Witton Albion JFC

With a break in the league fixtures we had the opportunity to play a friendly game against Grappenhall Sports U12 Tigers. The Tigers are a second division team and have been on good form since the turn of the year winning all five of their league games in 2019. This game was an opportunity for the Warriors to test themselves against a better quality opposition.

The result of the game wasn’t of significance but we were looking for an industrious performance with the players encouraged to express themselves and work for the team.

Playing a quality team presented a different pattern of play than the Warriors have been used to. Much of the early play was in midfield with few goal scoring opportunities. Both Robbie and Ewean were grafting to get a foot hold in the game. Also the Warriors defence featuring Harley, Cathal, Ben and later with Oli were immense. They really put in a shift and hardly missed a tackle when needed.

After 10 minutes the Warriors had their first real attack when Ewean played a through ball for Robbie. He rounded the keeper but was caught by a defender before he could get his shot off.

After 12 minutes, Tigers had a long range shot which was well held by Mason. A minute later and Mason was back in action to advance off his goal line and block a shot. In this game Mason certainly saw a great deal more of the ball and was assured with his handling.

In the 21st minute Ewean cut in from the right wing and had a shot which was save by the outstretched Tigers keeper who gathered the ball at the second attempt, as Robbie was closing in on the loose ball.

The Tigers had a good scoring opportunity from a corner but the shot missed the target and in the closing moments of the first half the Tigers had a shot which hit the top of the cross bar.

The whole Warriors team put in a huge effort in the first half and the importance of good fitness levels was clear in a fast tempo game. The Warriors were certainly a match for the Tigers.

Half time 0:0

In the 33rd minute the Tigers took the lead. A player cut in from the right wing and hit a left footed shot low passed Mason into the bottom corner of the net. 0:1.

A minute later and the Tigers increased the lead when a diagonal cross ball from right to left was finished off with a good shot. 0:2.

Loosing two goals in quick succession could easily have dented the Warriors self-esteem but to their credit and with touch line encouragement they kept up the hard work. In the 37th minute a Warriors attack featuring several players resembled a rugby maul and the push concluded with a Ewean shot just wide of goal.

The Warriors got a goal back on 45 minutes. Harry twisted and turned through the Tigers defence before laying on Robbie to score with a low shot. 1:2.

The goal gave the Warriors renewed belief and they finished the final quarter of the game as the stronger team. Liam had a good opportunity but shot just wide.

A big shout goes out to the Warriors wingers and midfielders in this game (Liam, Oli, Lucas, Ewean, Robbie, Callum and Ciaran) and the huge work load they got through getting back and forth from attack to defence. It isn’t easy to keep the mobility for long periods but they kept going.

In the closing minutes of the game a final Warriors goal attempt was presented with a free kick taken by Harry but he unfortunately missed the target.

The team performance today was encouraging and we certainly shouldn’t fear playing the higher ranked teams. Man of the match went to the whole team for their exertions. The medal was hung on Daniel’s tree to mark his birthday. Each player should take confidence for their own personal endeavours within the overall team play in what was a very competitive game.

Next weekend we are back to league action against Barnton FC Juniors U12. We will be looking for a win to see the team crowned league champions in the final home game at the cricket club this season, before the pitch is returned to the cricket club to prepare for the forthcoming cricket season. Get the champagne on ice!