A much improved performance might not have been enough to halt the Croft Reds juggernaut, but the Whites certainly made the three-time North Wilts League champions work hard for a victory that keeps them 12 points clear of the rest at the top of the Division 1 table.
Every single one of 13 players on duty can be proud of their efforts against a team that sets the benchmark at under-12 level, and one that has never tasted defeat in almost four seasons of competitive football.
Croft’s towering centre-back scored a pair of magnificent headers from pinpoint left-wing corners either side of half-time to break the Colts’ brave resistance, with the routines performed so expertly that there wasn't an awful lot the home players could have done to prevent either goal. Some nifty passing led to a third midway through the second half that put the outcome beyond doubt.
Unlike in recent weeks, the Colts kept their composure throughout and refused to buckle. They were particularly impressive in a goalless opening 25 minutes, maintaining their defensive shape and troubling Croft on occasions going forward up the slope. Clear chances were few and far between, however, and it is easy to see why Croft’s rock-solid back-line concedes so few goals.
Keeper Max was the Colts’ stand-out player on the day, claiming a series of dangerous crosses both in the air and on the ground, distributing the ball sensibly and producing one breathtaking save to tip a powerful free-kick over the bar.
Josh, Callum and Tom kept their concentration at the heart of the Colts defence to limit the visitors’ goalscoring opportunities and Luke S made a strong contribution at the base of the midfield trio. The wing-backs were asked to sit a bit deeper to counter the Croft threat out wide and Bradley, Sam and George all stuck to the task while also creating openings with some good passing and movement when Colts were in possession.
Toby and Liam were tenacious in the engine room despite the relative size of their opposite numbers and Matthew was the architect of the Colts’ best attacking moments, with only a great tackle on the edge of the box denying him a late consolation goal. Luke VDB had earlier threatened to open the deadlock with a couple of early forays into the Croft area and Brandon M also kept the leaders’ defence on their toes with some determined running.
Despite a third defeat in four matches since the turn of the year, this time there were smiles at the full-time whistle. The Colts had gone toe-to-toe with the league’s top team and given it their very best shot – and nobody can ask for any more than that.