Colts v Bulkington (D2-2)

ST NICOLAS COLTS 2 BULKINGTON SPORTS 2

In their final game of the season against Bulkington, St Nics saw a two goal half time lead slip away to give their visitors a share of the spoils in an entertaining fixture at Milby School. Colts started off in fine form and took the lead within two minutes. Lloyd Finnegan picked the ball up inside his own half and skipped past two tackles as he went upfield. As he approached the Sports two defenders, he slipped the ball to his right and the on-rushing Daniel Rust powered a drive from just outside the area which went across the keeper and in off the left hand upright. The second came only a few minutes later. Sam Whitfield did well to win possession and he released Finnegan who used good vision to pick out Charlie Mahon who beat the keeper to the ball and slid home for his first goal of the season and make the score 2-0. Colts were playing their best football of the season, looking for each other and passing the ball well. A couple of good corners caused panic in the Bulkington defence and Finnegan had a free kick from ten yards out which flew over the bar. Bulkington's attacks were thwarted by the Thomas Davies and George Bates combination at the back and with Colts playing the ball around neatly it was a surprise that they did not add to their total before the break. HT 2-0.
Although they had their two goal cushion, Colts still pushed forward and despite their greater possession, Bulkington slowly came more and more into the game. The visitors almost got a goal back when they broke clear, but Colts keeper Daniel Liggins stuck to the task and blocked well with his legs. However, Colts did not heed this warning and a couple of minutes later, Bulkington were back in the game with a goal on the counter-attack. A colts corner was cleared and the vistors broke in numbers overwhelming the Colts defence. The ball fell into the path of their unmarked striker and he powered the ball into the roof of the net. Colts still looked dangerous and they saw several efforts blocked by last ditch tackles, but with only a few minutes remaining, Bulkington broke away again down the right flank. With Colts players drawn to the ball, their attacker did well to get a cross into the area where an awaiting teammate hit a first time shot low which went in off the post. In the dying moments, Colts still had two opportunities to take the three points. The best chance fell to Rust who used good feet to get into the area, but his shot went inches wide of the right hand post. From the goal kick, the referee blew the final whistle to complete a fine first season for the boys in blue with a fourth place finish.

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Market Bosworth v ColtsW 5-0

MARKET BOSWORTH 0 ST NICOLAS COLTS 5



Colts final away game of the season saw them secure a credible fourth spot with a convincing victory on a tiny pitch at Market Bosworth. Colts totally dominated the game and could easily have doubled their tally with a little more composure in front of goal. Colts got off to just the start they wanted taking the lead in the opening minute. Lloyd Finnegan’s corner caused panic in the home defence and as the ball bobbled around in front of goal, Curtis Jones got in first to poke it into the back of the net. Colts were two up in a matter of minutes when another Finnegan corner was this time cleared towards half way where George Bates rushed in and fired a shot back towards goal and the ball whistled through the crowded area before finding the bottom left hand corner. Max Hiley and Thomas Davies were dealing with anything that came their way and so Daniel Liggins was untroubled in the Colts goal. It wasn’t long before Colts physical superiority saw them go three up. Following some neat play in the midfield, the ball fell to Finnegan and his shot from the edge of the area curled around the keeper but bounced back off the post and Daniel Rust was on hand to put in the rebound. Just before the break, Rust grabbed his second, breezing into the area unchallenged and slotting the ball past the keeper. HT 0-4

Rust took over the keeper’s gloves allowing Liggins a rare excursion out of goal and the second half continued as the first with Colts totally on top as they went in search of more goals. Charlie Mahon went up front as he sought his first goal for the club, and he had his chances, but it just wasn’t to be, with him firing wide on the three occasions when he had sight of goal. Sam Whitfield was unable to cap off another high energy performance, miscuing several opportunities that came his way and Bates almost got Colts first ever headed goal, but he found the side netting when getting on the end of another corner and so Colts had to settle for only one more goal with Jones grabbing his second of the game, latching onto a Whitfield pass to make it 5-0.

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Colts v Nuneaton Boys W 3-0

ST NICOLAS COLTS 3 NUNEATON BOYS CLUB 0

Colts made it three wins in a row with a comfortable 3-0 victory over bottom placed Nuneaton Boys Club at Milby. Colts football didn't really flow as in recent weeks and the play was a little ragged at times, but they were still too powerful for their visitors and goals from Curtis Jones, Lloyd Finnegan and Daniel Rust were enough to give Colts the points and keep them on track for a final fourth place finish.

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Haunchwood v Colts W 1-0

HAUNCHWOOD TIGERS 0 - 1 ST. NICOLAS COLTS

Colts bounced back from last weeks defeat to leaders Bedworth Eagles Boys and consolidated their fourth position with a narrow but deserved 1 - 0 victory over Haunchwood Tigers at Arley.
Colts utilised the wind at their backs in the first half and took the lead after only two minutes. Lloyd Finnegan's corner was cleared back out to him and when he centred, first to react was Sam Whitfield and he stabbed the ball home.
Colts went in search of a second but were not able to breakdown the Tigers defence who having been stunned by the early goal were now more resolute.
The football by both sides was a little rushed and the ball was continually being kicked into touch. Keeper Daniel Liggins was called upon to rush off his line and block a Tigers break, but other than that,Thomas Davies and Max Hiley controlled things at the back.
Half Time 0 - 1
The second half continued in similar fashion with Colts seeing a lot of the ball, and Tigers primarily relying on the break. Daniel Rust saw a teasing corner slide of a Tigers boot and go agonisingly wide, but despite the greater possession they enjoyed, Colts just couldn't get beyond the back two of the Tigers.
One of the Tigers break almost brought an equaliser, but their strikers shot from the right hand edge rattled the outside of the post and went wide.
The teams cancelled each other out for the remainder of the game, but in injury time Tigers had a great opportunity again on the counter attack, but their player was unable to take advantage of the time and space he had and he blazed high over the bar.
Full Time 0 - 1

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Colts v Bedworth Eagles L 3-1

ST NICOLAS COLTS 1 BEDWORTH EAGLES BOYS 3

Colts hosted champions elect and runaway leaders Bedworth Eagles Boys and were looking to be the first team to put a dent into their 100% record, but despite putting in a fine battling effort, the superior passing and movement of the visitors shone through and they came away with a deserved victory in the end. In the first half, the defensive trio of George Bates, Thomas Davies and Max Hiley were made to work hard as Eagles pressed forward, but they were holding their own and thwarting what was coming in their direction, but equally Colts were still causing concern at the other end of the pitch with Charlie Mahon, Sam Whitfield and Daniel Rust competing for everything and getting forward when they could. Other than a shot from the left hand edge of the penalty area, Daniel Liggins wasn't troubled in the Colts goal and the match was evenly poised at the break. HT 0-0.
Eagles took the game to Colts at the start of the second half and saw two good chances go astray, firing high and wide when in good positions, but they got their breakthrough finally after five minutes. Colts were pushing forward when Whitfield got dispossessed just past half way and within ten seconds the ball was in the back of the Colts goal as Eagles broke quickly and took advantage of the man over. Eagles second came only a couple of minutes later. Bates late challenge resulted in a free kick twenty yards out and the shot that came in was with power and accuracy as it flew into the roof of the net. Colts continued to battle but were just unable to unlock the composed Eagles defence. With only a couple of minutes to go, Eagles made it three with another counter attack. Lloyd Finnegan's corner was deflected clear and Eagles flooded out of defence in numbers, overpowering the Colts back line and with a swift passing movement the ball finally fell into the path of the onrushing midfielder who fired home. In the final minute, Colts clawed a goal back when Mahon's determination saw him get the ball into the area and through to Curtis Jones and his six yard drive across the keeper found the top left hand corner. The goal boosted the Colts but came too late and the final whistle went.

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Att Sports v Colts (W2-1)

Nuneaton & Bedworth Under 8's League
ATLEBOROUGH SPORTS 1 ST NICOLAS COLTS 2

After a three week break, St Nics Colts got back to action and came away with a hard earned victory over Attleborough Sports at an ice cold Nuneaton Craft Centre. Colts had most of the possession in the first half and much of the play was in the Sports half. Charlie Mahon and Sam Whitfield were as tenacious as ever in the midfield and they were instrumental in starting up most of the Colts attacks. Colts grabbed the lead after eight minutes when Whitfield siezed the ball just outside the Sports area, burst into the box and poked a powerful drive past the keeper. Almost immediately, Sports were on level terms, with danger man Palmer charging down the right wing and his attempted cross looped over Colts keeper Daniel Liggins and the ball nestled in the far corner. Colts did not allow this to affect them and they could have regained the lead twice shortly after. Firstly Lloyd Finnegan fired wide when in a good position and then Daniel Rust broke clear, but was thwarted by a great blocking save from the Sports keeper. Right on the stroke of half time, Colts pressure paid off. A Finnegan corner bounced around in the penalty area, Mahon made a strong challenge as a Sports defender tried to clear and the ball fell nicely in the path of Whitfield who made no mistake. HT 1-2.
Sports had an early chance to equalise in the opening minutes. A cross from the right found an unmarked player, but lukily for the Colts defence,he blazed over from three yards out. Chances in the second half were few and far between and although both teams worked tirelessly, they lacked creativity and the final delivery wasn't quite there to get a player in on goal. Thomas Davies continued to shackle Palmer and this effectively snuffed out Sports attacking threat, while at the other end despite still having the lions share of the possession, Colts were unable to carve out any further shooting opportunities, but will be happy to come away with the 2-1 score line.

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Colts v Weddy Thistle L1-0

ST NICOLAS COLTS 0 WEDDINGTON THISTLE 1



A single goal separated these two sides for a second time this season, but Colts certainly put up a stronger fight than in the earlier meeting back in October. Things may have been different if Sam Whitfield’s second minute strike had been a couple of inches lower, but his first time strike from a Lloyd Finnegan corner cannoned back off the crossbar and Thistle scrambled the ball clear. Colts kicking up the slight slope had quite a bit of possession in the first half and Whitfield had a second opportunity from the left hand corner of the penalty area, but he dragged his effort wide. Finnegan then whipped in a corner right in front of the Thistle goal which just needed a Colts body to attack it for a certain goal, but the ball flashed by everyone, through the danger zone and harmlessly out for a throw. Thistle started to come more and more into the game as the half went on and they began looking dangerous down their right forcing a number of corners which Colts defence managed to clear, but the half ended with neither keeper having to make a save from a shot on goal. Half Time 0-0.

Colts were caught cold right at the start of the second half with Thistle taking the lead with a quick break. Ison retrieved the ball on their left wing and shrugged off two tackles before sending in an excellent cross behind the Colts defensive back line, but too far in front for keeper Thomas Liggins to intercept. With three Thistle players coming in at the back post, Liggins did extremely well to keep out the first effort, blocking with his feet, but the ball bounced up right in front of Hastings for Thistle and he bundled the ball home.

Colts looked determined to get straight back into the game, but now with something to protect, the Thistle defence stood firm, taking no chances and clearing the ball out for a throw whenever the Colts got near to goal.

At the other end, Liggins did well again to palm away an Ison cross come shot and Thomas Davies and George Bates had to be at their best with Thistle always looking dangerous on the break.

Despite their efforts, Colts were unable to get any further clear shots on goal and it was the away team who came away with the 3pts.

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Colts v Boys W2-1

ST NICOLAS COLTS 2 ST NICOLAS BOYS 1


For the second time this season, Colts got the better of their St Nics counterparts with a 2-1 victory at Milby School. Colts got off to a fine start taking the lead after only three minutes when Lloyd Finnegan's shot came back off the right hand post and Sam Whitfield reacted quickest to fire home the rebound. Colts had most of the 1st half possession, but had difficulty taking advantage of this with Boys defending stubbornly, although Finnegan broke clear, but took one touch too many and his shot was blocked well by the feet of the advancing Ben Crofts in the Boys goal. Whitfield and Charlie Mahon made some strong runs down the right, but took the ball too close to the by-line and were then unable to get the ball across into the unmarked Daniel Rust waiting in the area. George Bates, Thomas Davies and Max Hiley remained focused and worked hard to stop Boys attacks and Bates in particular made some well timed tackles to stop Boys striker Bolton getting in on goal. HT 1-0
The second half opened in similar fashion with Colts still having the lions share of the possession, but finding it tough to break down the Boys defence, until Whitfield latched on to a weak goal kick, raced towards goal and applied a neat left foot finish to extend Colts lead. Boys never gave up and pulled a goal back within a couple of minutes. Colts failed to clear a corner and when the ball fell to Ross Bolton, he cut inside and fired home from six yards to make the score 2-1. Boys pressured for a couple of minutes, but Colts defence held firm and soon enough, Colts were back in the driving seat with Whitfield and Mahon again making more surging runs but failing to see their free men waiting inside of them and the opportunities were missed. In the closing minutes, Finnegan rattled the cross bar with a first tim

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Chetwynd Sharks v Colts L 1-0

Chetwynd Sharks 1 Colts 0

Colts were back to full strength, but were up against an equally dogged team in the sharks, both teams battled well, and the game offered few chances to either team.
Neither goalkeeper had a save to make, and game was decided on a penalty.

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Chetwynd Tigers v Colts D0-0

CHETWYND TIGERS 0 ST NICS COLTS 0

Colts went into this game against improving Chetwynd Tigers without midfield dynamo Sam Whitfield and with Max Hiley sidelined through illness, they fielded the minimum seven players and were always going to find it tough in sticky conditions. The first half was an end to end, even contest with both sides enjoying some decent possession in each others half. Both defences were in commanding form with George Bates and Thomas Davies making some fine tackles to stop some neat Tigers passing. Charlie Mahon was full of energy in midfield and he was instrumental in a number of the Colts attacks making some timely interceptions and surging forward in pursuit of goal. Tigers had two Scoffham shots which went wide and Colts best chance of the half came when Daniel Rust's cross into the box was just too far ahead of Lloyd Finnegan and as he stretched, he was unable to control and the ball cannoned off his shin and into the keepers arms. Half Time 0-0.
The second half started in similar fashion with defences on top and neither side able to carve out any clear openings. Rust broke down the right hand side and got a shot in from just outside the area, but the keeper saved comfortably. Tigers then had a chance on a break away upfield, but when it looked like they were going to get in on goal, the two Tigers players got in each others way and the opportunity was gone. In the last five minutes Colts piled on the pressure, but simply could not break down the Tigers defence and get clear sight on goal and they will have to be happy with taking a point for their efforts from this game

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Nuneaton Boys v Colts (W6-0)

NUNEATON BOYS CLUB BEARS 0 ST NICOLAS COLTS 6

Colts got 2006 off to a winning start with a 6-0 victory over struggling Nuneaton Boys Club Bears on a boggy pitch at Tavistock Way. Bears made a spirited start to the game gaining some good early possession in the Colts half, but this did not last long and once Colts got used to the sticky conditions, they soon began to dominate the play. Colts were certainly showing signs of progress, looking for each other and stringing some passes together in their opponents half. Despite this, they found a blue and white stripe barricade in front of them and they were finding it difficult to get through this, although Charlie Mahon and Sam Whitfield were unlucky with a couple of half chances. It was a quiet time for stand in keeper Thomas Davies with Max Hiley and George Bates always ready to pounce when Bears looked like coming forward. Just before half time, Colts pressure was finally rewarded with a well taken goal. Daniel Rust had already seen a couple of shots saved by the keeper, but this time when put through, he kept his nerve to slip the ball past the keeper and into the net. Half Time 0-1.
It was almost one way traffic in the second half as Colts went on the hunt for more goals and Bates almost added a second following a fine run from just inside his own half, but his powerful shot went inches wide of the left hand post. Colts didn't need to wait much longer though when Lloyd Finnegan intercepted a weak goal kick, advancing a couple of yards before dispatching a fierce drive past the despairing keeper. Two minutes later, Colts grabbed another when Rust broke clear and as the keeper closed him down, he slid the ball right to Curtis Jones and he had the simplest of tap ins to make it 3-0. Further pressure brought Colts fourth. Bears failed to clear their lines and when the ball fell to Finnegan eight yards out, his shot crept in the left hand corner with Rust there waiting to pounce. Mahon then had a golden chance to bag his first goal of the season, but he chose power over precision and his shot flew agonisingly wide. Finnegan completed his hat-trick when his free kick from the right hand edge of the penalty area was deflected in and with only seconds remaining, Colts got their final goal with Whitfield running into the box and calmly slotting the ball into the left hand corner to give Colts a 6-0 victory which keeps them in third position.

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Colts v Weddy Warriors (W3-0)

ST NICOLAS COLTS 3 WEDDINGTON WARRIORS 0

St Nics Colts go into the Christmas period in a credible third position after continuing their unbeaten run with a 3-0 success over Weddington Warriors. In a very open game, Colts made the most of their first half chances by taking a two goal lead at the break as they dominated the major part of the opening period. Colts first goal came after six minutes when Daniel Rust found space on the right, he cut inside along the goal line and his cross was forced home by Lloyd Finnegan who just got to the ball before the Warriors keeper. Rust and Charlie Mahon had opportunities to increase the lead but took one touch too many and the shooting chances were lost. Just before the break a through ball by Sam Whitfield was handled outside the area by the Warriors keeper and Finnegan crashed the free kick in off the underside of the cross bar to make the score 2-0. The Warriors heads never dropped and they played some good football but found George Bates and Max Hiley in an unforgiving mood at the back. and Daniel Liggins had little to do in The Colts goal. HT 2-0.
Warriors came out fighting for the second half and Colts were soon on the back foot. They breached The Colts defence on several occasions but could not make the most of the opportunities and each time their shots failed to hit the target. With Warriors pushing on, gaps were appearing at the back and Colts were still creating at the other end with Curtis Jones forcing the Warriors keeper into a good save from his ten yard shot. Rust then missed two good chances before making up for his perseverance by grabbing Colts third goal. He chased a through ball on the right hand side and beat the Warriors keeper to the ball. As the keeper turned and retreated, Rust cut inside and struck a left foot shot which bisected the two Warriors defenders and rolled into the empty goal.
Warriors still worked hard in the hunt to try and get something out of the game and although there were a few worrying moments in The Colts defence, Bates in particular remained strong at the back and the Colts kept their three goal cushion.

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Colts v Boys (W3-1)

ST NICOLAS BOYS 1 ST NICOLAS COLTS 3

Colts had to fight back from a goal down at the break to take all three points from St Nics Boys in this fiercely contested derby game at Milby. It wasn't a pretty first half with Colts struggling to get into the game and it was The Boys who were looking the more determined and up for the challenge. Tackles were going in hard and there was little time on the ball for anyone to really express themselves. Charlie Mahon had Colts best chance of the half, breaking clear of The Boys back line, but dragging his shot wide of the goal, while being put under pressure by The Boys keeper Ben Crofts who did well to narrow the angle.
As with the previous week, Colts wasted good possession, failing to release the ball having done so well to get into some good passing positions and they were finally getting tackled taking on one defender too many and so further shooting opportunities were rare.
The Boys striker Ross Bolton was causing problems for the Colts with his direct running, turning The Colts defenders inside out and drawing a number of fouls. It was from one of these resulting free-kicks right on half time that The Boys took the lead. From just outside the penalty area on the right, Bolton drove in a free kick which took a wicked deflection off a Colts defender and past Daniel Liggins into the corner of the net to give The Boys the lead at the break. Half Time 1-0.
Kicking slightly up the slope now, Colts came out after the break in a more determined mood and were back on level terms within a few minutes of the restart. They forced a corner on the right hand side and when Lloyd Finnegan lofted the ball over, it bounced up off a Boy's defender and fell to Daniel Rust who stabbed the ball home with a left foot volley for the equaliser.
Colts were now on top and went on a number of attacks only to be denied by Crofts who was having a fine game in The Boys goal. Boys rued a missed opportunity after ten minutes when they broke away down the right. When the ball came into the box a mad scramble followed with legs flailing all over the place. Fortunately for The Colts, Sam Whitfield finally got some power behind the ball and cleared the danger, directing the ball upfield. It was collected by Rust and he beat The Boys last defender to race clear down the right wing. As he cut inside on goal, Crofts came out at his feet and Rust laid a superb pass in front of the supporting Finnegan who applied the finish into the empty net.
As the game wore on Finnegan fired in two free kicks wide of goal and then right on full time, Whitfield capped a great all action performance, latching onto a Boys goal kick, bursting past two defenders and firing home a low drive into the bottom left hand corner to finish the scoring and give The Colts a 3-1 success

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Colts v Market Bosworth (W7-0)

St Nicolas Colts moved up to third spot in the Astro League following their latest victory against Market Bosworth. Colts were just far too strong for their visitors and powered to a 7-0 scoreline, which would have no doubt been a few goals more if the lads looked to pass the ball a little more when getting into good positions. Credit must go to the Market Bosworth boys who never gave up and were constantly encouraged by their manager and supporters throughout.
Colts grabbed a second minute goal after Lloyd Finnegan's corner was handled in the area by a defender and Finnegan stepped up to beat the keeper from the spot. The second goal soon followed and Sam Whitfield grabbed his first goal of the season, charging into the Bosworth area and smashing home an unstoppable drive. Daniel Rust made his presence felt by netting a double before Finnegan slotted home his second just before the break.
Thomas Davies, Max Hiley and George Bates were by no means spectators in defence and still had to remain focused as Bosworth tried to get forward and reduce the deficit.
Half time 5-0
The second half started in memorable fashion with Finnegan launching an attempt straight on goal from the half way line which slipped past the keeper and into the goal to complete his hat-trick and make it 6-0 and from then it was almost one way traffic, but without little effect as the boys dribbled with the ball too often when team-mates were available and most shots came in from long range. Curtis Jones and Charlie Mahon had good opportunities and then Rust rattled the crossbar with a first time effort from the edge of the area.
Bosworth then broke away with a one on one situation, but despite having had almost nothing to do, keeper Daniel Liggins kept his concentration, came out and bravely saved at the feet of the visitors striker.
Rust completed his hat-trick with a fine left foot finish into the roof of the net to make it seven and George Bates almost made it eight, but he was adjudged to have knocked the ball out of the keepers hands when sliding in at the near post.
The activity remained in the Bosworth half, but Colts were unable to add to their total and they now look forward to next weeks derby against stable mates St Nics Boys.

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Colts v Haunchwood (W5-0)

ST NICS COLTS 5 HAUNCHWOOD TIGERS 0



Colts bounced back from last weeks disappointing result at Bedworth Eagles to record their biggest score line to date taming Haunchwood Tigers 5-0 at Milby School. Colts got off to a dream start taking the lead after only two minutes, when Lloyd Finnegan whipped over a high and dangerous corner which clipped off a Tigers defender at the far post and into the back of the net. Colts didn’t need to wait too long to extend the lead with Daniel Rust latching on to a fine through ball from Sam Whitfield, and he slipped the ball past the keeper from close range to make it 2-0. Colts continued to push forward and created further opportunities which came to nothing before Finnegan grabbed his second, giving the keeper no chance, drilling into the bottom left hand corner with a shot from the edge of the area. Just before the break, Curtis Jones celebrated his birthday by getting his first goal for the club. Another Finnegan corner caused chaos in the Tigers area and following a mad scramble, Jones got the last touch to make the score 4-0. Although Tigers worked hard, defenders George Bates, Thomas Davies and Max Hiley never gave them any space and Daniel Liggins in the Colts goal didn’t get to touch the ball once in the first half which remained 4-0 as the teams turned around. At the break Liggins came out of goal and Davies took over the gloves and it was Liggins who almost got number five intercepting a weak goal kick, but only to see his shot from outside the area whistle past the left hand upright. Tigers were putting up a stronger fight in the second half and Davies was called upon a couple of times in The Colts goal.

Colts were using the wings well and there was an excellent passing move down the right instigated by Charlie Mahon. His through ball sent Rust away and he slid the ball inside to Finnegan, but his first time shot sailed wide.

Colts fifth came in the last few minutes after another period of pressure in the Tigers half. This time, Finnegan’s corner came back off the cross bar and Jones was first to react to poke the ball home and complete the scoring.

Colts can be very pleased with this result against one of the early season pace setters.

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Bedworth Eagles v Colts (L5-0)

BEDWORTH EAGLES 5 ST NICS COLTS 0

Despite the torrential rain and winds which battered the two teams throughout, The Colts played well in this game against runaway league leaders Bedworth Eagles and although the home side deserved the three points, the scoreline in the end was somewhat flattering for them.
Colts matched Bedworth for most of the first half with everyone getting in strong tackles when required to prevent Bedworth getting forward. George Bates was winning challenge after challenge at the back with Thomas Davies supporting admirably. The midfield of Charlie Mahon, Sam Whitfield and Lloyd Finnegan were certainly holding their own against a team who had won every game so far this season. Daniel Rust beavered away up front but found a strong defensive wall in front of him. Bedworth grabbed the lead shortly before half time following some good work down their left hand side. Unfortunately, The Colts defence all got drawn to the ball and when the cross came into the penalty area, the Bedworth striker was in acres of spaces and he gave Daniel Liggins no chance. Finnegan almost drew level moments later but his shot clipped the outside of the post.
Max Hiley came into defence and Curtis Jones led the attack at the start of the second half as Colts looked to grab an equaliser, but they were stunned early on when Bedworth broke away down the left and their danger man Camwell unleashed a ferocious drive which flew into the roof of the net. Colts heads never dropped but as the game wore on the conditions took their toll, the team lost it's shape and Bedworth managed three more goals in the last seven minutes. Liggins was firstly beaten by a hard and low drive at his near post, before Bedworth grabbed a fourth with an excellent left footed curling shot into the top corner and The Colts knew that lady luck wasn't shining down on them when an attempted clearance hit an Eagles shin and ricocheted back into the goal to complete the scoring. Colts can be proud of their efforts in this game and they will hopefully bounce back with next weeks home fixture against Haunchwood Tigers.

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Colts v Att Sports (W1-0)

ST NICOLAS COLTS 1 ATTLEBOROUGH SPORTS 0

Colts had to fight hard to gain back to back victories following a tough battle against a strong Attleborough Sports outfit. It was an evenly contested first half, but Lloyd Finnegan grabbed the all important winning goal, picking up a loose ball on the right hand edge of area and drilling home a fierce shot low into the opposite far corner of the net. Strong resolute tackling from Charlie Mahon, Thomas Davies and George Bates restricted Attleborough to a couple of long range first half efforts, but they were off target and Daniel Liggins in The Colts goal was untroubled. Half Time 1-0.
Attleborough came out stronger in the second half gaining more possession than the first period. Max Hiley fitted in well to The Colts defence while Sam Whitfield continued to cover every blade of grass on the pitch in both attack and defence. Daniel Rust worked hard up front but he was being closely guarded by two visiting defenders. Attleborough's striker was a constant threat with his trickery. He crossed in two excellent balls from the right which were not converted, and he then went and rattled The Colts cross bar with a powerful drive from over twenty yards.
Colts dug in defensively and with the support of the fresh legs of Curtis Jones in the midfield, they held on for a fine victory.

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Bulkington v Colts (W0-2)

October 9th 2005
BULKINGTON SPORTS 0 ST NICOLAS COLTS 2

Following two successive defeats, The Colts got back to winning ways with a well deserved victory at Bulkington. Colts had most of the possession in the opening exchanges, with striker Daniel Rust looking to take on his defensive markers when the opportunity arose, while in midfield, Charlie Mahon, Sam Whitfield and Lloyd Finnegan worked well together getting forward to support the attacks, but not forgetting their defensive duties. When Bulkington did come forward, they found the defensive pair of Thomas Davies and Max Hiley in an unforgiving mood and they made sure they were getting in their tackles whenever it was needed.
Colts produced a number of shooting opportunities in the first fifteen minutes, but never really troubled the home keeper. Against the run of play, Bulkington almost took the lead when their striker found space in The Colts penalty area seven yards from goal and he hit a shot which was heading for the back of the net until Daniel Liggins dived to his right to palm the ball away with a reflex save.
Right on the half time whistle, Colts pressure finally paid off. Finnegan did well on the right and fed the ball through to Rust, who side stepped a defender before unleashing a shot which powered in off the left hand post. Half Time 0-1.
Colts continued where they left off in the first half and with the introduction of George Bates, The Colts defence was still thwarting anything that Bulkington threw at them. Colts almost got a second when Finnegan got beyond the defence, but was denied by a last ditch tackle which gave Colts a corner. Finnegan's corner kick was whipped in low to the near post where it took a wicked deflection off a Bulkington defender and hit the back of the net to give The Colts a nice two goal cushion.
With better passing in the final third of the field, Colts could have made more of their superior possession, but players were holding on to the ball for too long. Despite this, Bulkington were unable to get any more shots in on the Colts goal and it was the Colts themselves who almost grabbed a third right at the end when Curtis Jones charged into the area and his shot just clipped the outside of the post before going for a goal kick.
A good performance by The Colts in readiness of yet another tough fixture against Attleborough Sports next Sunday at Milby.

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Weddington Thistle v Colts (L1-0)

October 2nd 2005
WEDDINGTON THISTLE 1 ST NICOLAS COLTS 0

Despite a very brave performance by The Colts, they finally went down 1-0 to high flying Weddington Thistle. Weddington had a number of very good opportunities during the first half, but were unable to capitalise and find the target when it mattered and Colts were lucky to keep escaping. It was backs to the wall for the defensive pair of Max Hiley and Thomas Davies, but they kept to their task well, while being supported by the midfield three. The Colts had done extremely well to keep Thistle out at the half time whistle.
The introduction of Sam Whitfield saw Colts come out stronger for the second half and they got more into the game, and it was Whitfield who got in Colts first shot from outside the area which forced the Weddington keeper into making a save.
Weddington still looked dangerous and they finally got their breakthrough from the penalty spot when the ball was handled inside the box. Daniel Liggins got his hand to the ball, but the spot kick was just too powerful to keep out. Colts almost surprised Weddington right near the end when George Bates hit the ball into the area in front of Lloyd Finnegan. Finnegan had time to control and pick his spot, but slid in first time and missed the target.
This proved to be their final chance, but the boys can be proud of their commitment and determination against their strongly tipped for the title opponents.

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Colts v Chettwynd Sharks (L1 -2)

September 25th 2005
ST NICOLAS COLTS 1 CHETWYND SHARKS 2

Colts suffered their first defeat of the season going down 2-1 to a very physical Chetwynd Sharks side. The game got off to a blistering start with two goals in the opening three minutes. Sharks struck first with a powerful left foot shot into the top corner, but Colts were level a minute later when Lloyd Finnegan pounced with a first time shot from the edge of the box. Colts had the chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty, but Finnegan’s spot kick was uncharacteristically too close to the keeper and he saved well with Sharks clearing the rebound. It was frenetic end to end football but with no further goals, it remained 1-1 at the break.
Both sides had opportunities in the second half. Liggins in the Colts goal, denied the Sharks with a save low down and then Daniel Rust had a glorious chance up the other end but dragged his shot agonisingly wide.
A draw would have been a fair result, but Sharks stole the 3pts with a last minute strike. As the game wore on, Sharks spent more time in and around the Colts penalty area and Colts had already struggled a couple of times to get the ball away from danger. Again, the ball found it’s way into the box and bobbled around in the danger area, but when it was crying out for a Colts player to put their foot through the ball, it finally fell to a Sharks player who took his chance and fired home.

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Colts v Chetwynd Tigers (W 2-0)

September 18th 2005
ST NICOLAS COLTS 2 CHETWYND TIGERS 0

Colts made it two from two with a good 2-0 success over Chetwynd Tigers at Milby School. Daniel Liggins was called into action making a couple of early saves, before Daniel Rust eased the nerves latching on to a Lloyd Finnegan corner to poke home from close range. Finnegan stretched the lead just before half time with a fine free kick from outside of the penalty area, his shot clearing the defensive wall and giving the Tigers keeper no chance.
Although Tigers battled hard to get into the game, some solid defending and good pressure by The Colts midfield kept them at bay and the first clean sheet was achieved.

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Weddington Warriors v Colts (W 4-1)

September 11th 2005
WEDDINGTON WARRIORS 1 ST NICOLAS COLTS 4

St Nics Colts Under 8’s got their season off to a bright start with a convincing 4-1 victory over Weddington Warriors. Lloyd Finnegan bundled the ball over the line to give Colts an early lead, but Warriors bounced back immediately with an equaliser to level the scores at the break.
Finnegan restored the lead, shrugging off his marker to go clear and finished with a low shot into the bottom left hand corner. George Bates gave Colts a two goal cushion following up to drive home after a corner and then Daniel Rust rounded things off, coolly slotting home after being put clear.

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