BIGGLESWADE TOWN GREENS V ROYSTON TOWN YOUTH COLTS U13’S

The Colts were finally back in action today with an away fixture at Biggleswade Town Greens and after a few weeks without a competitive game, the gusty conditions meant this would be a testing return to division 2 football for the boys. The game started scrappily as both teams tried in vain to get some passing football going and with Royston struggling to play into a strong wind, it was Biggleswade who created the first good chance after ten minutes. A decent shot from the Greens was parried away by Charlie with a good diving save that saw the ball roll dangerously across the face of our goal and safely out of play. Fifteen minutes later the home team had a free kick about twenty five yards out which, with wind assistance, always looked like it could cause a few problems and despite our attempts to defend it away, the Greens were able to convert a simple tap in to open the scoring. Despite the score line, the Colts always looked in the game and had their first decent chance a minute after going one nil down when Harry found himself in a one on one situation with the Biggleswade keeper but a heavy touch allowed the goalie to rush out and safely smother the ball. As half time approached the Colts began to get on top, using the width of the pitch well and the inevitable equaliser came when Ollie’s shot from the right fortunately found it’s way into the net to level the score. Perhaps Ollie’s smile would suggest it was intended as a cross but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on that one!
With just two minutes of the first half remaining, Stan’s shot from distance flew well wide but he was able to make amends in style just before the half time whistle when a good through ball from Alfie found Stan in space outside the Biggleswade penalty area. His shot curled beautifully into the top corner and with the best goal of the game, the Colts went into the break 2-1ahead.
    As the second half got underway you got the feeling the floodgates could open for us with the weather conditions now strongly in our favour and it only took five minutes before the Colts were able to extend their lead when a shot from George was deflected off a Greens defender. The ball rolled straight to Harry who was able to shoot low into the bottom corner to put Royston 3-1 in front. Both teams battled away for the next twenty minutes in some proper testing conditions but thanks to some great defending at the back and strong tackling in midfield, it was the away side who were able to score again when a Royston corner found Kyle who was in the right place to tap in and give the Colts a comfortable 4-1 advantage. The Greens should have pulled a goal back with just ten minutes remaining when their forward found himself in space in Royston’s penalty area but Colts keeper Charlie reacted well to stop a powerful shot from close range. The final attack of the game saw Lee find Ollie in the Biggleswade area and there was no doubt this time that Ollie intended to shoot as he popped in his second goal of the game.
   After a difficult start to the year this was a good and well earned 5-1 victory for the boys today who retain their very respectable fourth place spot in division two. Josh Bullard, who was a rock at the back for the Colts, was awarded the thoroughly deserved man of the match award and both managers complimented the team for a much improved second half display. Well played lads!