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Only 10 boys turned up out of a squad of 15. Really disappointing and not how you want them to start against one of the best teams in the league.
First half was really hard but the boys kept at it and didn't let their heads go down. Brandon tried to take on the post but the post was harder and won! William bravely put on the goal keepers shirt and we played the rest of the half with nine boys. Half time and 0-12.
Team talk, forget about the score and just treat it like a training game. Brandon was now fit enough to go back on, but William stayed in goal.
What happened next was amasing. They played with passion, pride and total committment. Some great saves from William, Sean cleared off the line, Jacob, Jack and Alex C kicking balls away. Brandon, Michael K, and Kieran M running all over the pitch with determination. Charlie and Kieran A playing further forward suddenly made a break and Kieran A scored, the boys celebrated and the crowd roared (both sets of supporters!). Col Ath pulled back another goal and Charlie made a run only to be blocked by 4 Col Ath boys. Then another break, Charlie went round the keeper and scored. The crowd went wild! Col Ath managed 2 more.
The second half score was 3 - 2 to Col Ath. Let us just put this fantastic second half performance by Earls Colne into perspective. They deserve huge praise to play with ten boys, with two only just moving up to 11 aside and against one of the best teams in the league and really gave them a game in the second half.
Final score 2 - 15
The Col Ath manager made a point of comming over and telling the boys how great they were in 2nd half.
As I drove away it felt like a win. I was so impressed by the way they came out in the second half after being twelve nil down. They ALL showed great strength of charactor and team spirit. I have never been more proud of them.
Man of the Match: Everyone as they all gave their best.
Thank you to Andy (Kieran M Dad) for paying for half the away kit. |