Witton Albion JFC

Third game of the season away at Grappenhall facing their other team. Match was brought forward due to us having a bye week.
The playing conditions were perfect the grass had been cut so our slick passing game could commence!

However, it was a difficult start to end for the boys today. We were riddled with injuries, poor Luca with his knee, Fraiser with his leg, Max with his thigh, Harrison with his back, Ruben with his knee/leg and not to forget Zakee with bust ankle, which he’ll be out for another couple of weeks.

The first half we played some good football. The opposition closed us down quickly and were physical which put pressure on the boys. As the game went along it looked at times as some of the boys were tired and it was noticeable.
We had to make a number of changes during the game and played players out of position and work with what we had, which I think at times confused play. Our one goal was a own goal which deflected off a Grappenhall player.

As the game continued we struggled to get momentum, we found it difficult to string three passes together at times, which was really hard to take in as I know the boys can play some great football.

Grappenhall returned with two goal leaving it 2-1 to them at half time. The half time talk consisted of positioning and for players to track back as we seemed vulnerable on the counter attack. The middle of the park was an issue too as their seemed to be gaps which the opposition exploited.

The second half started and it went from bad to worse. The boys tried but we were out played by a good team who’s movement on and off the ball was impressive. We did have a number of chances to score but it wasn’t happening today. Grappenhall scored three very good goals which resulted in the game finishing 5-1.

I know the Wolves were upset with some decisions made by the ref at times and some of the opposition team mocking them on the pitch, but this is something they’re going to have to deal with going forward. The older they get, the more physical and competitive it becomes.

Again, we had a number of contenders for MOTM, it was given to Charlie Anderson, who made some great saves and was focused throughout the game, well done!

There’s plenty of work for us coaches going forward too, which we’ll focus on during our training sessions. I have asked the boys to take personal responsibility over there fitness levels as our sessions will be focused on game related play. I know some have joined the gym and some do other activities which is great.

Overall, we performed well during some spells of the game and I don’t feel that a 5-1 score sheet reflects the performance the boys put in. We could have scored a number of goals but it was not happening and I know on the return match the Wolves will be up for the battle.

Witton 1- Grappenhall Gladiators 5

MOTM- Charlie Anderson