Colts shot down in hard-fought win

City extended their unbeaten run to 5 matches with a 3-1 win over Kentisbeare Colts. Having raced into a 3-goal lead within the first 15 minutes, City dominated the first half but were unable to add to their tally and the second half was an altogether scrappier affair.

City fired an early warning sign with a header from Alfie W landing on the crossbar, but he was not to be denied a few minutes later when he burst forward and fired a shot under the keeper to put City 1-0 up. With City dominating possession and creating chances almost at will, the next goal was not long coming although it came from the head of an unlucky Kentisbeare defender who put an excellent Sam P cross into his own net to double the lead. Alfie R went desperately close with a near post effort from a Sam P pull-back but the keeper managed to push it round the post to safety. The third City goal came from the spot after a home defender had handled in the area following a City corner. Alfie W stepped up and dispatched the penalty with aplomb. 15 minutes gone and City were well worth their 3-0 lead.

Further chances came and went in the first half and City had a flurry of corners which were delivered by Will P and then Ryan and it was from the latter's delivery that Will P had a near-post header saved. City were using the flanks well and a great Sam P run and pull-back saw Alfie W almost claim his hat-trick but the keeper was equal to the task and saved well. Shortly before half-time, Sam R was called upon to make a save from a Kentisbeare break but the teams went into half-time with City leading 3-0.

The second half saw less of the flowing football which City had produced early on and, with the home team seemingly taking a more physical approach to the game,  City struggled to create as many clear cut chances. Mid-way through the half, Kentisbeare pulled a goal back from a break following a heavy tackle on Will P which seemed to temporarily cause a loss of concentration but, whilst the home team certainly pushed forward more, the City defence held firm. City thought that they had extended their lead when Cameron delivered a wonderful indirect free-kick from distance, but it was ruled out as no other player had got a touch on it before it went in.

Man of the Match went to Alfie R for a great captain's performance, full of running, passes to team-mates and determination. Well done Alfie R!

Next up it's back-to-back games against Colyton Redsocks who will no doubt provide another great test.