Witton Albion JFC

The first league game of 2019 involved a top of the table clash against Winsford Diamonds U12 United at Knights Grange. The fixture was brought forward because our originally scheduled game was postponed due to Hartford still being involved with the Presidents Cup.

Winsford Diamonds United are a team we know well and this was our third league meeting with them this season. The previous two games have been close affairs but the Warriors have been victorious on both occasions. Going into this six pointer the Warriors had the advantage of a six point lead over Winsford at the top of Division 4 and the importance of a positive result was stressed to the players to keep Winsford at bay.

Over the Xmas break the Warriors have had a number of run outs with the games in Congleton, the 3:2 victory over our sister club, Witton Wolves and the training match on Friday evening. These sessions aimed at maintaining the fitness of the players certainly paid off with the Warriors getting a deserved but hard fought 1:0 victory over Winsford.

The match, whilst not being a spectacle of goal scoring, turned out to be a great game of football between two fairly evenly matched teams. The one thing that is demanded of all Witton players is that they put 100% into their play and today we weren’t disappointed with either the desire, attitude or application. The work rate of every player was exceptional and probably tipped the game in our favour.

The first half of the game was a cagey affair with much of the play in midfield with both teams cancelling each other out. The Witton defence featuring Cathal, Ben, Oli and later Harley were in a miserly mood and revoked any Winsford offensive play.

The best Witton opportunity of the first half came from a free kick on the edge of the Winsford penalty area. Ewean was fouled when his run threatened the Winsford defence. Harry took the resulting free kick with a direct shot which required the Winsford goalkeeper to stretch and push the ball over the crossbar for a corner.

Half time 0:0.

In the second period the Warriors were certainly the stronger of the two teams. After 34 minutes Ewean and Robbie combined with a passing move which led to a Robbie shot passing wide of the target. With Witton getting on top it was only a matter of time until a goal scoring opportunity would present itself. In the 43rd minute Brad was fouled. Harley took the freekick and swung a threatening cross into the box. The attempted defensive clearance fell to Robbie who brought the ball under control before firing low into the bottom corner of the goal. 0:1.

Witton continued to press with both Liam and Harry going close to scoring. Full Time 0:1

The clean sheet was welcomed. Mason was assured in goal, holding on to a number of long range shots and crosses with the confident defence in from of him keeping his workload to a minimum.

There were a number of contenders for Man of the match which after some deliberation was awarded to Ewean, his energy and running probably covered every blade of grass in this game.

Next week’s game is a home match against Moss Rose Juniors U12 Silks.