Witton Albion JFC

After a complete shambles the previous week, the build up was relatively uncontroversial on Sunday. Apart from, that is: (1) A shocking lack of functional footballs, (2) the manager lost pen situation again, (3) referee giving 5-minutely traffic updates to aforementioned manager, (4) the fifth Sandbach Eagles manager in 3 years confusing the Witton gaffer (“Paul, Bob, .. ohh Oliver.. right”). “It wasn’t my fault anyway, it was Storm Ciara” moaned the manager as parents berated him for the communications collapse the previous weekend.

As predicted by many pundits, the first half was a cagey affair as Storm Dennis threw a healthy wind behind Witton and the predatory Nathan plundered an early goal. Witton then proceeded to keep a rare clean sheet in the first half, as Sam H battled an aggressive interloper and Tom A was nodding and tackling aggressively against the Sandbach attack in yet another stellar display at centre-back. Fans took shelter in the dugout and behind the green container as Storm Dennis trumped out a final hurrah with a ten minute deluge-plus-hurricane-winds episode. Despite the best efforts of the weather, Dan and James were putting a shift in up top.

Half time saw the team gratefully consume “Leftwich Spring”, a beverage from the Leftwich heights courtesy of Fin. They less gratefully consumed the manager’s words of wisdom – nonetheless, these words proved to be wise.

With a second half record of goals scored: 0, goals conceded: 150, Albs fans could have been forgiven for thinking another second half calamity was approaching. It was. Nonetheless, as the sun broke over Moss Farm, Harry stole in and grabbed an opportunistic second goal. Witton then embarked on a crazy period conceding 2 needless goals, before Thomas caressed in a volley from outside the box – yes a volley from outside the box - to put Witton in front. Elliot then produced a magical point blank save but Witton slumped once again to an equaliser. However, Jack was gaining ground in midfield with Danny dominating his sector, Fin becoming more influential on the right and the support of Tommy C in the holding role - there would only be one winner. After another calamity in the Sandbach defence, the second bus came along as Thomas scored his second and it was left to Sam R to finish matters with a smartly taken goal at the end.

Not a flattering score for Witton as they should have been comfortably more goals ahead, but the victory should provide the setting for a strong end to the season. “Has anyone seen my pen” muttered the manager after everyone had long legged it to the pub.

Captain’s man of the match: Elliot
Managers man of the match: Thomas
Magic moment: Thomas goal for the 4-3
Quote of the day: “just get back and do your job”