Witton Albion JFC

Fans blasted the manager’s directions as the travelling Witton Army shambled their way across to East Cheshire on Sunday; “where is it”, “I’m well late and my mum’s in the car”, “the email said the 11th”, “I can’t put the post code in the sat nav”, “is it next to the red van” were just some of the feedback posts on social media. Nonetheless, eventually Witton managed to produce a squad of 12 in glorious spring sunshine at Park Royal’s new mountainside stadium by the Peak District.

Witton had been on an Easter break and suffered from a lengthy injury list of late, leading to games being played with under 11 players with a consequent run of three defeats in a row. The management team sent the players out with an instruction to “pass and keep it tight”, despite being told on their first coach course “never say keep it tight”. However, Witton started off by passing accurately to the opposition and Park Royal kept it tight instead. The Albs came under significant pressure but the back 4 were impermeable and Alex kept the ball out with hands, knees, body and the odd leg. Noah began to move out to the left and started to rampage, a lovely ball set up Sam who bravely slammed into the keeper and the ball fell kindly for Keegan to slot home. Fin and Tom A were providing some stern defence at full back but also raiding forward when the opportunity came.

It is often said that a bus may not arrive for ages and then several will arrive at once. It is also said that she sells sea shells on the shea floor. Indeed. Anyway, the buses started arriving and boy did they keep coming as the super-red-and-white-stripes were “en marching” and raining a shower of attacks on Park Royal. With Harry and Theo governing the back line Elliot W was given licence to pass, shoot and set up Luke who smartly finished for the second. Witton conceded a breakaway goal but re-established the two-goal cushion after an overhead kick led to an unseemly bundle race between Thomas and Keegan for the third. Dan was sharp shooting from the edge of the box but unlucky not to hit the target, but Luke soon added his second and then Keegan finished splendidly with the left foot for his hat-trick.

“What a great day” muttered Martin as he stomped around gathering the discarded water bottles, Witton were left wondering where the devil the season had gone and rueing missed chances and matches dominated but not won…. “we’ll go up next season no problem” announced a chirpy chief as he sun-bathed in the Cheshire sun.

Captain’s man of the match: Luke
Managers man of the match: Harry
Magic moment: Noah slide rule pass, Sam brave challenge = Keegan’s opener.
Quote of the Day: “hey put that corner flag back”