Closely Fought Encounter

The Colts and Warriors shared a friendly against Midsomer Norton of the aptly named Midsomer Norton League and came away with an ultimately convincing victory.
Norton have always been a big, well-organised side who are hard to break down, and that proved to be the case in a closely fought encounter at Coxley School.
The Warriors played the first quarter and bossed proceedings, creating several chances but not quite managing to put them away. Dylan had the game's opening opportunity when he nudged the ball goalwards only for it to hit the Norton goalie's thigh and go behind for a corner. Ethan glanced a shot just wide of the far post from an acute angle shortly afterwards, and moments later he blasted a fine shot just wide of the post when everyone present was expecting the net to bulge.
Josh M and Eddie were disciplined at the back and restricted the visitors to shots from range which amounted to nothing. Sonny put in an energetic performance in defensive midfield as he continues to improve with each game.
The Colts stepped into the fray for the second quarter and within a couple of minutes drew first blood. A corner from Daniel evaded three Norton defenders and ended up in the worst place possible from their point of view - right at the feet of Louis. He took aim and smacked a sumptuous strike into the back of the net via the crossbar.
Norton packed their defence in an effort to keep the Colts out, but the hosts still managed to carve out two excellent chances. Louis blazed a volley just over, before Daniel saw a fierce shot well saved by the Norton keeper.
The Warriors came back on for the third period and were desperately unlucky to concede after a spell of Norton pressure. Alfie did well to block a shot, only to watch as it rebounded off Josh and trickled over the line.
Isaac had a golden chance to put Wells back in front shortly afterwards when he was put clear through on goal by Ethan. The Warriors' sharpshooter probably had too much time to think about it and sent his shot just wide of the left-hand post. It happens to the best strikers, and Isaac deserves the odd missed chance after the number of goals he has scored for the Warriors this season.
The Colts took over for the final quarter of the match and took the game away from Norton. Louis shot just wide after a superb pass from the impressive Shea, before a fine cross from Harry was diverted into the net by an unfortunate Norton defender.
Daniel had a spell in goal and proved to be a safe pair of hands, gathering anything that came near him as Norton tried to force their way back into the game.
The home side's third came when the visitors wasted a freekick right on the edge of the box. The loose ball was played through to Harry, who poked home to put the game beyond Norton. The icing on the cake followed shortly afterwards, when a great cross from Zack was tucked home by Louis. Jaden had the chance to bag a goal that his performance deserved with time ticking by, but his powerful shot curled just wide of the post.
All in all it was a fine team performance by both sides. Norton are no mugs but they struggled to get to grips with either of our teams - which indicates how much progress both have made this season.

Goals: Louis (2), Harry, OG
Warriors man of the match: Dylan - a composed display by a rapidly improving player, which included two fine passes to create chances for his side.
Colts man of the match: JoJo - another steady performance by this season's Mr Consistency, who has become a rock at the back alongside his partner-in-crime Zack.