Witton Albion JFC

This Presidents Cup quarter-final tie brought the Warriors up against Grappenhall Sports U12 Gladiators. Grappenhall, like the Warriors, have an unbeaten record in their league this season so something was going to give for one team in this final game of 2018. The match also provided the opportunity to measure the development of our team against an opposition from a higher league where we hope to be next season. The game was played out in a competitive but sporting manner and provided a spectacle for all those watching.

Witton got off to a strong start in the game and should have taken the lead in the fourth minute. Ewean made a strong run down the right beating a number of the opposing defenders in the process. Ewean crossed to Harry who shot low but was blocked by the goalkeepers legs.

Grappenhall themselves created a number of early scoring chances with Mason making some good saves. In the 8th minute Grappenhall took the lead after a succession of corners. A failed clearance allowed a cross into the Witton area which was headed passed Mason. 0:1.

Grappenhall were applying the pressure but the Warriors were equally defending well to repel their attacks. It was on the counterattack that Witton were able to equalise. In a move comparable to the fourth minute, an interchange of passes led to Ewean getting down the right and crossing into the box. Harry miscued his attempted shot straight to Brad who hit the ball on the volley into the net. 1:1.

The goal certainly gave the Warriors belief and Ewean and Oli started to get some midfield possession. However pushing forward the Warriors were undone by a Grappenhall counterattack. With Witton on the offensive a long clearance by their goal keeper deceived the Witton defence and a Grappenhall player beat Ben to the ball and raced clear to score. 1:2.

Grappenhall further extended their lead just before half time. A corner from the right wasn’t cleared and ricocheted between several players before it was poked past Mason for a scrappy goal.

Halftime 1:3.

In the second half the Warriors certainly upped the tempo of the game and pulled a goal back on 34 minutes. A good passing move through the Witton midfield preceded Liam knocking the diagonal ball over the Grappenhall defensive line. Harry raced forward and beat the defender to the ball before firing high passed the keeper into the roof of the net.

The goal gave the Warriors the belief they could get back into the game. Another passing move down the Witton left eventually fell to Oli who’s shot just cleared the cross bar.

The Warriors pressing game was causing the Grappenhall defence problems with much of the second period played in the Grappenhall half of the pitch. In the 39th minute Oli pressed and regained possession just outside the area. Following an exchange of passes with Harry and Ewean the ball found its way back to Oli but his shot lacked the power to beat the keeper.

With Witton continuing to push for the equaliser Ewean had a couple of attempts at goal which were unfortunately saved. The offensive drive for the equaliser did expose our defence to a potential counterattack and we survived a scare on the 46th minute when a long ball allowed the nimble Grappenhall forward to beat our defenders and shoot. Luckily the ball cannoned off the base of the post and away to safety.

The Warriors continued to give everything up to the final whistle but it wasn’t to be our day. There were exhausted and disappointed faces on the players at the end. We can only ask that they give 100% effort each week and they certainly did in this game and should take pride not dissatisfaction from this experience. The Grappenhall manager acknowledged that our Warriors had given them a tough game and we wish Grappenhall good luck in the semi-final.

Man of the match was awarded to Cathal who’s defensive play is improving week on week and he is forming a good defensive unit with his fellow defenders.

2018 has certainly provided a rollercoaster of emotion for the team and supporting parents. January started off poorly with four defeats in succession. Since the start of February the team has gone from strength to strength which should continue into 2019.