Witton Albion vs Garforth Town, E1DN

First Team On the Park
1

Team News: Paul Ogden’s first league game in charge of Witton sees star signing Josh Hancock start on the bench, whilst Ben Harrison sits out with a minor injury. Last season’s Supporter’s Player of the Year, Peter Heler starts up front, with Witton stalwart Brian Pritchard on the bench, leaving Matt Holt to partner new captain, Ian Kearney in central defence.

Starting XI: M. Cooper; S. Boffat?, I. Kearney, M. Holt, M. Wood; A. Foy, P. Parkinson, C. Millar, D. MacPherson; P. Heler, A. Kinsey.

Substitutes: B. Pritchard, D. Warner, J. Hancock, E. Ledwards, C. Smith.

2

SUBSTITITION

C. Millar off

C. Smith on

3

LATEST SCORE

WITTON ALBION 1-0 Garforth Town

Dave MacPherson

4

HALF TIME

Witton Albion 1-0 Garforth Town

5

HALF TIME SUBSTITITION

S. Moffat off

B. Pritchard on

6

Nice one, keep em out fellas.

7

Still 1 up?

8

SUBSTITUTION

A. Kinsey off

J. Hancock on

9

FULL TIME

Witton Albion 1-0 Garforth Town

10

Evo-Stik Division 1 North Results

Cammell Laird 4-0 Radcliffe Borough att. 72
Chorley 6-0 Woodley Sports att. 491
Durham City 1-1 Clitheroe att. 129
Harrogate Railway Athletic 0-0 Prescot Cables att. 105
Lancaster City 2-0 AFC Fylde att. 291
Leigh Genesis 1-2 Curzon Ashton att. 120
Mossley 0-1 Bamber Bridge att. 183
Ossett Albion 1-3 Warrington Town att. 130
Salford City 2-2 Trafford att. 208
Skelmersdale United 2-1 Wakefield att. 205
Witton Albion 1-0 Garforth Town att. 316

11

It was new signing Scott Moffitt from Altrincham at right back.

The first half was about equal, with Witton just shading it with the better goal
chances.

They were a strong good footballing side, and as such, Oggie made a tactical switch after about 30mins, changing the formation from 4-5-1 to a more normal 4-4-2, by bringing on Chris Smith for Christian Miller.

However, Oggie was still not happy with the midfield, so 10 mins later he switched Dave MacPherson from left midfield to a more central role, pushing Adam Foy out left. Within 2 minutes, this move worked wonders when Macca picked up a clearance 5 yards outside the box, and rifled in an unstoppable screamer to make it 1-0.

It was a very dissappointing 2nd half as Garforth Town started to dominate the game,
and held on to possession for long periods, and we showed very little up front. I was very impressed with their No4, Ben Small, who totally dominated their central defence.

However, our defence was resolute, and we limited them to one shot outside the box, and one good penalty shout.

I thought referee Michael D’Aguilar (I think we had him in our away game at Market Drayton last year) had a good game, but where the hell he got the 8mins of injury time from I’ll never know, as their trainer was only on once in the 2nd half, and ours was not on at all.

Anyway, a good 3 points, 316 gate, bring on AFC Fylde who were beaten 2-0 today.

12

Great start and great gate, MOM the number 4, I hope he is on a water tight contract, very bright prospect.

13

Great result and a great performance.

Just the start we needed against a good side. Great attendance and a great buzz about the place at the moment.

Mom for me was Macca but nobody had a bad game.

Roll on Tuesday, well done team and management :slight_smile:

14

have to agree with all of the above really the ref did well, we played well they did play the better football but we had the better chances. We also looked strong at back it looked as if garforth were well on top for the firdt 15-20 mins of the second half, saying that did they really test our keeper that much.

15

Only 4 better gates in the premiere league and one in our league (chorley) so that has to be a good sign.

For the first game the 3 points was all important - we are up and running!

With regards to the game, I can’t remember our keeper making a save of note whilst at the other end their keeper made a couple - one from Kinsey especially to keep the score down to 1-0.

But the best bit is undoubtedly the feeling around the club and the spirit that’s developing between the players and the team.

Ps the pitch (not pritch for once) was magnificent.

16

I thought we did ok, considering that again this is a brand new squad and there is a lot of learning still to do. It will not go down in the halls of fame as a classic but the main thing was to win, especially with the game being at home.

I was surprised to see the big fella on the bench. I know we (and he) are going to have to accept that he will start less games as time goes on, however I’ll argue with anyone that today he is still one of the best centre halves at this level of football. The main reason I would have started him today was to add the organisation and experience in the first home game. I also would have started Macca in centre mid, I felt Parky was a yard off and Foy chasing around a lot but a little overran. You have to get the spine of the team right and Pritch starting and Macca in the middle would have helped.

The only other change to the starting 11 for me would have been to play Danny Warner at left back and Wood on the left side (sacrificing Parky or Foy). I think the lad’s pace could really cause problems for the opposing team.

The above is not meant to be negative, it is going to take some time and we need to be patient, however if we can get to our settled best 11 quickly then it will help get some early points of the board.

A mention for Kinsey, who I thought held the ball up well, worked hard and has a good first touch. He was unlucky not to score in the second half.

Good to see the reaction of the players at the final whistle, especially Kearns and Macca, they were clearly pleased with their first win.

17

A good solid start against decent opposition.
I like the fact that Paul Ogden is not afraid to make an early change as necessary.
I thought the first sub was on 18mins not 30.
An absolute screamer from Macca, for me man of the match but everyone contributed.
Onwards and upwards.

18

Have to agree with Rabbit,but the BIG difference from last season is that we have a mananger who makes changes if necessary to the formation of the team.

Obviously it will take time for the team to gel and I will be expecting an improvement for my next match in late Sept.

Garforth looked more organised than us but never really threatened to score ( credit our defence ). Great strike from Macca(who looks a shade slower than his last stint with us) but if Garforth’s first choice keeper had been playing then the chance would not have fell to him.

Puzzled as to why Pritch was on the bench but Ogden must have had his reasons.

Att 316 ??? I don’t think so :wink:

PS Glad to see the return of the BLACK shorts !

19

I preferred it when you stayed away :unsure:

20

Just cos I seen your grey hair !