Match report - Colts v Stirling Wanderers 2s

The Colts came into this game hoping to move up to second in the table but knowing that Wanderers would be no pushovers, and so indeed it proved. Although having arguably the better of the opening exchanges and playing the ball around nicely, there was no early breakthrough. Euan Leask was particularly unfortunate not to break the deadlock, hitting the post from close range after good work to make space for the shot.

A classic sucker punch was to follow as Wanderers broke quickly and showed the value of experience, taking their first chance of any note, to make it 0-1. More of the same was to follow, with another break and another goal conceded - the Colts struggling to cope with the pace of the Wanderers midfielders running from deep. 0-2 and despite knocking on the door, the Colts had no answer before half time and started to lose their shape a little as the pressure told.

A reset at half time was in order, and a chance to take stock. A reminder from outgoing captain Richard Waugh that we tend to get better as games go on, and that there was plenty of time in the game was well received, and the Colts started the second half in positive fashion, back on song and back playing attractive hockey. A yellow for one of the Wanderers players opened the door, and good combination play by Euan Leask and Connall Milligan led to the latter forcing the ball through a crowd and into the goal.

Wanderers were returned to full strength but the Colts kept pressing, and were rewarded as Leask and Milligan combined again, and Connall's sweet strike from the edge of the D evened the scores.

At that point is looked like there would only be one winner with the momentum shifting to the Colts, but another quick break from Stirling led to their third and the final goal of the game as time ticked down.

A defeat then, but plenty of positives from the way the team regrouped at half time and fought their way back into the game. No winning finale for Waugh, but he did ride off into the sunset clutching his leaving gift of a framed shirt signed by the team, which will no doubt take pride of place above his new mantelpiece...or at least be hurriedly placed there when receiving any visitors from up this way.