Colts vs Livingston

Colts vs Livingston and West Lothian

The Colts would finally welcome Livingston to Tipperlinn. Our first game of the season was scheduled against Livi, but had to be postponed as the opposition were struggling to raise a side. The game was rescheduled but ended up in a walkover for the boys in maroon. The only other meeting we had against the former central division side had been a physical affair, with Sonians’ finishing 2-1 to the good, after Calum Wood scored a late winner.

The curse of the Colts squad size had stuck again in the build up to the game. A massive 19 players available, would mean Deane, Mortimer and Wilmot would face the rotation this week. A big loss for the side as they had all played extremely well in the 2-1 win against Grange the previous week.

Again Livingston would be struggling for players, starting the match with 9, two more in the changing room. Watsonians would start the stronger side instantly pinning Livi into their own half and a good percentage inside the 23.

The first goal came early on. With our numerical advantage Euan Leask attacked down the left providing a pass to Roddy Craig, who would put the ball in the back of the net. 1-0.

The Colts would score a second soon after. This time Leask would be the scorer with Murray Cannon the provider. 2-0.

With the opposition up to full strength, the game evened slightly. Colts would have a couple more attempts at goal with the keeper making some good saves. We would also earn a couple of penalty corners.

The Half would finish 2-0.

We talked of keeping our work rate high and building as the half went on, gaining strength as the opposition tired. We needed to guard from long balls, which was a tactic many teams tried against us as games went on.

Livingston would score the next goal. After a tactical change, placing a more experienced player higher up the field, they managed to break through with a run away goal. 2-1.

With an instant reply, the Colts would break back within seconds. Bursting through the center Waugh would fire the ball to the top of the D where Murray Cannon would beat his man and smash the ball home. 3-1.

Livingston were starting to press more and using the long ball to gain field position. In a rare penetration into our D, with significant numbers, the umpire blew up for a penalty flick. The foul was for a deliberate stick tackle while the attacker was shooting. Sam Gibb, who had made two good saves after the tackle occurred, was frustrated and let it show. He then protested to the umpire, receiving a yellow card for his troubles, after a long talking to about his reaction.

Will Evans decided to step into the pads to face the flick, proving that he must have a screw lose. His debut between the posts was not going to result in a clean sheet, the flick fired hard to the left. 3-2.

Even though the players on the field were happy to get back to playing our attacking style of hockey, they would be reduced to 9, with Waugh taking a captains yellow for the conduct of the supporters and other Watsonians around the dugout.

We would hold out for the last 15 minutes to pick up a second win against Livingston.

Only three games left until the end of the Colts first season, so we will take each game as it comes and keep enjoying the great hockey we have been playing.

Man of the match went to Will Evans, for both his performance outfield and stepping into the pads when needed.