On a wet pitch the ball was zipping about and it was evident that Old Bramstonians had a game plan of flooding the midfield to break up Witham's play. Our opponents had the majortiy of the possesion early on and nearly took the lead when an inswinging corner was cleared off the line superbly by Whipps. On 11 minutes against the run of play Witham took the lead when Stoneham's inch perfect ball found Yeo's run in behind the defence, his touch as he went into the area looked heavy but as the goalkeeper come out to challenge Yeo superbly just nicked the ball past him. Old Bramstonians were still dominating in the midfield but couldnt turn there possesion in to anything of a threat with the entire Galacticos back four and goalkeeper sweeping up everything. Witham was still trying to penetrate there oppositions back line but the final balls were just overhit at times and with there back four now sitting deeper it was becoming difficult to get in behind. On 35 minutes Yeo nearly extended the lead when his free kick from 20 yards hit the cross bar and went over.
HALF TIME OLD BRAMSTONIANS 0 WITHAM GALACTICOS 1
Panting was introduced in the second half at the expense of Holder meaning Stoneham went into the middle of the park to try and give Witham some more strength and legs in there. Witham at times started to play some decent football but again the final balls were just not clinical enough and with the wet pitch it was dificult. Old Bramstonians still had a strong presence in the midfield but there firepower couldnt get past the resilient Murphy and Clark. Midway through the half Witham began to find more space in the attacking half as Bramstonians opened up and Whipps on numerous occasions was exploiting it down the left. Witham needed the next goal desperately to see the game out but the combination of Lawes, Johnson and Yeo couldnt find a way through. As the end of the game drew near from and a match the lacked opportunities it sparked into life inthe last minute. Old Bramstonians burst forward and a thunderous shot from 20 yards was superbly saved by Cannock with his finger tips. The ref originally pointed for a goal kick but after they appealed the ref consulted with the lino (Witham Manager) the corner was given. The corner was delivered left footed and went directly into the top corner. Old Bramstonians went mad and it was a point gained for them and 2 points dropped for Witham in there title race.....but it isnt over to the fat lady sings and this time the fat gaffer was happy as Witham went straight up the other end from kick off and the ball forward found Yeo who turned his man and crossed the ball deep to Panting who at the back post headed the ball across goal and as it cannoned off the post it fell to Lawes who was onhand from 2 yards to tap home. Witham went mad and the final whistle went seconds later to give Witham an important 3 points.
Phew that was a difficult game and not a great performance but again we now how to win! The defence deserve a special mention as I thought all of them played well and didnt put a foot wrong. Clarky, Murphy, Whipps and Jackson well done to you and some good sweep up work by Cannock behind and Vicarages protection in front was key to our victory. Murphy deservedly wins man of the match today after another consistent and strong display from him. We still sit top of the league and with more to come from us lets extend this lead at the top.
