Witham 4s vs Havering 3s

The boys headed into this weekend in high spirits following a first win in the previous gameweek, with expectations high and knowing that a strong performance would most likely reward a result against bottom of the table Witham.

As with last week, the team started the game on the front foot, frequently breaking up Witham attacks and passes high up on the pitch and dominating the midfield. A mistake at the back meant Leo Yang could latch onto a ball in the opposition defence, before unceremoniously slipping over in the opposition D. Fortune favoured Havering though, as the slip caught both the defender and goalkeeper unaware, allowing the ball to trickle through to James Willcocks who made no mistake in sweeping into an open goal 12 minutes into the match.

This did signal a comeback from Witham however, who were for some reason incensed that the goal should not have stood and were aggrieved at Havering's early lead. The home team dominated the field for the vast majority of the remaining half (albeit rarely testing keeper Lonnie Yang). Havering's steely defence proved too tough to break down however, much credit going towards a few well-timed last-ditch tackles by Toby John and Richard Cast. Witham were unfortunate to not equalise however, sending a shot from a short corner onto the post. The half finished 1-0 to the visitors, leaving both teams with plenty to digest.

Following some feedback and a regroup at half-time, Havering proceeded to dominate the rest of the match. Despite only having one substitution, the boys were able to constantly find themselves in space and string a number of passes together with composure, vastly unsettling the opposition team. A fantastic ball in from Eli Cook on the right to the top of the D found James Downey in acres of space with the goalkeeper 1-on-1. Lady luck once again smiled on Havering however, as Downey mis-hit the ball towards goal, instead slicing it to his left into the grateful possession of James Willcocks who once again proved clinical in front of an open goal after the home GK had committed to the initial shot.

Havering were unlucky to add a third after a brilliant sweep and wingplay from Eli Cook into Martin John. However, he was unable to get a meaningful contact to the oncoming ball, once again employing his Knee of God with the goal correctly disallowed.

A scuffle ensued afterwards in the midfield after a 50-50 challenge ended in some flared tempers, with each side having 2 players sent off on green cards.

Havering took this chance to capitalise (despite missing both an established midfielder and forward), converting from a silky short corner routine, with Martin John converting this time (Richard Cast cheekily adding that we somehow played better with 9 men than we did when we had 11). With minutes to round off the match, Havering were unfortunate to not extend their lead further, Eli Cook sending a brilliant chipped sweep, saved magnificently by the Witham goalkeeper.

A match containing some real graft, grit and perseverance but fantastic showing from the boys to get a result especially when the going got tough. Special mention for the performances of James Downey who drove the attack and was a constant pain to the Witham defence, Eli Cook for a brilliant 2nd half performance, Toby John's constant cover and defensive duties in the midfield and our two strikers for both getting on the scoresheet!

FT: Witham 4s 0-3 Havering 3s