Witton Albion JFC

The first round draw of the Mid Cheshire U13’s Youth Challenged Cup presented the Warriors with a home tie verses Tytherington Juniors AFC. We had played the Tytherington team on three occasions last season and on each occasion the games were tight affairs in which the Warriors prevailed. This game followed a similar pattern with the close contest edged by the Warriors 3:2.

Tytherington scored the first goal after just 3 minutes. A corner was parried away by Mason, but the ball fell to an attacker just inside the area and the shot was converted. 0:1. Its not unusual for the Warriors to fall a goal behind in games and they soon created some chances of their own.

In the 7th minute Jett shot just wide of the upright. One minute later a cross field ball by Ciaran found an unmarked Oli down the right flank. Oli’s shot was saved low down at the near post for a corner.

In the 15th minute the Warriors were back on level terms. Oli was fouled and took the free kick from midway in the Tytherington half. The ball into the area was partially cleared but only to Ciaran, who returned a curling shot just inside the far post. 1:1.

The Warriors were influencing control of the midfield play as the half wore on. The defenders too were becoming more comfortable with the higher defensive line which has been adopted. This is something that we have been working on in training for both defenders and attackers. In fact the Warriors offensive players weren’t caught offside at all in this game which was very pleasing.

A Tytherington excursion into the Warriors half was halted by Cathal on 25 minutes. He collected the ball and placed a well weighted pass through the Tytherington defensive line which put Robbie through on goal. Robbie’s pace gave him the advantage over the pursuing defenders before he drove the ball high into the goal. 2:1.

The Warriors were on top with half time approaching but were undone by a long punt forward by Tytherington. An attacker was baring down on goal and looking certain to score before he was tripped by Toby to concede a penalty. The penalty kick was scored down the centre of the goal. 2:2

Half time 2:2

Two minutes after the break Mason made an excellent save, rushing out of his goal to intercept and keep the Warriors lead intact.

For an extended period in the second half both teams cancelled each other out with few goal scoring opportunities created. With penalties looking a possibility, Robbie was the catalyst for a surge in tempo and the creation of a series of chances. On 60 mins Robbie danced through the Tytherington defence but shot wide of goal. A minute later the ball again fell to Robbie but his shot across the keeper was wide of the far post.

The 62nd minute arrived and a bit of magic by Robbie won the game. He picked the ball up on the right and cut in towards the area. His run took him past several defenders before he crashed a shot past the keeper. 3:2.

Just before the final whistle there was a flurry of activity. Harvey was unlucky not to score with a shot just wide before Tytherington ventured up the pitch to put some final pressure on the Warriors. With virtually the final kick of the game a Tytherington shot from a tight angle passed just wide of the Warriors far post.

Full time 3:2

Overall this was an excellent team effort for the second game in a row. Man of the match was awarded to Reuben who was dominant in defence and put in a number of exceptional tackles. Well done Reuben!

Next game is another cup fixture but this time in the Cheshire FA U13’s County Cup. The match against Sandbach United Eagles U13’s will be played at Moss Farm with a 2pm kick off. The Warriors last played the Eagles at the beginning of the 17/18 U11’s season where the Eagles were comfortable winners. The Warriors have come along way since that contest and should give the Eagles a run for their money this time round.