Bouchez, Power, Kearley, Churchman (2), Creegan, Rondeau (1), Williams (1).         
 

Well done, probably a strange way to start a match report you think, but I think anyone who watched and in particular played in a game in these conditions deserves to be congratulated, IT WAS HORRIBLE !!!This was a tightly fought game played in the sort of weather that even Ducks seek shelter from, where a draw was probably the fairest outcome, both teams whether with or against the wind tried to play passing football which was great to see from players so young and inexperienced. We kicked off with the wind behind, but our general play was let down by a few players forgetting one of my basic requirements that this is a team game and when their given a position, they have to remember, that they have responsibilities to their team mates by playing in that position, so I then had to sort that, by making earlier changes than normal to rectify the problem, which fortunately had the desired effect because we scored shortly after when Bradley made the most of an opportunity in the box. We had other chances to extend our lead but didn’t take them, but Wallington to there credit kept creating chances of their own only to find Reshaun growing into quite an accomplished keeper and dealing with everything thrown at him, that was until just before half time when some lax defending allowed Wallington into our box where the unfortunate Owen gave away a stone wall pen, he should take no blame, he was covering for poor play from others which happened once to often in that half but even with Reshaun’s great effort we went into half time all square. I felt we played better in the second half even though we were against the wind; I swapped some the boys positions which is something I make no apologies for as I truly believe they can learn more in long term from understanding the different disciplines required in all areas of the pitch; Ben and Chin became a stronger partnership in the second half which was handy considering they were facing into the teeth of the gale with Ben breaking from defence towards the end charging the full length of the field only to be denied by a last ditch tackle (the coaches total football doctrine is getting through-yeh right)all my various midfield players played well in tiring conditions so I substituted often so to keep the boys as fresh as possible with Luke H, Owen, Tommy and Charlie putting in stints along with Bradley who I moved up front for a while to give him a break from his tireless running, Reshaun was brought back on towards the end up front in place of Owen as Louis had gone in goal for the second half, but the first half stale mate stayed until the end even though we created two or three good chances to retake the lead. Three special mentions this week go firstly to Luke D who turned up for the team but the tightness of the game meant I was unable to give him any time but he really is improving and his hard work and his attitude to training are an example to all the boys not only in this age group but the others at this club as well. Secondly to Tony, Charlie’s dad who has been reffing and doing a fine job, his decisions are fair and honest and set’s an example to the boys and unfortunately some less honest opposition. Thirdly and finally to Bradley my own son, he took the decision to move “down” to the Colts from the Terrors so he could play more which was a mans decision from a young lad, he’s taken a few games to settle into the team but I thought today he showed why Mark, Loris, Rob and myself think he such a good player, he’s brave and selfless for his team mates and clever with the his use of the ball and running off it. Readers you’ll all have to excuse my blatant nepotistic use of this column but because of my various roles in the club he gets dragged from pillar to post by me in the freezing cold and probably gets less of my attention than all the other boys in the age group, ending with last week me being overly critical of his performance, so well done Brad. In summing up we showed our mettle today in such tough conditions against good opposition, given time these boys are going to be very good players they are learning and improving week on week, once again well done everyone.

Team from: Reshaun, Chin (Capt.), Bradley, Luke H, Charlie, Tommy, Ben, Louis, Owen, Luke D.         
 

It was like Groundhog Day as The Terrors entertained Oxshott in shocking conditions, and for the second week running conceded a goal three minutes from the end of a match that they could and should have won by a wide margin.

Kicking against the slope and into the driving wind and rain, the Terrors adapted well to the treacherous conditions and defended well as a team to prevent the visitors from creating many scoring chances. However, from a corner midway through the half, we failed to deal with the driven cross and Oxshott scored from the ensuing scramble. This set back seemed to inspire Tooting and they forced their opponents onto the back foot with some fine passing movements given the amount of water on the pitch. Cameron forced his way into the box by way of a mazy dribble and was pulled back by an Oxshott defender. James converted the penalty before giving way to JJ. At half time, Thomas was replaced by James and Cameron and Brian switched positions. Tooting started the second half very much on the offensive, and the Oxshott goalkeeper made a series of superb saves as the boys passing and movement created chance after chance on the visitor’s goal. It seemed only a matter of time before the Terrors took the lead but the chances kept slipping by as JJ saw three of his efforts bear no fruit and both Casey and Brian had good efforts cleared off the line, one be a brilliant defensive header. The pressure was as relentless as the rain but despite creating at least six clear cut chances the score remained level until the inevitable happened. There seemed little danger when Casey conceded a free kick near the half way line but when we failed to track the overlapping Oxshott defender it left Michael one on one with the Oxshott centre forward the resulting cut back left the visitors with a simple tap in to steal all three points when it would have been a travesty if they had taken one! Our concentration went momentarily at the realization that we had conceded a goal to the opposition’s first meaningful attack of the half and Oxshott nearly stole another goal from the kick off only for Cameron to make a superb tip over as he back pedaled. That proved to be the last meaningful action of the game and despite having nearly all of the possession in the second half and a shot count of 10/2 in our favour we still ended up pointless. It seems that we are absolutely luckless at the moment but the boys showed tremendous spirit and determination and continued to try to play good passing football in conditions that were totally unsuitable. The only consolation at present is that the quality of football that we are currently producing will yield points sooner rather than later.

Team: Brian, Michael, Harry, Cameron, Casey, Thomas, James, JJ

Man of the Match – Harry

Colin