Witton Albion JFC

Witton fans descended in force on the moorland redoubt of Cuddington (and Sandiway) for the season opener in the District Cup. Although the kick off was slightly delayed by the traditional bi-annual “where’s the kit” march, the manager was able to deflect all of the blame back onto the weather. It was a fair call, as balmy Mediterranean sunshine mixed annoyingly with driving rain, leaving the Witton army divided on the eternal question; “is September in Autumn or Summer?”

As the teams kicked off (not in the fighting sense), Witton pressed from the start with some fine running and skills from Fin O down the left wing - it looked like only a matter of time before top scorer (calculations based on pre-season friendlies) Dan B would be opening the account. However, Cuddington (plus Sandiway), were proving a tough nut to crack and the Albs were reduced to launching big kicks upfield in complete disregard of the pre-match instructions to pass and keep possession. Unsurprisingly, as the ball was continually leathered into the stratosphere, the larger Cuddington (not forgetting Sandiway) team began to grow in composure and began to offer some desultory attacks, most of which kept at bay by some excellent Ollie pressing and a few great sliders from Tom A. Nonetheless, inattention at the back was growing and Witton fell behind to a snapshot that arced away from a diving Alex. This was bizarrely accompanied by a “firework” (possibly a teapot lid) shooting into the sky from the kids’ party in the village hall behind the goal.

After a hearty draught of half time refreshment sponsored by Lamb Peckham Spring Water, the Albs were given strict instructions to re-adopt the passing game, a slightly harsh team-talk but at least there was the compensation of the background lunacy at the mad scientist kids’ party to soothe those hard management phrases. Sure enough, the half opened with the Witton goalie aiming ack-ack high drop kicks at passing clouds and planes. However, some splendid passing moves on the right between Elliot W and Keegan were showing signs of bearing fruit and it was one of these that allowed Theo to gallop down the wing and cross to a waiting Damien for the equaliser. The game was still nip and tuck, with Harry having to marshall the defence to keep the marauding counter-attacks at bay. Better was to come as Jack, having benefitted from the pre-match instructions, swung over a great corner that Dan H was able to poke into the net. Some simple restructuring left Witton a little more stable at the back, but it still needed a wonder save from Elliot and a sweeping clearance from Tommy C to enable Witton to progress to the next round.

A pretty good result against a resurgent Cuddington (with added Sandiway) team, who battled strongly and fairly throughout. “We’re doing passing and first touch drills for the next month” announced the Chief ominously after the game…….

Captain’s man of the match: Harry
Managers man of the match: Elliot J
Magic moment: Elliot J wonder save
Quote of the day: “Peckham Spring that water is mate”