Witton Albion JFC

After the error-prone Witton gaffer caused the mother of all f ixture cock-ups during the week, the Frodsham Falcons match eventually went ahead. The dozy dolt may be in line for an FA Charge (disciplinary, not monetary, although in theory a disciplinary charge could be followed by a monetary one), after having decided to withdraw the team from the County Cup, a move which ended up affecting the games involving no less than 7 teams across the nation. “I’ve got my own charge to make, he still owes me a fiver... and where's the blimmin' kit?!” stormed Jodie when she eventually arrived.

Frodsham were a much-improved outfit and opened up a fusillade of attacks on the defence, which combined with some tough tackling in the middle, exerted some real pressure - although the impression was that when holding the ball, Witton looked capable of causing damage. Nonetheless, it was pretty much left to Alex, Harry and Keegan to solidly defend the numerous raids. Alex pulled off some smart saves, whilst Harry and Keegan battled really effectively in a compact centre back partnership. Tom A was also battling manfully at the back and the team were seeing off the constant attacks. Midfield generalissimo Ollie, after ordering the manager to change the shape, was given some relief in an outnumbered midfield when Thomas skipped onto the pitch for a first competitive appearance of the season. The shape change worked and Witton began to exploit the spaces behind the Frodsham defence, eventually culminating in an excellent run and cross from Sam that Dan H was able to poke home from close range.

After the ritual half-time telling off, this week sponsored by Hewitt Spring, a cheeky little bouquet possibly directly drawn from the nearby River Mersey, the Albs were rejuvenated in the second half. Man of the match Jack, battled for the entire match before succumbing to a couple of fouls as the frustrated opposition started to mistime some challenges. The saying goes in Mid-Cheshire; “don’t make Keegan angry, because he will score lots of goals against you”, well that saying could also be applied to Damien, who was repeatedly surging and battling on the left with his reward being a well taken 3 yard pile-driver. Witton were now completely on top and Luke was also rewarded with a couple of well taken goals after combining well with Tyler, one of them almost 2 yards out. Comedy followed as a long Tommy C ball fell in the box, which was converted by Dan H, but as the ball was retrieved by the Frodsham custodian the referee ruled the ball had not crossed the line – “it’s ok, the ball must hit the back of the net to be a goal” announced the clueless manager to bemused looks from the nearby fans. As with the first half, the defence remained impermeable with Elliot J solidly behind every effort, with Fin O anticipating some far post balls really well. As Dan B loosed off another “moon-high” defensive clearance, the referee’s whistle brought proceedings to a halt.

With Martin cartwheeling down the touchline, Witton looked back on a solid win, gained by some courageous battling and some real grit – especially in the second half. “I’ll take that every day” grinned a happy Chief after the game as he videoed the somersaulting goalie coach.

Captain’s man of the match: Harry
Managers man of the match: Jack
Magic moment: Ollie’s lung-busting run to cut off an attack in the first half – now that’s effort!
Quote of the day: “did the ref give him a yellow card or did he just book him?”