The Colts A got their season off to a great start with a stunning victory away at Monmouth.

After such a long coach journey it was perhaps unsurprising that the home team started more strongly, almost scoring within five seconds of kick off, and Monmouth continued to have the better of the opening exchanges. They capitalised on the pressure through a headed goal from a corner to take the lead, and Sherborne needed a response.

That is exactly what we got as the visitors began to dominate possession and create chances in the final third. A wonderful move down the left flank involving Lacy-Smith ended up being side-footed against the foot of the post by Affram, before ricocheting off a defender and going for a corner. Justice was done from the resulting set-piece as Holmes fired the ball directly into the far top corner to level things up.

Northey nearly scored what would have been the goal of the season as he struck a wonderful shot from the 35 yards out, only to see it rattle the underside of the bar. He was not to be denied for long though as he rose highest to meet another corner kick and head home from close range.

2-1 at half time was a fair reflection of the play and Sherborne went from strength to strength in the second half, looking dangerous down both flanks and dominating the middle of the park. Monmouth had very few chances, whilst Sherborne created plenty. Affram’s trickery on the edge of the box created enough space for him to strike a venomous shot with the outside of his right boot which hit the inside of the post and into the back of the net.

Within a few seconds the Sherborne striker had a second as the high press from kick off won the ball back and Northey slid it through for Affram to execute another very cool finish.

With the game effectively over as a contest, the home side’s heads dropped and Sherborne continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession and chances. The final score line was no more than the visitors deserved and to a man the Sherborne side had performed outstandingly well. The joy on the faces of the whole squad at the end of the game (and the singing heard coming from the changing room after the game) was well-deserved.

Player of the match:

Max N