Shire Academics Res 4 - 3 Colton AFC (18.03.19)

In atrocious conditions, Colton suffered their first league defeat of the season in an entertaining match that Shire won with a stoppage time winner.

After a bit of faffing around as to which pitch the game would be played on (both were waterlogged in parts), Shire took a 2 goal lead after 23 minutes.

After 16 minutes Colton made an enforced substitution as Ben Vickers was carried off, clearly in pain. Joe Spencer replaced him. It later transpired that Vickers suffered a fractured tibia after a 50/50 challenge, everyone at Colton wishes him a very speedy recovery.

Colton pulled a goal back on 31 minutes when Spencer shot low into the corner after good work from Chris Hick and Jordan Thackery.

Half time 2 -1.

Shire extended their lead on 52 minutes and it was tough going for Colton after that. Shire created a few chances but the Colton defence kept them out. Colton had a few chances of their own, however the Shire ‘keeper pulled off some outstanding saves.

Colton pulled a goal back on 68 minutes, when Hick slotted home from a very acute angle after a very strong run. 3 – 2

Colton had their tails up and Shire kept hitting them on the break – it was a good game as the rain kept coming and the pitch became even more treacherous.

Six minutes from time, Colton equalised. Josh Naylor was out on the left hand side of the box and clipped in a vicious shot that eluded the Shire ‘keeper.

There was time for Colton to add a winner; however Naylor’s deep free kick was somehow cleared off the Shire goal line.

On their next foray up field, Shire scored after a scramble in the Colton box to make it 4 – 3.