Witton Albion JFC

After a break last weekend, the football returned with the tenth game of the league season involving a home game against Winsford Diamonds U12 United. A true top of the table clash, first v second and the game didn’t disappoint. Both teams have been on fire this season and were only separated in the league table by the three points won by the Warriors in the corresponding fixture played back in September.

Prior to the game a minute silence was impeccably observed by both teams players, officials and spectators, to mark the 100 years since the end of WW1.

At times this season, games have been a formality with some high scoring wins for our Warriors. This was a proper game of football between two equally matched teams. This time it was the turn of the Witton defence to shine with the first clean sheet of the season in a 2:0 victory.

There was a cagey start to the game with both teams being guarded and much of the ball played in the middle of the pitch. The Witton defence was solid with Winsford attacks repelled without Mason’s goal being troubled in the first quarter. Both Harley and Lucas were involved with some good intricate passing down the right wing.

After 20 minutes the game started to open up with the Warriors starting to create some chances with Ewean seeing his shot pass just over the cross bar.

In the 24th minute the break through came. From a Winsford corner, the ball was cleared by Ewean to Harry deep in the Witton half. A turn and strong run by Harry drew the oppositions defence which allowed a diagonal ball to be played through and put Robbie clear on goal to open the scoring with a shot high into the roof of the goal.

The goal brought a period of intense pressure on the Winsford goal. A typical Robbie dribble through the oppositions defence led to a shot which struck the post. A further attack allowed Ewean to feed Callum for a run at the oppositions keeper but the goal was ruled out for off-side.

Just before half time Winsford were very unlucky not to equalise. A clearance by Mason in goal fell straight to a Winsford player who shot direct on the volley back over Mason’s head. The ball bounced in front of the net and on to the cross bar in what appeared like slow motion.

Half time 1:0.

After half time Winsford upped their game and put the Witton team under pressure. This kept the Witton defence busy and allowed the defenders particularly Harley and Cathal to show their value to the team with assured defensive play to fend off a stream of Winsford attacks.

The game was hard fought and it was pleasing to see all Witton players maintain discipline despite some late tackles and provocation from the Winsford team.

The game was sealed in the final minute. On the breakaway, a pass from Callum down the Witton right allowed Harry to race at the Winsford goal. Harry was fouled by the Winsford keeper from which the ricochet fell to Robbie who shot on target only for a blatant handball by a Winsford player to prevent a goal. Liam took the resulting penalty and scored to calm the nerves.

Full Time 2:0

Man of the match was shared by Cathal and Harley following their all action defensive exhibition and well deserved too.

Next week’s game is another of a series of home games verses Vale Juniors Congleton U12 Bears.