Fairbank 1 - 4 Colton AFC (05.01.19)

It was a cracker of a match as usual between these two sides, which was very well officiated. Colton took a three goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes.

Danny Coates from the spot after a handball inside the box on 5 minutes.

On 10 minutes Colton went two goals up with Jono Goodwin shooting in from just outside the box after a Ben Vickers throw in caused confusion in the Fairbank defence.

Vickers then scored ten minutes later with a low shot and Fairbank were struggling to get into the game. 0 – 3. The hosts did eventually get a foothold as the half wore on, and were rewarded with their hard work on 39 minutes when they scored from a free kick.

Half time 1 – 3.

In the second half Fairbank launched a big offensive and kept Colton penned in their own half for the first fifteen minutes or so. Their long balls created a few openings; however the Colton defence, marshalled superbly by Chris Wayman and Joe Horner, stood their ground.

It was backs to the wall situation for a while, as Colton were unable to keep the ball as well as they did in the first half. But they were resolute and defended with grit.

Once the storm was weathered, Colton began to have further opportunities going forward. Coates was creating havoc; Goodwin was supportive; Josh Naylor and James Green probed with their passing. Chris Hick went close on two occasions.

Fairbank kept battling, however on 84 minutes Colton struck their fourth goal when Tom Whelan; superbly picked out by Coates; found himself inside the Fairbank box and scored at the near post.

Final score 1 – 4