Witton Albion JFC

Match: NAR v Witton Wolves 02/03/20 (Friendly)

Pre-match, Riz gave a good impression of Churchilll by telling the team that NAR were nothing special, that we were the better team, and if they gave 100% would win the match. It appears the lads weren’t listening as all the early action was in the Witton half and we were 2-0 down in the first 15 minutes. Worse still, Charlie A took a knock to head going down for the ball and had to be replaced by Zakee. 2-0 soon became 3 – 0 and we were looking at a Sandiway & Cuddington style drubbing. In fact at one stage it looked like the 69 old referee was moving quicker than some of our players; however, we then slowly started to compete and struck twice before half time with goals from Nickie and Luca.

The half time talk contained some more Churchillian encouragement and within a couple of minutes from the restart Luca cut in from the left and hit a worldie from outside the area into the top left corner. Both teams went on the attack to get a winner and at times Witton were playing a 4 0 6 formation so some prompt action was needed to be taken by the coaches to reorganise the balance of the team . Jack Adams went to left back, Samuel and Harrison went to centre defensive midfield, Charlie Bentley an attacking midfield role and Kian up front. Chances went begging but neither side could get the winner. The NAR coach moaned that his team should have scored 12 – our response to him was that we should have scored 13! Into the last minute and we came up with the move of the game (probably the season). Luca bent a fabulous pass up the wing, Charlie B then worked it further up the wing where Luca made up ground to collect the ball. He then squared a great ball across the area which Kian collected and with is back to goal he refused to panic and laid the ball off to the edge of the area where Charlie B came bombing up and hit a piledriver into the top left corner. What a goal, worthy of winning any match. There was only enough time to restart the game when the ref blew the final whistle – 4 – 3 to Witton.

In the aftermath the Witton coaches told the boys that they were extremely proud of the display and that some aspects of Friday night training were now starting to show – improved stamina (we finished the match stronger), pass and move etc. We are now seeing a squad that is starting to gell together and play as a team, not as individuals. Although this was only a friendly it shows that we can hold our own playing against a top tier side and this augurs well for the future.

Final score: NAR 3 Witton Wolves 4

Scorers: Luca (2), Nickie, Charlie B

Man of the match: Charlie B

Thanks Mike for the Match report, I say that about every team, as I believe if the lads show the right attitude and put in the effort they’ll beat any team. I’m glad their heads didn’t drop when they went down by 3 goals, shows maturity, confidence, belief and an excellent whole team effort. Also I have to mention Rossi Stanners who captained the side, well done and I’m still waiting for a slide tackle! Well done lads!