Sport
Colden Common come back from two goals down to hammer Paulsgrove
Colden Common extended their unbeaten run to four games following their 6-2 win over Paulsgrove on Saturday, which even saw the Stallions two goals down inside the first-half.
Moulay Ousman’s header before a close-range strike by Blaze Pearce saw Grove comfortable in front inside 24 minutes.
But moments before the break, Ollie Riddell found the back of the net from a corner.
HT: Colden Common 1–2 Paulsgrove
Early in the second-half, the Stallions controlled the opening stages. Brad Letherbridge was denied by Grove keeper Joe Boxall multiple times, with Callum Archer and Alpay Ali both coming close to an equaliser but Colden Common finally got the goal they deserved. Will Butcher’s lacktsuer clearance fell straight to Archer, who made no mistake inside the box.
Young forward Braden Collins picked out Ali from outside the box, who rifled a low drive past Boxall from outside the box as Colden Common took the lead.
Three goals later on in the second-half helped sercue an comfortable victory for the Stallions. An unmarked Letherbridge, lurking at the back post, headed the ball back into the box, for Will Erdinc to knock past Boxall. Ali was on target just five minutes later, slotting in the rebound from Josh Harvey-Grey’s effort, and late-on as the former Gosport Borough striker netted his 19th goal of the season.
FT: Colden Common 6-2 Paulgrove
Colden Common head coach Steve King told WINOL after Saturday’s victory: “We’re in good form and I was confident we will create opportunities within the game – we dominated overall, but conceded two early goals. We were clinical in-front of goal, I am pleased with the squads overall performance.”
Only ten points separate Liss Athletic [in fifth] and Moneyfields Reserves [in 15th, and in the drop zone].
Colden Common have now leapfrogged Hook, who were defeated 2-1 against Hayling United.
Life under Steve King
King was a part of the management team at Wessex Premier League outfit Baffins Milton Rovers last season, where the club achieved a seventh place finish and won the League Cup back in May, before he was appointed as head coach at Colden Common after the departure of Nathan Morgan and Connor Doswell – who joined Alresford Town.
During Morgan and Doswell’s time at the Stallions the club won back-to-back Hampshire Premier League trophies and were crowned Hampshire Premier Senior Cup winners, last season.
Colden Common has seen a large chunk of their squad now playing at Alrebury Park in Alresford’s return to step six football, following their relegation from the Wessex Premier League.
A much younger Colden Common squad has seen the club in a relegation battle for a majority of the season but wins against Hook, Fleet Spurs, Hayling and, now, Paulsgrove in recent weeks has allowed the club to be eight points clear of the drop zone.
King explained to WINOL: “It’s been a tough season but I have enjoyed it massively.”
“The youth setup could potentially be massive for us as we look to build a pathway, but I knew it would be tough to create a team that can compete [in the Hampshire Premier League].
“I’ve been confident in these boys all season. We’re hoping for a strong finish to the season to push as high as we can in the league.”
New signings
Ahead of the final few weeks of the season, King has brought in a few additions to help secure a top-half finish in his debut season.
The club has announced the signings of Archer and Cameron Scott [both from Fleetlands], experienced defender Nathan Primus [Petersfield Town], Jacob Keyse [Hythe & Didben] and Portuguese striker Mauro Morias [Paulsgrove].
Morias scored and suffered an injury on his debut against Hook.
Experience is going to be critical at this stage of the season as Colden Common will look to finish in the top-half of the season, despite being near the relegation zone nearly all season.
What is next for both sides?
King’s side continue their fine form when the Stallions take on local rivals Stockbridge next Saturday at Oakwood Park, which was described as a potential ‘entertaining game’ by the former Baffins coach.
Paulsgrove are on the road yet again on Wednesday evening as they take on title challengers Locks Heath, who were victorious at Kennels Lane at the weekend against rock-bottom Fleet Spurs. Grove will continue their season with another away tie, this time in Romsey, against Bishops Waltham Dynamos – three days later, next Saturday.