Witton Albion JFC

After 3 happy years at the NCC Bowl, Witton moved to their new ground today for their first home game of the season - the state of the art MFGP Bowl - complete with fence, two high banks of seating (also known as grassy slopes), nestled neatly against Witton Juniors new head office, the Northwich Cricket Club. Tim Pont, the U12’s coach, could be seen on the NCC balcony, surveying his kingdom with a satisfied look on his face. Newly returned goalie coach Lamby seemed happy enough, swinging along the crossbars deftly placing the nets. His exclusion from the team GB Olympic Gymnastic team is surely looking like the worst sporting selection decision since Brian Rice was brutally left out of the Scotland B team match against Greenland in 1988.

Congleton arrived in a disciplined line headed by their General, the cheery Jonathan, who apparently had Sherpa ancestry, given the sheer volume of equipment being carried. After the grumpy dog poo monitor (the manager) had done his job, the players were ready to rock and roll for round 1 of the District Cup……the “Go Witton” shout receiving a 3 out of 10 rating from Dave the Wolf, resplendent in his new non-authorised, non-standard VI , but nonetheless fetching Witton Wolves T-shirt.

The players then realised they were playing on a pitch that hadn’t seen a lawnmower since mid-August, so after a few tiddly passes, they realised that some weight was needed and began to exploit space on the right flank as Sam tirelessly attacked his opposite number and Captain Theo, despite a number of knocks, afterburned through the Congleton defence. Thomas, unlucky in a slammer that hit keeper, bar and post, then crossed for Harry to open the scoring via the head of a defender. To Dan the Man, the match was simply a violin that he could strum the strings of, generating attack after attack, eventually resulting in a looped goal from the edge of the box. It wasn’t all attack, but Luke snuffed out everything with his telescopic legs and Alex was safe in goal. Fin O, despite carrying an injury, gave a controlled display at left back. Ollie was really working for the team and it was his disruptive action that really helped Witton dominate the first half – “come on Ollie, run more” ordered Matt, the heartless father-taskmaster. Witton were now completely on top and Harry decided to have a goal party by adding 2 more, then as Damien trotted on he discovered some explosive pace to beat the defence and smash home. Noah, hitherto constrained in his holding role – excellently observed – ventured forward and produced a wonder goal right in the top corner, right in that little top corner bit, for a perfect goal.

In the second half, the team toiled away with a changed formation and on the whole pretty ineffectual. Sergeant Wilko gave some reassuring presence at the back and Finn was also calm and composed as Congleton were now attacking with greater force; Elliot had to be smart and sharp to keep out the shots that came in with some great strong arms. Up front, Keegan was tireless in running and produced some great passes to team-mates and was oh-so-close to scoring on a number of occasions. As the game drifted to a close Congleton hit back with a smartly taken goal but Witton hit back as Harry walloped in from outside the box, then Tom was given a cameo role after providing great defensive cover and made himself a right nuisance, a great portent for the future, his time will come.

After the game, the Chief was rather miffed and the manager berated the team for the second half display. “I cannot believe I’ve got to carry this blimmin’ ladder” he moaned to his dog-poo-carrying manager. The opposition management were fulsome in their praise for the Witton players, parents and coaches after the match, “it’s always a pleasure to play you guys”, said Jonathan after the game.

Quote of the day: “I’ve never seen Ollie run so much”
Captain’s man of the match: Noah
Managers man of the match: Dan
Magic moment: Dan’s “maradona” when under pressure