Witton Albion JFC

For the fifth game of the season we had a short journey to play Hartford Stags at the Hartford 3G. Coming on the back of an unbeaten start to the season we were looking to extend the momentum and the fine attacking performances of the team thus far. After last weekend’s goal feast this game turned out to be a rather scrappy battle which was edged by the Warriors 2:1.

The first quarter of the game saw a dominate display by Witton with the Hartford team struggling to get out of their own half. Our defence seeing little of the ball during this period. The team retained possession well but struggled to open up the Hartford defence who maintained a tight defensive line. It was a surprise that it took until the 13th minute to take the lead. A strong run by Harry through the Hartford defence presented an opportunity for a shot. The goal bound ball was parried by the unfortunate goalkeeper in to his net.

Straight from the restart Witton regained possession and attacked again with an excellent shot from Ewean producing an equally excellent save from the Hartford goalkeeper, who turned the ball around his post for a corner.

As the first half wore on the Hartford team came back into the game and started to create some attacking play themselves. A short period seeing the Witton defence in a state of panic with some last gasp clearances required.

Half time 1:0 Witton.

The start of the second half saw the Hartford team gaining in confidence and presenting a number of problems, which whilst stretching the Witton defence, were repelled without Mason being troubled too much.

As Hartford continued to press it was inevitable that a goal scoring opportunity would come their way. The Warriors defence failed to clear their lines in the 36th minute which allowed a Hartford player to pounce. A rather tame shot unfortunately finding its way into the back of the Witton net. Score 1:1.

It was pleasing to see that the Hartford goal didn’t dampen the spirit of the Warriors team. A minute after the restart they were back in front. Ewean’s run and shot saw the ball come back off the Hartford defender towards him, a ricochet off Ewean went into the Hartford net for a fortunate goal. Score 2:1.

In the 44th minute Oli won the ball back from a Hartford counter attack and looking up before playing a defence splitting pass straight to Callum, who shot on the turn but unfortunately the ball cleared the crossbar.

Later in the half a run from Robbie allowed a shot from Lucas which passed just wide of the Hartford post.

The match was played competitively by both sides with some strong tackling which resulted in a disjointed game. The rainfall prior to the game left a fast playing surface which made close control of the ball difficult and compounded the dearth of free flowing football.

Man of the match went to a deserving Callum who continually worked hard attacking and coming back defending when needed.

Our next game takes us to Barnton in another away game.