Stonhaven Madrid 3 Colts 2

We had a reduced pool of boys today with Cailean now away as well as Logan and Chris on holiday. This meant Michael making a surprise return in goal and Alex returning to defence.

The starting team was : Michael, Alex, Fraser, Craig, Jordan, Matt, Ross and Reece.

The match was played over 2 x 25 minute halves in mild sunny weather.

Straight from kick-off Colts appeared to be up for the match with wave after wave of attacks, but no clear cut chances from the possession.

On a rare foray up field Madrid punished Colts for a weak clearance with a good strike from.

Almost straight from the resulting kick-off Colts went up field and equalised. A good passing move and a strong shot from Matt brought a good save from the Madrid keeper, only for Reece to pick up the ball and roll in an easy goal.

Colts maintained the pressure and created several opening after some good play from the midfield of Jordan, Matt and Ross.

Colts were again their own worst enemy when Madrid scored 2 goals in quick succession, both from throw-ins where the boys seemed to switch off and lost their marking.

HT : Madrid 3 Colts 1

the exhausted Jordan was replaced by Martyn on the left and Stuart replaced Reece up front.

Colts seemed to raise their game in this period taking in some of the advice at half time with Matt pushing wide and taking players on, Ross and Craig combining well in the middle and Alex and Fraser coping well at the back. Michael was in good form in goal keeping his players in check with constant shouting and also eager to come off his line to take possession.

Fraser to a knock below the knee after only 2 minutes of the half and had to be replaced by a very surprised Reece being pushed into a defensive position for the first time.

Wave after wave of attack by Colts and corner after corner eventually paid off for Colts with Madrid failing to clear and a defender played the ball into his own net under pressure from Alex and Martyn.

On the odd occasion Madrid broke forward Craig, Reece and Alex defended well as a unit and prevented Madrid from getting a single shot on target the whole period.

Colts nearly snatched a draw in in the dying minutes. Stuart had been holding the ball up well and laid a pass on to Matt to cross, but Martyn failed to make clean contact and left the Madrid keeper a chance to save.

FT : Madrid 3 Colts 2

A disappointing result today as Colts deserved at least a draw from this match, but this is the best they have played this season. Some inspirational displays from some surprising players. If they continue to play this way then we will start to see the results to come our way.

Well done boys for your effort, you have given your coaches a real headache for team selection next week!