Witton Albion JFC

Our 15th fixture of the league season was a home game against Moss Rose Juniors U12 Silks. The game was played in very windy conditions. With the wind blowing from the cricket pavilion end, from one goal to another it was expected that the game would be generally played in one half of the field. Before the game the team discussed the need to adopt a playing style to suit the conditions and also the need for a healthy half time lead in the event that we played with the wind in the first half. It was a surprise that after winning the toss the Moss Rose captain elected to kick into the wind and handed the first half initiative to the Warriors.

Playing the game in challenging weather conditions on a very bumpy pitch in January there was a need to play with intelligence and the usually free flowing football style was always going to be difficult. That said the Warriors certainly adapted the better of the two teams and won fairly easily 7:1. The score line could easily have been greater but for the outstanding performance of the Moss Rose goalkeeper who made a succession of outstanding saves.

From the kick off the Warriors set about the task in hand and took an early lead in the 4th minute. Harley swung in a corner from the left hand side of the field into the wind which helped carry the ball into the goal off the keeper and goal post. 1:0

The lead could have been extended in the 6th minute when a cross from Lucas was volleyed towards goal by Harry but was met by the goalkeeper stretching to push the ball out for a corner.

The Warriors continued to play on the offensive with a number of goal attempts repelled by the Moss Rose defence and keeper. On 15 minutes Moss Rose caught the Warriors with a rapid counter attack that should have led to an equaliser but for an outstretched one handed save by Mason, who pushed the close range shot behind for a corner. From the resulting corner the Warriors in turn counter attacked the length of the field with a good move and final pass by Ewean putting Lucas free for a shot but the ball found side netting. In the 20th minute a shot by Liam struck the post and the following goalmouth scramble couldn’t be finished before the Moss Rose defence eventually cleared the ball.

The Warriors extended the lead in the 24th minute. The Moss Rose keeper is a strong kicker and on a number of occasions was coming out of his goal area to take free kicks. The Warriors were keeping him busy by being caught offside on a number of occasions. However this time the keeper miskicked the freekick directly to Harry on the half way line. With the keeper out of his goal and with the advantage of the tail wind, Harry toe bunged a shot straight into the goal. 2:0.

In the 27th minute a Harley corner from the right found its way to Harry at the far side of the area. A lofted pass was met by Robbie on the volley and into the goal. 3:0.

On the stroke of half time Brad became provider with a through ball to Ewean who guided the ball into the bottom corner to give the Warriors a 4:0 half time lead.

Half time 4:0

It was expected that the Warriors would come under pressure in the second half with the strengthening wind in their faces. However it was the Warriors who in fact scored first in the second half. A superb pass by Lucas in the middle of the field to an unmarked Callum allowed a run and bullet shot over the keeper and into the goal. 5:0.

Moss Rose were certainly having a bit more of the ball in the second half with the wind in their favour. But the Warriors defence stuck to their task brilliantly keeping the ball out of our goal. Ben and Oli especially making a number of excellent challenges and Mason saving a number of shots.

It was the Warriors who scored again. Callum won the ball in midfield and played in Lucas down the right. The cross to Ewean was finished with a fierce shot low passed the keeper. 6:0.

A seventh goal came in the 47th minute following excellent inter play between Liam and Callum. Callum’s pass put Ewean through on goal and he finished the move off for his hattrick.

Moss Rose scored a consolation goal in the 49th minute. A long ball down the left allowed a run at goal by the rapid Moss Rose forward and he shot passed an advancing Mason. 7:1.

Before the final whistle both teams had chances to score and both hit the woodwork.

Taking into account the weather conditions the performance today by the team as a whole could be considered the best of the season so far and the team certainly goes from strength to strength.

Man of the match was awarded to Mason who made a number of outstanding saves and was assured in goal even when facing difficult swirling high balls.

Next week’s game is an away match against Grappenhall Sports U12 Lightning.