Witton Albion JFC

.... OH MY GIDDY AUNT - Connor is walking up to take the first penalty!
Anyway let’s start at the beginning …… it feels like we should be disappointed but the supporters on the side lines feel so proud of the boys performance today. We lost on penalties (again!) after an incredibly exciting Cup tie when we drew 2 – 2 against a strong Hartford Under 18 team.
There is no doubt that our boys soaked up a lot of pressure in large parts of this game – but it will just add to their experience in this two year project. This was a skilful and very strong Hartford team and we were in for a battle. But we have a squad of players now who are capable of ‘punching above their weight’. So not only did we play some great football but the players supported each other defending at times that felt like wave after wave of pressure – unfortunately on 35 minutes there was a corner that result in three attempts to beat Max - on the third attempt they hit the back of the net and we were 1 – 0 down.

But did we give up? Not on your nelly!!!!! We played even better - It would be remiss not to mention
our Captain at this stage - Josh really stepped up and took the team with him. An awesome team performance and we could pick any one of the players who helped turn this around but Ben and Aiden were so solid today.
Right let’s get back to the game - we had a free kick on the halfway line and Connor floated a great ball towards the goal - now there is some controversy - did the ball fly straight into the net or did Aiden get a deft header – but who cares it was a well-deserved equaliser. 1 – 1 at half time.
In the second half we looked like the better team for a good twenty-five minutes but they took advantage of a misunderstanding at the back and took the lead again 2 – 1 Hartford.
Our determination was tangible and It felt a little bit like an action replay - this time from a corner sent beautifully across to find Owen H who sent a bullet header into the back of the net. After our equaliser it could have gone either way and it was an exciting last ten minutes arguably a draw was a fair result. Both teams played well and I wish we could have this referee for every game.
Now let’s go back to the title of the article ……. Brian was telling everybody on the sidelines that he could relax because Connor would be the last volunteer for a penalty – well what a surprise it was to see him walk up and slot home the first penalty.
Those of you that have never had to take that long walk to the penalty spot in a competitive game will not quite appreciate how brave these boys are to volunteer – respect to Muzzer, Jack and Tommy for taking a penalty but it wasn’t to be and for two weeks running we are knocked out of another cup on penalties. Big mention to Max who must be the most experienced goalkeeper in the league for facing penalties this season and he made a great save as he pushed the second Hartford penalty against the bar.
We can again hold our heads up high with a great team performance – well done and congratulations to Hartford.