Witton Albion JFC

The ninth game of the league season took us on a short trip to play Hartford U12s. The Autumn sunshine and 3G pitch provided perfect conditions for playing football and both teams contributed to an entertaining game.

The Warriors continued their fine form with a 3:1 victory. The most pleasing aspect of the game was the input from each and every one of the players with an excellent collective team display.

The defence of Harley, Cathal, Finn and Ben restricted Hartford to very few goal scoring opportunities which allowed the offensive play to flourish. Hartford put up a rather stubborn back line and defended in numbers which required some clever teamwork to break them down.

The first goal went to the Warriors in the sixth minute following an outstanding passing move. Firstly, the excellent Oli won the ball back pressing the opposition on the left hand side of midfield. The ball moved quickly across the pitch with passes from Oli to Harry to Brad on the right wing which caught out the napping Hartford defence. An excellent cross by Brad found Robbie in the box and following some nice footwork by Robbie he slotted home a shot low to the keepers left.

The Witton attacking continued with the Hartford defence working hard to keep us from increasing the score line. Both Brad and Lucas put in some noticeable wing play down the right.

On 17 minutes a cross from Ewean to Liam at the far post brought a good save from the Hartford goalkeeper who pushed the ball around the post for a corner. Two minutes later Liam was unlucky again not to score when Robbie found him at the far post but Liam’s shot cleared the cross bar.

Another fine passing move found Lucas on the right wing. He swung in a cross to Robbie but his shot sailed just wide of the post.

Half time 1:0 to Witton.

With the advantage of a just a single goal there was always the concern that we could have been punished for the missed opportunities. Any apprehension was relieved early in the second half. A through ball from Ewean to Harry caused a mix up between the Hartford defenders and goalkeeper which allowed Harry to round the keeper and pass the ball into an undefended net to make it 2:0.

With Hartford defending in numbers their attacking was limited to long balls out of defence. One of these punts by Hartford allowed them an opportunity to score from a debatable penalty. A ball played over the top of the Witton defence allowed an attacker to bare down on Mason. Mason advanced and appeared to play the ball but unfortunately the referee pointed to the spot. 2:1.

In the 40th minute Ewean picked up the ball from a Witton throw in down the left. He cut in field and unleashed a shot from distance which struck the post.

The goal scoring was concluded by Robbie. Ewean’s pass found him on the edge of the Hartford area and he hit a thunderbolt into the top corner of the goal.
The continuous Witton pressing made for an uncomfortable game for the Hartford defenders with the ball continually won back in advanced positions. The passing between players was also exceptional today. This requires hard work which the players embraced.

Full Time 3:1

Man of the match was chosen by the players and this went to a deserving Lucas. He worked hard for the team on the right wing throughout the game.

Next week’s game is a friendly against Davenham U12 Juniors following the postponement of the scheduled game against Hartford Stags.