Witton Albion JFC

Match nineteen of the league season was a home game against familiar opposition in Grappenhall Sports U12 Lightning. The weather was dry and the cricket field had dried out to leave a firm playing surface which was welcomed after playing on a boggy surface the previous week.

Without paying too much disrespect to the opposition we set the team a 10 goal challenge for this game. The boys didn’t disappoint either winning the game 11:3. The Warriors have been free-scoring in recent weeks and have notched an impressive 40 goals in the last five games. In recent weeks in training, team work and passing along the floor have been the focus and it was pleasing to witness some excellent passing moves in this game.

The Warriors got off to a fast start playing at a good tempo and took the lead when Oli crossed from the right wing to Lucas at the far post who hammered a shot past the keeper. 1:0.

After 13 minutes the lead was extended when Robbie passed forward to Oli down the right wing. Oli returned a pass to the advancing Robbie who rolled the ball into goal with the keeper stranded. 2:0.

As usual with the Warriors one goal is often quickly followed by another. A minute later Harry’s shot hit the post and rebounded to Robbie who hit a shot over keeper 3:0. Robbie returned the favour a minute later when he played in Harry to score with a low shot into bottom right of the goal. 4:0.

Grappenhall have experienced a difficult season so far but to their credit their team do keep going in games even when they're losing. They pulled a goal back when their forward pressed the Warriors defence into a mistake allowing the forward to sprint clear to score. 4:1.

The Warriors created numerous scoring chances in the game and were often denied by some excellent saves by the two Grappenhall keepers who played a half each.

Just before half time Ciaran had a shot saved by the keeper but he could only direct the ball to Callum who scored with a shot into roof of net and maintain his good scoring form of recent weeks.

Half time 5:1.

Straight from restart Lucas won the ball pressing a Grappenhall defender and created a shooting opportunity, however the ball just missed going the wrong side of the far post. Oli had played excellent on the right wing in the first half and Lucas stepped into the position in the second half with an exceptional performance.

Mason hadn’t had too much to do in the first half but had to be alert after 34 minutes when he raced off his line to intercept a Grappenhall breakaway.

Grappenhall’s second half keeper was probably their man of the match saving a series of goal scoring opportunities from Lucas, Robbie, Harry, Ciaran and Callum. However he was powerless to stop Robbie on 37 minutes. Harry dribbled through the Grappenhall defence and cut a pass back to Robbie, who created an angle before crashing a low shot across keeper. 6:1.

Two minutes later, a Harley corner was converted by Callum with a low shot on the volley 7:1.

In the 41st minute Lucas was fouled to the right of the oppositions penalty box. He picked himself up to take the freekick and laid on a cross to Harry to score under the keepers dive. 8:1.

Grappenhall scored a second goal after a good move down their right side. The ball was played into a box with a Grappenhall player scoring with a well-placed chip over mason. 8:2.

The closing minutes of the game saw a flurry of goals. In the 55th minute Callum played a delightful ball into the box for Lucas to crash home a half volley for his second goal of the game. 9:2. 57th minute, Ewean crossed from the right to Harley who headed home to achieve the games target of ten goals. 10:2.

The Warriors weren’t finished scoring and in the 59th minute Harrys run and pass to Robbie allowed him to set up Harley at the far post 11:2.

In the closing seconds Grappenhall scored a third goal. An initial shot was saved by Mason when the ball cannoned into his face but we was powerless to stop the rebound shot. 11:3. Full time.

Man of the match went to Lucas who had his best game yet in the red and white Witton shirt. Scoring twice and denied a hat-trick by the excellent Grappenhall keeper. Well done Lucas!

Next week’s match is away to Vale Juniors Congleton Bears.