Woodkirk Valley 1 - 3 Colton Athletic 21.09.19

Colton took all 3 points as they came from behind to win. The after match refreshments from the hosts were spot on which was more than the first half of football earlier!

It was a poor affair. It was scrappy from both teams; though Woodkirk had the possession and momentum. They scored inside 4 minutes with a header from a corner. It was very much a stop start half as the referee blew his whistle for the slightest of touches between any two players wearing different coloured shirts.

Colton played very poorly, their passing was off point, making the wrong decisions most of the time. They had 1 shot off target in 45 minutes. Colton’s defence however played very well and kept Woodkirk out as they were seeking to extend their lead.

At half time it was 1 – 0.

A few choice words at half time created renewed energy and purpose for Colton who equalised within 55 seconds of the restart. Danny Coates was alert and lobbed the ball over the Woodkirk ‘keeper.

Woodkirk came back into the game and stretched the Colton defence. Adam Hartley was outstanding in the Colton net making crucial saves when it looked like Woodkirk could re gain the lead.

The thing was, with Colton growing in confidence and playing the shorter ball they created some opportunities and the pendulum swung in their favour.

On 78 minutes, Hartley made a superb double save and then within 60 seconds Colton took the lead. Substitute Brandon Bennett-Whitmore linked up the play and he found Coates who passed to the onrushing Sam McDonnell. McDonnell , with a one v one against the ‘keeper slotted home with great accuracy. 1 – 2.

Woodkirk rallied, however couldn’t make the most of their possession and Colton wrapped the game up with 2 minutes remaining with a counter attack. Bennett-Whitmore and Coates linked up again and the latter played the ball into Cameron O’Connor’s path who scored from a very tight angle.

Final score 1 – 3.