The corner flag takes a battering at Highworth's Elms Rec

The Colts battled past Highworth H as the series of close matches between the two teams continued on a wild morning at an exposed Elms Rec.
As supporters and coaches genuinely struggled to stay upright in the face of a howling cross-field gale that made for some comical set-pieces, the visitors used the ball sensibly and produced some excellent football despite the trying conditions.
They had failed to get the better of Highworth in their three previous meetings – drawing with them on the first day of the season after two single-goal defeats - but were deserving winners this time thanks to a pair of close-range poacher’s goals from Matthew.
Much of the play took place on one side of the pitch, with the Colts also having to go up the slope in the first half. But they built from the back well through Tom, Bradley, Josh and Luke S and as a team looked more composed in possession than they have done for much of the season.
Tom started the move that led to the opening goal, with Matthew putting Callum clear on the right and then following up to score after his team-mate’s effort had been parried.
Brandon M was thwarted by a brave stop from the keeper after a determined run and Toby also posed a threat when cutting in from the left.
Highworth had their moments going down the slope and the Colts defence and keeper Max needed to be on their toes. Twice they were grateful to the sunken Samba crossbar as first a free-kick and then a lob clipped the top of it when they might well have crept beneath a more sturdy structure.
The hosts did get the rub of the green, however, when they were awarded a penalty which was well saved by Max, only for the taker to react quickest and net the rebound.
The teams turned around all-square but with the conditions now in their favour the Colts carved out the better second-half chances.
Liam occupied the Highworth back-line with his trickery and was just off target before George's cross from the right was spilled by the keeper and again Matthew was on hand to score what proved to be the winner.
Both he and Toby put free-kicks over the top and Luke V saw a  fierce shot towards the roof of the net beaten away by the keeper as the Colts pressed for a third goal.
At the other end, a couple of Highworth corners into the wind blew back towards the taker on the right. When the ball did reach the box, Max handed it expertly in awkward circumstances and Luke S, Callum and Josh produced important interventions to preserve the Colts’ slender advantage.