Colton AFC 0 - 4 New Middleton (03.04.2019)

Hancock Cup - Semi Final

Firstly, a huge thanks to the Colton AFC supporters that turned up in force. Its a pity that the players didn't, too many of them "went" missing on the night.

Middleton thoroughly deserved the victory as they dominated the match from start to finish, apart from a 15 mins spell at the start of the second half.

At the start of the match, Colton couldn't get out of their half. Middleton's assertive high press put Colton under the cost. Middleton won everything across the park. When Colton did get hold of the ball, they gave it away very cheaply enabling Middleton to increase the pressure.

Stand in Keeper Tom Whelan (Adam Hartley out injured) worked wonders in the Colton net to keep the game at 0 - 0 until the 32nd minute. Colton couldn't cope with the pace and power of the Middleton wide players, one of whom scored with a ricochet that looped over Whelan's head.

Colton attempted a couple of forays into the Middleton box, however they came to nothing.

Two minutes before half time Middleton extended their lead 0 - 2.

A half time change in personnel and formation for Colton initially proved beneficial.

Young Cameron O'Connor introduced some much needed energy and desire as he attacked his full back at pace. This created uncertainty for Middleton and for the first time Colton looked like a cohesive unit that could get back into the game.

Colton began to play better with two up and went close on a couple of occasions. Middleton were rattled. However the net remained in tact.

Colton still pressed for the elusive goal that would get them back into the game, however Middleton always had the upper hand and on 66 minutes they broke away to score their third. Which essentially put them into the final.

To rub salt into the wound, Middle score another on 75 mins 0 - 4.