Colton AFC 3 - 2 Tyersal (22.12.2018)

Named as game of the day, this fixture didn’t disappoint.

It wasn't the best start for Colton when Tyersal took an early lead on only 4 minutes from a corner with a super headed goal. However Colton equalised 4 minutes later when Chris Hick struck a low left foot shot from a Danny Coates corner, the perfect response to not such a perfect start.

After these two early goals the game settled into a pattern of the visitors trying to hit the hosts on the break; the hosts probing for an opening. A good physical no quarters given match ensued, which was very well officiated by the referee. Midfield was very congested and it was a constant battle for both teams.

On 25 minutes, Colton took the lead. Josh Naylor picked the ball up in midfield and ran at the Tyersal defence who backed off. Naylor hit the shot from 25 yards and it found the top of the net just below the bar, looping over the goal keeper. Four minutes later, Naylor was at it again as his low shot strikes a Tyersal defender and goes in miss footing the Tyersal Keeper. 3 – 1 on 29 minutes.

With half time just around the corner, Colton were up against some pressure and Tyersal scored their second direct from a free kick way out wide. Half time 3 – 2.

Colton had much of the second half; however they couldn’t make their dominance count. Opportunities were created but not taken. The hard working Rob Ashworth was extremely unlucky with a close range shot that the Tyersal ‘keeper somehow managed to deflect over the bar. Coates, Jordan Thackery and Jono Goodwin created problems for the visitors defence. Ben Vickers hit a long range effort that tested the Tyersal ‘keeper.

Despite all the chances created, hard working Colton midfielder and attackers pushing for a fourth there was always the potential threat from Tyersal who pushed on for the equaliser.

However, it didn’t come as the strong, diligent and brave Colton defence held their ground to see out the victory to a very important 3 points.

Final score 3 – 2. Colton AFC sit top of the league going into Christmas, but it has to be said there are many more games to come and a lot more work required, to get the desired results and end of season goal.