With the ESPFA Northern Division programme behind them, Witton’s Academy team can concentrate on the ESPFA National Cup in the coming weeks as they continue their bid to reach the knockout stages.
Witton’s unbeaten run was brough to an end in their final league game of the season by Divisional Champions Runcorn Linnets, although the final 6-3 result didn’t reflect the game as a whole.
Witton created a number of chances in the game but weren’t able to convert them otherwise the result might have been so different but then mistakes contributed to their downfall.
The two league meetings with Skelmersdale United during the campaign saw the Lancashire side enjoy the better of them, taking four points from the six courtesy of a 4-0 victory at the U Lock It Stadium and a 2-2 draw at JMO Sports Park in the return.
Thursday’s game gives Witton the chance to strengthen their grip on second place in the group as they pursue the next phase of the competition but Skelmersdale will pose a big threat to Albion’s progress and in Dominic Evans, they possess one of the most prolific strikers in this season’s Academy system.
Kick off at JMO Sports Park is 12pm and admission is free to everyone.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED FC,
JMO SPORTS PARK,
BLAGUEGATE PLAYING FIELDS,
LIVERPOOL ROAD,
SKELMERSDALE,
LANCASHIRE,
WN8 8BX.
Witton team:
Lewis Gibson, Harry Caulkin, Jenson Bird, Will Pimblatt, Ryan Hough, Quinn Glithero, Dan Williams, Dylan Darlington, Keegan Porter, Jack Sandbach, Isaac Shaw.
Subs: Charlie Edwards, Louie McGarry, Mike Eleftheriadis, Zach Williams, Zach Billinge, Josh Butler, Jake Tyson.
Half Time Score from JMO Sports Park:
ESPFA National Cup - Northern Group:
Skelmersdale United 1 Witton Albion Academy 1.
Full Time Score from JMO Sports Park:
ESPFA National Cup - Northern Group:
Skelmersdale United 2 Witton Albion Academy 4.
Witton’s Academy team continue their improvement with an excellent win, one defeat in six games.
Skelmersdale United Scorers: Calvin Haddock & Lloyd Tilley.
Witton Albion Scorers: Dan Williams(2), Ryan Hough & Jake Tyson.
Well done lads hope for a home game in the draw. UTA
The early stages of the competition are played in regional groups, Witton still have at least two group games to play - Brighouse Town away and Carlton Town at home - which will be played at Sandbach Community Football Centre as the games have to be played on a 3g or 4g pitch.
The knockout stages are also regionalised and again have to be played on either 3g or 4g pitches.
Correction:
Witton still have at least three group games to play before the knockout stages.
They still have to play Ossett United at home - again that fixture will be played at Sandbach Community Football Centre.
Thursday’s victory at Skelmersdale United has propelled Witton’s Academy team to the top of their group for the time being although teams below them have played fewer games.