Witton Albion JFC

Chief Chris Alexander won the inaugural “Whiteboard-off” as his board beat the Davenham manager’s plucky effort by 60cm (length) and 30cm (width), however Adrian smugly rolled out a smart looking extendable bench set plus 2 x round-style drinks holders complete with name labels to complete the victory in the Managers Equipment Championship. In a surprisingly low crowd, parents were snugly rammed in the 1 metre gap between pitch and hedge but there was good cheer all round as the players trotted out on the fantastic pristine cricket pitch (not the actual cricket pitch, the football pitch on the outfield).

A cagey opening saw both teams probing away with most of the action in the midfield area, Elliot J looked exceptionally solid in goal with his usual great positioning allowing any goalmouth action to be snuffed out and thus claimed his first clean sheet of the season. Witton had few chances but Ollie provided a decent holding effort in midfield and was able to poke forward to the ever-industrious Theo who shot narrowly over. The shape wasn’t perfect for Witton but Ewan and Sergeant Wilko combined well to allow another chance for Witton, however it was a solid challenge from Noah “the guvnor” at the back that allowed Thomas to pick the ball up (not literally) and evade 3 challenges to release the eager beaver Keegan on a 40 yard run into the box whereupon he cleverly placed the ball into the far corner of the net for his first goal of the season. Incredibly, it was the first time in the season that Witton had led a match and overall it was deserved.

The second half saw Witton come under more pressure as the Wolves failed to carry out basic first touch and short passing principles, with Tom A having to continually deal with Davenham attacks and Alex putting his body on the line to stop some smart close-range shots. Eventually, the Davenham pressure told as Witton conceded an unfortunate own goal, but Witton responded well and without producing any real chances produced better passing play in midfield as Lewis and Finn battled away without ever finding the space and targets their efforts deserved.

The game fizzled out into a draw, the grumpy manager had shouted himself hoarse to the relief of the long-suffering parents and Witton at last had some points on the board before the international break. “Effort fantastic, quality woeful”, commented the cheerless one at the end of the game, but it is only a matter of time before the team begins to click into a powerful unit.

Captain’s player of the match: Noah
Manager’s man of the match: Lewis
Manager’s moment: Keegan’s aggressive run and finish…the first of many!
Quote of the day: “last week the ref’s mum sent me off”