Report: Colls 1-0 Maine Road

Following a dismal display against fellow Championship protagonists Runcorn Linnets the previous weekend Colls needed a good performance against Maine Road to get a little confidence back. Maine Road came into this fixture with their shooting boots on fire having scored 19 goals in their previous 4 outings which had seen them garner a maximum 12 points. The visitors started proceedings on the front foot with Colls struggling to get hold of the Mitre football. In the 6th minute Road attack brilliantly down the flank and the winger pulled the ball back only for the shot to be blasted wide. Dave Sherlock had Colls opening sortie but his effort from distance was easily dealt with. The two sides were well and truly testing each other out and although goal action was being kept to a minimum it was an interesting match up. Colls debutant Darrhyl Mason was becoming a constant thorn in his marker’s side and on 37 minute’s he was denied by the keeper when in a one on one situation. Minutes later Colls were in front. Young midfielder Liam Wood low attempt evaded a packed penalty box and it went in with the help of the near post. Colls made a good start to the second half and both Mason and Wood had goalbound efforts blocked inside the area. Road then had their best chance of the game. A deep ball from the right was pulled back at the near post but the resultant effort flashed over the bar. A lucky escape for the Colls side who looked resplendent in their black n white halved Centenary jersey. The match continued to be end to end and Colls had to see out a tense last quarter to close out the win and get a vital 3 points on the board. Although the game wasn’t a goalfest there was real quality on parade. Maine Road are rightly lauded for their youth policy but Colls are a youngish outfit also. The future of both teams look rosy. Attendance - 186 Match report by Emil Anderson Photo by Ian Monk