We travelled away to Wittering Harriers, met them last season in the cup, narrowly missing out on the next round, it was a thrilling game end to end. We hoped to go a step further this time in this top of the table clash.

On arrival the Wittering manager explained he only had six players, we did discuss playing with six ourselves as the sportsmen we are. The Wittering manager said “ it’s not our fault they only had six” so we set out with our normal game plan with a few little tweaks has we only had seven players ourselves and pre season has shown us that legs are lost ( wore out. Not removed in any shape or form ) at this level with no subs.

Starting with our man between the sticks, Jack Roberts, centre back Ellis Horn, Omar Ellis started as right wingback with Ethan Hughes playing the same on the left hand side, Callum McAuley and Riley Deadman were in charge of the centre midfield positions with Alfie Rogers as striker.

We started well, with great positional play which again allowed us to stretch our opponents and create numerously chances which lead to us scoring early on with a thunderous shot from Callum. We continue to take the game to Wittering with great success down the left hand side with many a ball from Callum being knocked out towards Ethan who supplied the crosses into the box. Unfortunately the final deliveries were a touch to close to the Wittering keeper, still very pleasing to see them mostly sent in with his left foot. We switched off just for a moment shortly after the centre kick, pushed to far up the pitch we left a big hole between mid-field and defence, Wittering managed to break away after another forceful attack, this left Ellis to deal with three players rushing him, there was little Ellis could do about it and once they were through we could only hope Jack could pull off a save, which was a big ask. Beaten, Wittering levelled the score. This has been a continual issue with the guys. We didn’t lose our heads and worked another goal to take the lead again through Alfie. The hole behind mid-field was still there, with some scary moments leading to great cover support from the mid-field. Still playing to far up and with the many goal attempts not finding the back of the net it gave Wittering hope and belief there was something to get out of this game even with them being one man down. Although we controlled nearly all the play, the hunger of our opponents fighting for every loose ball was worrying for us, we truly lost out in this area of the game and it lead to Wittering scoring twice before half time.

For the second half we put Omar back up front, dropping Alfie into centre midfield. Started has the first half with waves and waves of attacks. Still unable to finish off the many great attacks, frustration set in amongst the guys which lead to quite a few irrational challenges. Our half time plan was to keep the ball and burn out the Wittering lads, but with our loss of focus and the pressure the guys were putting on themselves we continue to give our opponents the odd opportunity, Ellis played a blinder this game stopping a good percentage of the Harriiers attacks, but all to often he was one player against three and can’t do it all on his own. Wittering scored again and with time running out it was a challenge for the guys to remember it is a team effort that brings success. We were awarded a penalty that Callum put away with conviction and at four-three down we Still had a chance. With a few minutes left, Callum through his body in front off a Wittering attack, blocking the ball, Callum landed very awkwardly, screaming out in pain, the ball fell into the path of the same player, most of us ( probably all ) were more concerned with Callum, including Jack, so we lost a soft goal, which put the game out of reach as Callum couldn’t continue and at this point there was a very good chance he had broken some toes. Jack started to apologised as he had switched his attention to Callum, which was completely understandable as we had done the same, I didn’t even see the goal, so don’t you worry about it Jack. Good news Callum’s toes are ok.
Overall the Harriers fought hard, and deserved their result for the heart they put in. My opinion we were the much better team football wise and I truly believe that even if they had a full team we would still be the better of the two. We just need to work hard on our finishing and defensive play. Lets remember we created a good fifty or so goal scoring opportunities, so we are doing something really well. Looking at the last three games we have come a long, long way with still so far to go, but you guys are really starting to look like a truly well oiled team.

Lets make them nets shake, lets focus on what we do in training, work on how we play, not worrying about the results, as they will speak for themselves.

So pleased with you all, So very proud!

Well done everyone!

Go Go Pumas!