Witham Friary U13 lost their first game in just over three months on Sunday 27th April with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Trowbridge Wanderers Youth FC U13 spitfires. Despite hitting the bar twice in the last seven minutes and also having a controversial goal ruled offside which would have given auxiliary striker Dempsey Matthews a hatrick if all three had counted, they were unable to get the equaliser their second half efforts deserved.
Instead it was a first half header from the opposition that won the match and left the away fans hoping they are saving their goals for the Mid Wilts League cup final against Devizes next Saturday. Their cup final opponents secured a 3-1 victory today against Westbury following a 2-1 victory over Amesbury earlier in the week.
Witham Friary adopted a 3-5-2 formation, which allowed them to bolster their midfield while maintaining a solid defensive line. Finlay Patrick took his position in goal, shielded by a trio of defenders: Elliott Atwood on the right, Dylan Turner in the centre, and Dempsey Matthews on the left. The midfield was packed with Max Norris, Leo Griffin, and Jahmiah Harding occupying central roles, while Seth Taylor and Archie Hansford provided width on the right and left flanks, respectively. Up front, Zak Daniels and Nikolaj Ostergaard were tasked with leading the attack.
The substitutes for Witham Friary included Matthew Lyons, Ethan Oatley, and Isaac Gaiger, all of whom would feature during the match.
The first half saw Witham Friary start brightly, with Nikolaj Ostergaard testing the Trowbridge goalkeeper in the 11th minute, but his effort was saved. Max Norris followed suit five minutes later, also seeing his shot thwarted. As the match progressed, Witham's attacking intent was evident, but they struggled to convert their chances. The hosts had one good effort themselves which draw a good save from Finn Patrick in goal.
However, disaster struck for Witham in the 29th minute when Trowbridge scored the only goal of the match with a well-placed header. This setback forced Witham to chase the game, and they responded with renewed vigour. Max Norris had another attempt in the 31st minute, but once again, his shot was saved, while Zak Daniels' effort shortly after went just wide of the target.
As the first half drew to a close, Witham found themselves trailing 1-0 at the break, needing to regroup and strategise for the second half.
Witham continued to press for an equaliser, and Zak Daniels had another opportunity in the 54th minute, but his shot was saved yet again, highlighting the frustration of the afternoon.
Then began the most entertaining spell of the game Which on another day sees the away side emerge victorious. Firstly Dempsey Matthews struck the underside of the bar after getting to the ball before the keeper and his shot agonising stayed out and was cleared by the hosts.
Then the moment of controversy as Matthews had the ball in the net but the flag went up straight away with three Trowbridge defenders in the vicinity. Finally the crossbar was rattled once again from Matthews from what is now becoming customary from a corner.
A frustrating afternoon but all eyes quickly move to next Saturdays game which regardless of the result will be most of the boys biggest game to date and a fantastic experience.
