Colden Common run riot before late wobble against Alresford

The Stallions stormed into a four-goal lead in a ruthless first-half display in a 4-2 win over local rivals Alresford Town

The hosts thought they had struck inside the opening minute when Cam Stone managed to lob keeper Ben Barnard, only for the offside flag to cut short the celebrations.

They did not have to wait long. Just nine minutes in, Cal Archer threaded a pass into the path of Sam Woodward, who slid a low finish beyond Barnard to hand the Colden Common an early lead.

It should have been two soon after. Will Erdinc’s clever cut-back found Brad Lethbridge lurking, but the former Portsmouth midfielder could only guide his effort wide. Woodward then stung the palms of Barnard with a half-volley, while Owen Sims was foundinto acres of space on the right, only to see his dink drift off target.

Alresford briefly threatened Former Stallion Josh Bowerman capitalised on a loose back pass from Archer, racing through one-on-one, but James Egeland-Jensen stood tall to block and preserve the lead.

Colden Common punished the visitors as they struck twice in quick succession to take control. Joao Ferreira managed to curl home a composed finish after being picked out by Lethbridge, before rounding Barnard moments later to slot in his second. 

Sims nearly added a fourth before the break, his low corner falling to Stone on the edge of the box, but the midfielder dragged his effort wide.

Alresford thought they had a route back when skipper Tom Henderson finished off a swift counter-attack, only for the flag to once again but this time to deny them. Moments later, Colden Common were awarded a controversial penalty for handball, and Lethbridge stepped up to convert from the spot, sending Steve King’s side into the break with a 4-0 lead. 

It was one-way traffic after the restart. Sims continued to find space on the right and picked out Woodward, but the forward could not keep his effort on target. Lethbridge then saw a golden opportunity smothered by Barnard as the Stallions pushed for more.

An unmarked Henderson managed to head home Jack Welch’s delivery and pull one back for the Magpies. .

There was still time for more late drama. Matty Driver rattled the crossbar on his return, while a hopeful long ball forward from Barnard caused panic in the Colden Common defence. Henderson’s initial effort was blocked on the line by Sam Middleton, but Bowerman reacted quickest to force the ball home against his former club. 

Next up for Colden Common is the visit of mangerless Blackfield and Langley, whilst Alresford host Frimley Green.