Witton Albion JFC

New Witton Chairman John Salmon roared into his new role with a 2-0 (Tames x2) win over Lancaster on Saturday and then bestowed the hallowed turf to the Witton Albion U14 team for the Sunday match against table-topping Sandbach Eagles. As Phil F opened the doors to Wincham Park the teams stepped onto.. wonder.. changing rooms, a real pitch, loos and seats for the long-suffering parents. The manager was more interested in the whiteboard as the team warmed up, occasionally emerging to bark instructions at the defence warm up, before retiring to his new hidey-hole; “this is even better than the 3G at Moss Farm” he was heard shouting from the bowels of the main stand. After Jodie had settled herself into the Directors Box, she announced “for me this is like playing at Old Trafford”, leading to an immediate blue/red/scouse split, with only the manager wondering at why he didn’t know Jodie liked cricket that much.

About five minutes had expired with nothing of note occurring apart from a “plastic coach” Sandbach parent shouting irrelevant rubbish from the back of the stand completely contradicting the coaches’ instructions. Then, Theo exploded into action and with the support of the tireless Elliot W, led to an early chance for Luke up top – sadly just wide. As the squawking from the Sandbach parents reached dangerous levels, the glass at Northwich Glass shattered when the opposition squeezed in a close range effort. Once it was explained that the game was not in fact the FA Cup Final (as stated to the Witton U15 linesman the previous week), the flares were extinguished and the game could continue. Witton continued to huff and puff, generally controlling the game without exerting the opposition keeper, although Jack sent in three good long range efforts. In defence, Damien, Harry and Fin were fairly comfortable but when breached, Elliot J was on fine form with a number of great saves keeping the champions-elect at bay. Move of the half involved silky skill from Sam as he chopped the opposition left back into oblivion before creating a chance for Dan.

After a half-time team talk consisting of multiple board wipes, loo trips and sweet bottled spring water from the canal but bereft of any meaningful instructions, the Albs trotted out for a second half that began with a whimper but ended explosively. Luke, as ever, was chasing down up front and ably supported by the midfield dynamos Ollie and Thomas, but the red and white stripes could not force an equaliser. Disaster struck as the Witton defence froze and Sandbach went two goals up. Encouraged, the Eagles rampaged at the Wincham End but found Keegan, Tom A and Tommy C steadfast, with Tom A particularly belligerent and Keegan finding his touch magnificently. After multiple substitutes and a brief foray into the world of “three at the back”, Witton began to dominate and eventually found joy as Tyler passed neatly to Dan for a great far post finish with 5 minutes to go. Then, with seconds left on the clock, Dan found himself in an identical position and smashed home a perfect low finish to grab a deserved equaliser to send the home fans wild.

After the final whistle, the manager paid the referee Tom (standard protocol) and set to sweeping the floor. A splendid fightback from Witton, evoking memories of 2016, with the Chief ebullient; “that’s something I’ll take all day” as he munched on his carvery at the Clock after the game. Another example of how this team can compete with the best – good tidings for the U15 season indeed.

Captain’s man of the match: Dan
Managers Man of The match: Tom A
Magic moment: Sam’s chop in the first half
Quote of the day: “why is the snack bar not open?”