Early damage leaves Crowle Colts fighting a losing battle

Conceding two early goals did the damage for Crowle Colts U15 as they slipped to a 4-1 defeat to Appleby Frodingham Saints.
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A long shot aided by the wind and a finish which punished sloppy defending got Crowle off to the worst possible start in a clash where the wind played a major role.

Appleby should be credited for the manner in which they managed the conditions to earn their victory.

Crowle did create chances. Leon Cole produced a superb through ball for Kai Cross but he drilled over the bar.

Cross then returned the favour, beating the defence on the right and crossing for Cole who saw his shot saved.

Cross was heavily involved for Crowle and did superbly well to bring the ball down on the edge of the box before turning and firing wide.

At the other end, keeper Marcus Zincke was having a good day between the sticks with a string of good saves.

But seconds before half time, Zincke was beaten for a third time after poor defending did him few favours and the win was effectively handed to the Saints.

Crowle started the second half strong with the wind behind them.

A Joe Maxfield free kick went just wide of the post.

And then the Colts finally found their opening.

Cole whipped in a corner which curled straight in.

Crowle had their tails up and pushed hard to pull another goal back.

David Camfield saw a shot deflected just over the bar while Cole almost scored another from a corner only for a defender to head off the line.

Crowle took their turn to defend with Jackie O’Neil clearing off the line.

But minutes later Appleby grabbed their fourth with a tap on from six yards.

Crowle continued to push right until the end with their best chance coming after a great run down the right from Kyle Neale whose shot was saved by the keeper.

Owen Fletcher scored in the Colts U17’s 1-0 win at Marshal Sports.