I was Expecting a win to be honest this team is really good and we should be enjoying every moment of it UTA
What a night absolutely fantastic display from this Witton albion team that is the best I’ve seen since the early 90’s. First time my lad has seen us this season with living down this way 30 miles from this ground and he was impressed. His words were “They really do have a strong will to win with some classy flair and grit as well” My abiding memory of this match was the Hopley goal. The centre half for them although overweight had obviously played at a higher level and was was leading them on the field and having a good game. Rob took a couple of steps back off him in the area and recieved the ball and bang split second later back of the net Rushden heads completely down. Absolutely sublime but all the lads put a shift in. Lovely response from Mr Martindale as he got on the coach "Blimey what the heck are you doing here its a long way mate!! Fantastic evening walking on a high this morning at work even though it was 0045 hours when Mr Robinson and myself got home. Can’t see me making the trip to spalding but then who knows Onward and Upward UTA
Watched the video of Shaw Lane goal, was he offside? Great result lads, all you can do is keep winning.
WHS,
From Diamonds …
Diamonds were beaten 2-0 by an impressive Witton Albion side at the Dog & Duck on Tuesday night despite an improved second half performance.
New signings Jack Bowen and Dan Quigley came straight into the starting line-up with Quigley playing centre half because another new signing Jamie Tank wasn’t available on the night. Richard Bunting was injured in the warm up so Joe Curtis came off the bench into centre midfield, and Ben Heath started his first game in goal since before Christmas in what was an unfamiliar looking Diamonds line-up.
Diamonds started brightly in a competitive opening with an early Jack Bowen run from half-way getting him a one on one chance with the keeper from an angle that was well saved. A strong Witton side started to get on top though and took the lead from their first real chance on 16 minutes. Ben Heath made excellent low save at the near post but the ball spiralled high in the air dropping to Steven Tames to prod home from 8 yards. Diamonds were forced to defend strongly to keep the high flying visitors at bay and William Jones should have added a second on 37 minutes as he somehow failed to convert a loose ball from 6 yards.
Diamonds showed more width than in recent games with their 4-4-2 formation and worked hard to get a foothold in the game but struggled to maintain periods of possession against combative opposition. Sam Brown long throws and whipped in crosses were the biggest danger although Tom Lorraine had a decent half chance just before half-time digging out an effort from just indside the box that went well over.
Diamonds showed great energy at the start of the second half and started to pressure their confident opponents and deserved an equaliser in this period of the game. A Liam Dolman header from a corner was just tipped over by away keeper Calvin Hare on 47 minutes, and Taylor Orosz smashed in an effort from just inside the box on 53 minutes that looked in all the way but crashed off the inside of the right-hand post, and three times around the hour mark neat through balls seemed to get strikers through on goal only to just overrun for Hare to collect.
It was a real hammer blow on 66 minutes then when Witton doubled their lead. They had continued to look dangerous when going forward and a good run down the right by Paul Moore saw him whip in a cross to the unmarked Robert Hopley with time to control and smash into the roof of the net from 6 yards. Despite continuing to push and create pressure in the Witton box Diamonds struggled to create the killer chances they craved.
Witton defended as well as they attacked and repelled both neat passing moves around the box and long throws and corners dropping into the danger area. Diamonds came closest when keeper Hare palmed a back header up under the bar seemingly close to being over the line but the ball came clear and goal line technology doesn’t exist at this level. There was also a strong penalty claim for hand ball turned down but in fairness Witton defended dangerous pressure moments in their own box well.
This was an improved performance by a much changed Diamonds line-up against a very good side but was a third defeat on the trot and a 5th this year after that 19 game unbeaten run came to an end. 5 wins in 2017 have kept Diamonds in the play-off places and they will look to take the confidence from a good second half-performance against a very good side into the game at Northwich Victoria on Saturday.
Man of the Match: Ben Farrell
Attendance: 435
Thanks.
WHS.