What Simon Hughes said (and did)
Formby 4 v Witton Reserves 2
Lancashire League
Thursday 27 October 2011
Team: GK Massey, Bowyer, Maddocks, Hindley, Watkins, Burgess, Jones, Randle, Woolley, Ennion(Snr), Carter
Subs used: Dorigo, George, Swann
Ok, sorry for the delay but it has taken me a couple of days to get over this game, and to calm down. Several players arrived late as the traffic was bad. Tom Swann was down to start but he was late, so I had to start rather than waste another sub. Yes, unforunately I had to name myself as sub, because the squad is a little thin, due to injuries and holidays and for other reasons that I will go into later. 10 mins gone score 0-0 Tom Swann arrived warmed up and came on for me. Witton playing 3-5-2 were creating many chances and eventually 17 year old Jack Woolley took one. Moments later Tom Swann and Jack Woolley had a 2 v 1, only the GK to beat and Swann put the ball wide. Witton were very much on top of the game when the floodlights went out. 20 mins later it was Formby who had benefited from the break, but we held on to half time.
Half time Formby 0 Witton 1.
When I was at the club 6 years ago my reserve team was top of the league, even though I had a very young side, but what we did have was Simon Hughes from the first team most weeks. The players looked up to him, improved playing with him and greatly respected him, as I did. Anyway Simon would say ‘see the game out’ regardless of the score, if it’s 1-0 so be it - see the game out.
Anyway back to the game, both teams attacking, Formby getting the next goal. Witton then were awarded a penalty, put away by Tom Swann. Witton had enough chances to win four games, so you know what’s coming…Yes, on 90 mins Formby got the equalizer. So our 3 points became 1? Both teams still creating chances, but Witton’s defence not helped when 18 year old Josh Maddock, who had played well, had to come off with cramp; Witton conceded 2 more goals in extra time. We failed to clear the ball properly giving the ball to Formby and our GK not holding onto the ball and Formby getting an easy tap in. So, from winning for most of the game and then to quote Roger Daltrey, Who? ’ Just a boy, giving it all away’. And they did…give it all away!
In my team talk we spoke about the Formby players
attitude to play
appetite to play
I’ve been to Formby with other teams, Winsford Utd, Ashton Athletic and Witton Albion and you get the same, fight, fight, fight. I would like to compliment the Formby players on their never say die attitude and taking the chances we gave them because ‘just a boy giving it all away’.
I feel really so frustrated this season. We have a scholarship at the mid-cheshire college, but none of their players come to us despite numerous requests to John McCarthy, and I am aware that these academy players are playing for other teams. We only have to look at other teams in our league to see how they have made this work. Lancaster being a very good example with some of their first team players coming through Myerscough college. The player development through the reserves is equally frustrating, because the bar has to be at a certain level to compete, but with some there is little improvement and inconsistent performances. So if you can help please give my number to any quality players that you know. It is not just my responsibility to put a strong team on the pitch…it is the clubs responsibility. The Reserves are Witton Albion players too.
The next game is away at Fleetwood. We will try again and keep working to improve…if we only had a Simon Hughes to help the development of the younger players on the pitch, as he did.
Luke Watkins was captain on the day and did a really good job, until the last 3 mins. Man of the match was 17 year old Sam Burgess.
Tony Ennion
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