Witton Albion Supporters 9 v 0 Winsford.
Witton Team: GK Shaun Carter DF Robinson, Haspell (c) MF Blundell, Alder CF Marshall. Subs Scott Carter, Jones, Gregory
Witton really moved through the gears (haha) to destroy a nomadic Winsford side today. There was some amusement on the part of a couple of the Wittoners when the Albion’s tactically astute boss Tom Green selected the returning Greg Marshall to start in attack. Marshall was to go on to justify his selection with a superb hat-trick and some fantastic touches in a game completely dominated by the vastly superior Witton side.
Witton started in lively fashion, with Marshall, Alder and Blundell combining well in the opening couple of minutes. However, the profligacy of Marshall and Alder in front of goal meant early opportunities were needlessly squandered.
However, within 5 minutes, a well weighted ball presented Marshall with the opportunity to give Witton the lead and claim his £20 bet with Robinson. Chance taken, 1-0 and Robbo £20 lighter.
Robinson made amends in no time as he picked up the ball on the left, 15 or so yards from goal and hit a speculative cross-shot that somehow found it’s way into the net. 2-0. Cue claims of a 40 yard screamer.
Almost immediately Marshall found himself presented with another opportunity, his quality first touch made the finish a foregone conclusion.
Half time Witton 3 v 0 Winsford.
Witton started the second half with the same level of determination, some neat passing cutting the Winsford defence to pieces. The impression given was that the "Irish" Winsford players were uncomfortable with the strange green substance they were playing on, and were more used to playing on tarmac…
Witton soon found themselves 4 goals to the good when a chipped ball found Marshall who again displayed a good first touch before rifling the ball home. Hat trick. 4-0.
Time for the floodgates to open, and open they did.
Substitute and recently named Player of the Year Scott Carter picked up the ball in his own half (surprise surprise ;)) and advanced purposefully into opposition territory. With no-one closing him down he opted to shoot, and sent a beautifully curling shot into the far corner. Magnificent, and definitely a better goal (and further out) then Robinson’s.
It was then the turn of new signing Scott Alder to score his second goal in two appearances as he picked up the ball, held off a challenge and buried it with aplomb to atone for his earlier misses. 6-0.
Green then decided to add a bit more physical presence up front and it was time for the introduction of Stuart Jones, the heavyweight champion to the Winsford bare-knuckle fighters. Jones was immediately in the thick of the action, closing down the Winsford players and generally making a nuisance of himself. Jones was then presented with a glorious goalscoring opportunity. He controlled the ball on the edge of the area and seemed to take longer than the Winsford lads would need to tarmac your drive before slamming the ball past the hapless keeper. 7-0. Pandemonium on the touchline!!!
Witton then added 2 more quick goals through Skipper Drew Haspell and Midfield enforcer Michael Blundell to add a bit of gloss to a thoroughly professional Witton performance and send the Winsford boys home to their Ma’s dejected. More than a few dags will be kicked over the coming weeks if they continue to turn out performances as abject as today.
Witton scorers: Marshall (3), Robinson, Scott Carter, Alder, Jones, Haspell, Blundell.
MOTM: Greg Marshall
Next Best: Scott Alder
Best Moment: Stuart Jones’ goal sending the Wittoners into raptures.
Worst Moment: Shaun Carter’s casual goalkeeping caused the manager some concern!! ;D