Layer Colts vs Colchester Athletic Reds

Athletic made the short journey to Layer hoping to leap frog them in the table and move into the top 3 in the league.

In muddy conditions Athletic started brightly forcing several corners and putting the layer defence under a fair amount of pressure. In just the 5th minute a J.Gillingham corner found its way to the back post where stand in captain M.Pyatt hooked it back over everybody towards the goalkeeper who fumbled the ball over the line under pressure from W.Parker-Wilson.

Despite the early pressure and goal, Athletic failed to capatalize on a fair amount of possession and did not create any clear cut chances although Layer nearly snatched an equalizer. From a low cross the ball slipped through J.Scott's hands but the Layer forward managed to slice the ball just 3 yards out from goal, back into the grateful Scott's hands. This was a rare mistake from Scott, one of the most consistant performers this season. Fortunately there were no more chances for either side as the half drew to a close.

Half time- Layer Colts 0-1 Colchester Athletic Reds

The second half was a tense affair with even fewer chances than in the first half. Layer possibly creating the best chance when their striker nipped in to the area but Scott raced out of goal to send him wide. From this opportunity W.Parker-Wilson took the ball full in the face and had to be replaced - we will see how his black eye turns out at training on Wednesday!!

J.Farmery and N.McKenzie then linked up well with McKenzie firing across goal and just wide.

In the closing stages Scott had to make one fine save when he tipped a goal bound shot just wide but Athletic hung on to gain a valuable 3 points in a good natured game.

Full time- Layer Colts 0-1 Colchester Athletic Reds

Manager Comment

Another victory and another close game against Layer which we probably just about deserved to win in a game of very few chances for either team. Its good that the boys kept a clean sheet but we never really got out of 3rd gear on a muddy early morning game. The best teams 'win ugly' and so we must be doing something right.

Well done again boys!