Witton Albion JFC

Over to Helsby for a friendly against next season's Division 2 side, and an easier journey for the East Cheshire dwellers than usual. From the whistle Helsby pressed but we soon had the measure of them. First attack on goal by us from a corner. Throughout the game 90% of the ref's decisions went our way and we continued to press relentlessly. Despite his best efforts from a number of free kicks Matty failed to find a Witton head to put the ball in the back of the net. After a brief break to remove an injured Helsby player, more pressing from Witton sees Sam hitting a cracker from 20 yards out; 1-0 to Witton. A strong ref used the yellow card to 'sin bin' a mouthy Helsby player. We should have had more yellows shown to Helsby with some bad tackles coming in on Callum and others from the same player. Only minutes into the second half Matty takes a corner which, after some scrabbling, landed at Muzza’s feet for him - with some nifty footwork - to dink it in the back of the net. Witton lead 2-0. However, Minutes later Helsby go on the offensive from a free kick outside the box and with their first go at our goal make it 2-1. A second unfortunate break by the opposition makes it 2-2 shortly after. In the last 15 a good save by our ‘return to the fold’ keeper Max keeps us in the game. Despite continuing to press into the Helsby half - with header opportunities from Matty and Sean and a shot from Sam which glances off the bar, the game ends in a 2-2 draw. Strong performances from Matty in midfield and Tom in a roving role up front. All played their hearts out today. And last, but not least, a big shout out to Ellis, who after a good number of years playing for Witton, now has to leave us due to weekend work commitments - Ellis you have been a superstar for us and we will miss you both at matches and at training. Ellis will remain on our books, as if he is allowed a Sunday off work at some time he will be able to grace us with his presence.