Colts Win Ugly to Remain 2nd

After last weeks defeat in the Somerset Intermediate Cup, the Colts returned to league action with the visit of Shepton Beauchamp Reserves.

The Colts were without the suspended Steve Rodber, and they were also missing Matty Vinall who pulled out injured and returning signing Chad Mallet who was also forced to withdraw late in the day, this meant there was an opportunity for Kieran Manley to make his Colts debut after a great start to senior football at the club, including a hat trick for the A team last week.

The Colts went 4-3-3 at the start with Jack Rutter in goal, Blake Doble at right back, Ryan Mustchin (c) and Liam Doble at centre half and David Lock at left back. The midfield three were Sam Tratt, Kieran Manley and Rob Sutton, with Gethyn Jenkins, Jack Read and Paul Gold up front.

The Colts made a rare bright start creating some early chances, one of which was taken by Gethyn Jenkins on 8 minutes, the goal was created by Jack Read who dispossessed the Shepton full back and passed the ball across the box where Gethyn managed to fall over the ball but somehow manage to force it into the goal in rather comical fashion.

The Colts had their tails up and it was 2-0 on 13 minutes when Paul Gold put a good cross into the box for Gethyn Jenkins to head in.

Just to cement their dominance, the third goal came on 18 minutes when Rob Sutton passed the ball out wide to David Lock who had bounded forward from left back, Dave hit the ball well from all of 25 yards and the ball found its way through the keepers hands and into the goal.

From 3-0 up the Colts level dropped off with players trying longer shots, and more Hollywood passes, there was also a reshape at half time to cover for the injuries to Sam Tratt and Ryan Mustchin, on 50 minutes the Colts were punished for this drop off when a smart finish saw the score go to 3-1.

The Colts got their heads up and put the game beyond doubt when Gethyn Jenkins had a shot well saved and Kieran Manley reacted first to score his first Colts goal and continue his impressive goal scoring start to his senior career.

The scoring wasn't complete though, with Liam Doble getting caught in possession and allowing the Shepton forward to run through and make it 4-2.

Whilst the performance wasn't as good as we would hope, particularly with tougher tests to come, it was another three points for the Colts that maintains their position in 2nd, with their main rivals in cup action this weekend it was a great to get points on the board. The Colts are without a fixture next week and then travel to Chard Rangers on 9th December, followed by a massive home game against Halstock on 16th December.