At the weekend, Colls visited Marske United in the FA Trophy, the home team unbeaten at home, sat 2nd in the Evo-Stik East Division, Colls unbeaten away, sat 2nd in the Evo-Stik West. An East v West clash worthy of a Cold War film, Rocky IV chosen as the analogy.
What we weren't expecting was Rocky I to be served up, both teams going the full 15 rounds, right until the end, culminating in a 3-3 draw. And tonight, continuing the Rocky theme, it's time for Rocky II, the rematch. We will have a winner, with the game going to extra-time and penalties if necessary, who will be left standing come the final bell?
Marske went into Saturday's game without regular keeper Robert Dean, with goalkeeping coach Liam Watson between the sticks. And to his credit there wasn't much he could do about the Colls goals, having done his absolute best to win the game, saving Ben Hardcastle's 93rd minute penalty before Danny Lambert charged in to blast the ball home and level with the last kick of the game.
Striker Craig Gott was reinstated to the starting line-up and repaid his manager by bagging the second Marske goal, whilst wide man Curtis Round dropped to the bench, Marske using a strange numbering system with no.11 Liam O'Sullivan slotting in at left-back.
Storm Callum caused problems for both teams, but following manager Carl Jarrett's questioning of his defending from set-pieces, it was the Colls who struggled in this area. A reoccurring problem recently, highlighted by Manager Micheal Clegg's post-match interview.
Colls themselves are possibly more used to playing on a Monday night, following last week's outstanding performance against Prescot Cables, we are certainly more accustomed to the Skuna slope. With the weather more settled, will Jordan Cover, whose pace made a difference on Saturday, make the starting XI or will Adam Farrell hold on to the coveted no. 9 shirt?
The winners will unbelievably face Cleethorpes away on 27th October, in the First Round. Colls are only too familiar with Clee, following THAT game in the FA Vase and slightly redeeming themselves last season in the FA Cup. No Clubber Lang comparisons please. We are also pleased to report that Cleethorpes have since returned to the actual town of Cleethorpes.
Will Colls be travelling along the M180 again in 12 days? We shall know after tonight's game. Adrian will be there, will you?
Either way, the class and hospitality of Marske United has shone through. We sampled the "parmo" local delicacy and were stopped in the street to discuss trips to Bolton in the 50s and stories of Nat Lofthouse. Certainly football people, may the best team win.
Date – 15/10/18
Time – 20:00
Postcode – M46 9EY
Admission – £7 adults, £4 Concession, £2 U16
How The League Was Won Pt 2
April 30, 2019
A freezing Harry Williams Stadium on New Year’s Day 2019 saw Colls make a real statement of intent, facing a Ramsbottom side in the middle
