Witton Albion JFC

Witton were bumped out of the NCC Bowl to the familiar surroundings of SJD Stadium on Saturday for their last match of the season against Winsford Diamonds. That Witton were first to finish their scheduled games was testament to the wise and just decision of the Witton chairman to secure a pristine reliable pitch for the club when all others were floundering in their frosty mudbaths. “That and we got knocked out of the cup too early”, grumbled the naysaying manager. Comedy followed as the Chief cursed and spat as he made three versions of a “goal” whilst although the manager produced a great first time effort he was again thwarted by the concept of rope without knots for the touchline barrier. Luckily, Jimmy (Witton Albion Parents top scorer by the way) and Steve stepped in, with the latter embarking on a “Top Gear” style rescue mission to go and retrieve the referee from the NCC Bowl.

Witton kicked off against the promotion chasing Winsford and the opening exchanges were hard – but fair. Tom A was sweeping magnificently with some fantastically well timed “sliders”, ably assisted by Noah who was again the rock against which the ships of attack broke upon. Witton had a couple of chances but then a break on the left led to a goal for Winsford, leading to the opposition manager Jason doing cartwheels on the touchline. Witton hit the crossbar from Lewis and then a number of near misses from bouncing balls into the box went a-begging. Witton were punished as the lively right-winger again produced a pass for the Winsford striker to finish a one-on-one. Elliot was toiling away in midfield again and produced a wonderful “duck and dive” before releasing Ollie on another deep run into the heart of the increasingly worried-looking Winsford defence.

It seemed all over in the second half as Winsford slotted in another goal but Witton were almost dominating with Thomas producing some great blocking tackles. Chances came and went, with Luke producing some great line balls and an overhead kick that went narrowly wide when everyone watching thought it was in, whilst Ewan again produced a commanding display in defence with one particularly good sliding tackle. With the manager spending most of the second half on his knees, a great Thomas pass led to Keegan stroking home with a lovely left foot shot.

After the game, the management sat down with the Witton Wolves and congratulated them on a strong effort this season, with spirits high in the team. Witton were equal or better to all of the teams played this season and fans will look forward to a stable squad with some exciting tournaments to come.