Colts Bounce Back in 8 Goal Thriller!!

The Colts, looking to bounce back from a controversial defeat to promotion rivals Forton Rangers, took on Perry Street and Yonder Hill Reserves at home on Saturday 11th November 2017.

The Colts were once again able to name a strong 14 with some players unfortunately missing out.

A debut was handed to goalkeeper Jack Rutter just 4 days after his 16th birthday, and in front of him the Colts were able to start an unchanged defence of Blake Doble (RB), Liam Doble (CB), Captain Ryan Mustchin (CB) and Dave Lock (LB). The midfield 4 was made up of Jack Read on the right, Matty Vinall on the left and Gethyn Jenkins partnering Rob Sutton in the middle. Up front were Jordan Allen and Paul Gold. The subs for the game were Andy Moore, Sam Tratt and Steve Rodber.

The Colts started slowly yet again, but unlike recent weeks were able to take an early lead through Jordan Allen after a great through ball from Rob Sutton in midfield, however the lead was short lived with Perry Street bouncing back to equalise.

There was then a slight moment of panic for the Colts debutant keeper who spilled a cross but managed to claw the ball back before crossing the line.

As the half drew on, the Colts were struggling in the centre of the park and were looking to get to half time, a mistake from the referee saw him issue Gethyn Jenkins with a red card having mistakenly thought he had already been booked, luckily the referee realised his error and changed his decision, this was particularly lucky for the Colts, as within 5 minutes Gethyn Jenkins had restored the Ilminster lead.

The Colts failed to hang on to their lead once again, with a good cross being headed into his own net by captain Ryan Mustchin, this was the last thing he needed following his slip in the previous game that lead to the Forton winner.

At half time it was clear that something had to change, and the decision was made to remove Liam Doble and replace him with Steve Rodber, allowing Gethyn Jenkins to drop in at centre back.

Despite the change, the second half started poorly for the Colts with Perry Street able to get a very early goal to give themselves the lead for the first time in the match.

The reaction from the Colts was brilliant, and the renewed energy in the centre of midfield was paying dividends when David Lock broke from left back to cross into the far post where Paul Gold was able to head home an equaliser.

From that point on the Colts rarely looked back, although Jack Rutter was forced to make some great saves to keep the scores at parity.
The Colts 4th goal came from a pass out from the back that found Jack Read in the Perry Street half, he raced away from the defence and into the box before finishing expertly to give the Colts the lead.

There was still time for more from the Colts, some excellent football saw Rob Sutton with the ball at feet just outside the area, he was able to thread a pass into Jordan Allen in the box who duly delivered for his second of the game.

As the game drew to a close there were more chances for the Colts, with Jordan Allen unlucky not to complete his hattrick.

When the full-time whistle blew, the Colts knew that they had been in a match far tighter than their respective league positions may suggest, with the Colts maintaining their position at 2nd in the league and still looking at a potential promotion fight as the season continues.

Man of the match was awarded to Jack Rutter, he recovered well from a shakey moment early on, and his saves at 3-3 kept the Colts in the game and enabled them to go on and get the victory, Jack is one of many exciting youngsters within the club at present with the future looking bright for ITFC.

The Colts next fixture is the long away trip to Weston FC in the 3rd round of the Somerset Intermediate Cup on Saturday 18th November, with a 13.45 kick off.

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