Witton Albion JFC

The Warriors played Hartford U12’s in the 21st game of the league season. In this local derby both teams served up what turned out to be a Sunday morning thriller. The game was a great advert for junior football and offered up all the excitement and entertainment offered in the Premier League.

The Wolves had played on the pitch immediately prior to our game and compounded with the continual rain the pitch resembled a mud bath, which was a far cry from the perfect 3G pitch that Hartford are familiar with. That said it didn’t stop both teams trying to play the game in the right way.

The Warriors made a strong start to the game and were on top for the bulk of the first half. After 5 minutes, a superb passing move the length of the pitch following a Hartford corner and concluded with a Callum shot which was saved for a Warriors corner. The Warriors maintained the pressure. The corner was cleared by Hartford but Ciaran picked up the ball on the left half way into the Hartford half. Ciaran played a diagonal pass that appeared to beat everyone in its path except Oli on the right who smashed a pile driver across the keeper and the ball was still rising as it hit the back of the net. 1:0.

The Warriors extended the lead on 15 minutes. A strong run by Robbie down the left took him beyond the Hartford defence. Robbie cut in a laid a pass back to Ciaran, who in turn passed to Callum in the centre of the goal to score with a low shot. 2:0.

The Hartford team appeared happy to play on the counter attack requiring the Warriors defence to stay alert to the runs of the Hartford nippy forward players. Cathal made a couple of memorable sliding tackles to win the ball just as the Hartford player was pulling the trigger. Brad and Harley too played well to repel Hartford offensive play. Mason too made an important interception to block a shot from close range after 20 minutes.

The Warriors created a number of scoring opportunities but the chances went begging. Then with the last kick of the first half Hartford scored with an angled shot to reduce the deficit.

Half time 2:1.

The Warriors had been on top in the first half but the late Hartford goal rejuvenated their spirit. Hartford put the Warriors under pressure in the opening minutes of the second half. In the 37th minute a Hartford corner was volleyed just wide to the Warriors relief.

From that scare the Warriors went straight up the field with Robbie and Lucas combining to set up Liam but he shot wide of the goal.

The game opened up in the second half with both teams having numerous goal attempts. In the 43rd minute Mason made a great save with his legs to keep the Warriors in front.

Oli had a good chance in the 48th minute but he shot just wide following a Witton corner.

Hartford got a deserved equaliser on the 50th minute to set up a tense final ten minutes. 2:2.

Witton could have been back in front almost immediately. Harry was fouled and took the resulting freekick. A low shot into the Hartford area was flicked on by Callum but the ball passed just wide of the post.

Two minutes later the Warriors did get back in front. A low hit corner by Liam was sneaked over the goal line by Callum at the near post. A further chance fell to Liam in front of goal but his shot was saved.

In a game like this that ebbed and flowed it would have been unjust for either team to have lost and Hartford got a deserved equaliser two minutes from time. 3:3.

Hartford and Warriors will meet again at the end of April and we will be hoping for another epic encounter.

As we enter ‘the business end of the season’ the Warriors have stumbled in the last two outings. With six games to play just seven points will see the team Division 4 Champions assuming Winsford win their games too.

Man of the match went to Cathal who had a fine game playing defensive midfield in a slight change to his usual position as we prepare for next season.

Next weekend we are away at Hartford Stags on the 3G pitch.