For the first time since this fixture started, the SUFC Supporters beat the battling Colts' managers in an end to end match which ended in a 6-4 victory. Four goals from on fire striker Phil Clarke and one a piece from Anthony Nyman and Jon Williams won the game for the Supporters. The colts managers battled hard and brought the game back to 3-2 just before half time, but the Supporters managed to hold on for the victory.
The game started with a great pace which resulted in great chances for both sides. The first goal arrived after just 6 minutes into the game, the colt’s managers floated a corner in the box, but a great save from Paul Loughlin allowed the ball to be played up the pitch and wrong footed the defender which allowed Phil Clarke to chip the out-coming keeper. The supporters then pilled the pressure on the colt’s managers with chances from Nick Williams (showing off his new haircut), Dan Taylor, and a darting run down the wing from Daniel Howe. The supporters doubled the lead with another goal from Phil Clarke after a well worked corner from midfielder Anthony Nyman after 20 minutes. A world class finger tip save from Paul Loughlin kept the supporters in the lead after the colts managers tried to pitch the ball into the bottom corner, which was tipped just passed the post (Dan Taylor making sure by guarding the post). The ball was in the back of the net again but was disallowed, due to Phil Clarke being offside. Chances just wide, over the top and a chance that just clipped the post, the Supporters were on top. The lead was increased after 35 minutes after a defensive mistake from the colt’s managers who played a weak ball out of the penalty area, straight to Peter Shapland, playing into Phil Clarke to score his third of the game. Two goals in 3 minutes allowed the colts managers back into the game, but the Supporters fought back and scored just before half time with two more goals, one from Phil Clarke and a 20 yard chip-shot from Antony Nyman who ended up on his bottom.
Going into the second half and a completely different team for the supporters, the colts' managers pushed forward to try and get back into the game. The colts managers got the game back to 5-3 after just three minutes into the second half, with a hat-trick goal from Jason Murphy. With some great defending from the supporters (last minute tackles from Bobby Childs, Gareth Evans and Tom Ayres) and saves from Peter James the game had turned on it head and the pressure was pilling up, with players queuing up on the edge of the box to take a shoot. The colt’s managers scored another goal after 70 minutes, with a close range effort. The supporters then replied with a superbly worked goal from Jon Williams. Keilook Lim won a free kick just outside the area after a great run down the right wing, which he flicked on (from an Anthony Nyman free kick) to allow Jon Williams to head the ball into the net. Another disallowed offside goal for the Colt’s managers meant the game ended with a win for the Supporters.
Man of the first half was shared by Paul Loughlin (for his finger tip save and his goal assist) and Phil Clarke (four first half goals).
Man of the second half was presented to Peter James (some great close range saves).
In total the match raised just under £700 for the Junior teams.
