Witton Albion JFC

The fourth league game of the season involved another trip to Macclesfield to play Tytherington Juniors U12 AFC this time. The sunshine was welcome too after the storms in the last week.

The opening 10 minutes of the game was generally played in the Witton half of the field with Tytherington gaining the upper hand in midfield. Despite their early dominance of ball possession the Warriors defence lining up with Harley, Cathal and Finn stood strong with the Tytherington team not being able to make a shot on Mason’s goal.

Witton were able to play on the counter attack which probably suited our game. Both Harry and Ewean came close to scoring only to be denied by the excellent Tytherington goal keeper.

In the 7th minute and again on the counter attack a delightful through ball from Lucas gave Harry a free run on goal. He scored with a low shot to the keepers right to put the warriors 1:0 up.

On 11 minutes Harley found Robbie on the edge of the oppositions box with an angled pass. Robbie controlled the ball and flicked it over the head of the on rushing goal keeper before running on to crash a drive into the centre of the goal.

The second goal brought about a change in the momentum of the game. Robbie and Ewean dominated the midfield for the remainder of the first half with the Warriors running riot. Some strong tackling and passing gave Witton the advantage, with Brad particularly playing well when he entered the game at the first substitutions.

The third goal came in the 14th minute. Harry passed the ball to Robbie on the edge of the area. Robbie passed a low ball through the centre of the Tytherington defence to an on-side Ewean, who calmly stoked home.

A fourth goal was scored a minute later. Harry’s through ball found Robbie who was able to convert with a low shot. With constant pressure now on Tytherington, a mix up in their defence allowed Robbie to score the 5th goal from close range to seal his hat-trick.

Robbie was giving an outstanding display and further increased the score line with a long range shot. Score 6:0.

On the stroke of half-time and with Witton in total control we switched off from our own goal kick. The clearance fell to an unmarked Tytherington player who returned the ball towards our goal with a long range bullet.

Half time 6:1.

The half-time team talk discussed how well the team had played in the first half but also on the need to maintain concentration with the goal conceded just before half time acting as a wake-up call.

The Tytherington team certainly came to life in the first twenty minutes of the second half scoring three goals in quick succession. Score 6:4. The momentum was certainly with Tytherington with Witton struggling to contain their attacks and their ability to shoot from distance. Oliver had his work cut-out in the centre of the defence making some important interceptions.

Mid-way through the second half and with Witton under pressure a clearance out of our defence found Harry on the halfway line. He was able to kick the bouncing ball over both his head and the defensive line for Liam to use his pace down the Witton left wing. Liam cut in from the left and squared a pass to the incoming Lucas who drilled a shot past the Tytherington keeper. Score 7:4. The goal certainly settled the Warriors down and allowed a fairly equal passage of play to the final whistle.

Callum made a number of direct runs down the right which unfortunately didn’t give him the assist that his efforts deserved.

Before the end Ewean was able to dribble the ball through the Tytherington defence before seeing his drive cannon back off the cross bar.

Tytherington to their credit kept going and scored a late consolation with another long range shot passed Mason’s right outstretched hand.

The game was played in good spirits with few fouls committed by either team.

Man of the match was Ewean who despite coming off injured in the final 5 minutes of the game put in an incredible energetic performance covering almost every blade of grass on the pitch. Well done Ewean!

Taking all the positives from a win that keeps us at the top of league 4, the team discussed the need to close down the opposition more quickly in future and prevent them from taking long range shots at our goal.

The next two games sees us away again but to the more local Hartford and Barnton prior to our first home game of the season on 14th October