Witton Albion JFC

Match day eight and a home game against Grappenhall Sports U12 Lightning was played out in the Autumn sunshine.

Following the outstanding team performance of the previous weekend the pre-match team talk included the risk of complacency against a team lower down in the league and the need to put the same effort into the game that we saw against Congleton.

From the kick off the Warriors were on the offensive. The opening goal came after 5 minutes. A through ball from Ewean set Harry through on goal, he rounded the goal keeper and scored with a gentle shot into the empty net.

However the goal seemed to inspire the Grappenhall team rather than the Warriors. A couple of minutes later a fine move by Grappenhall down their right wing led to a cross into the Witton penalty area which was met by an unmarked Grappenhall player who headed past Mason for the equaliser.

Two minutes later and the Warriors found themselves behind. With the defence at sixes and sevens, a Grappenhall attack down their left side this time concluded with a goal to give them a 2:1 lead.

After 12 minutes Witton equalised. Robbie was fouled and picked himself up to take the resultant freekick. A dipping shot deceived the goalkeeper and found the onion bag. 2:2.

After 22 minutes a good run and pass by Liam found Robbie who beat the goalkeeper with a low angled shot from the left hand side to put Witton 3:2 in front.

Shortly after on 24 minutes the lead was extended. A repeat of the first goal saw Ewean again place a great through ball to put Harry free on goal and he finished with a drive high into the roof of the Grappenhall goal.

Half Time 4:2

The half time team talk discussed the need to increase the tempo of the game and the ‘subject of the day’ increasing the passing between players.

The second half continued much as the first had finished. Witton generally on the attack but not playing their best football.

Two goals came in quick succession early in the second half. Firstly Ewean hit a piledriver after 36 minutes which beat the dive of the Grappenhall keeper. The ball hit the post but fortunately the rebound hit the back of the goalkeeper and crept over the line for an own goal.

A minute later a rare passing move down the Witton right enabled Ewean to cross a ball into Robbie who controlled the ball before hitting a shot past the keeper to make it 6:2.

In the second half, the game opened up with both teams creating a number of goal scoring opportunities which required both teams goalkeepers to be on their game to make good saves.

After 41 minutes what could have been the goal of the match was ruled out for off-side, A free kick from Harry was lofted over the Grappenhall defensive line to Ewean who volleyed
the ball into the net.

Oli was unlucky not to score after 46 minutes after a cross from Ewean found him unmarked in the box. Oli’s shot was saved low down to the keepers right.

Grappenhall were unlucky not to score after 49 minutes. A free kick was headed against Mason’s goal frame.

The scoring was concluded following Liam’s run at the opposition defence. Liam was tackled but the ball fell to Ewean who scored to make it 7:2.

Mason pulled off a couple of fine saves late on from Grappenhall attacks prior to the final whistle to see the Warriors winning run continue.

The Witton free flowing football of recent weeks wasn’t quite in evidence today. There has been continual encouragement of players to pass the ball more often to breakdown the opposition with recent exercises in training centred around this. Training has included ‘passing through the thirds’ games. We will continue to work on this aspect with the team to improve the general team play.

Man of the match went to a deserving Oli. He remained positive throughout the game encouraging others to up their games.

Next week’s game takes to play Hartford on the 3G pitch.