Havering 3s vs Witham 4s

Havering 3s looked to bounce back from last week's disappointing display against Basildon. Whilst this weeks opponents, Witham 4s, were at the lower end of the table, it was still important to get back to winning ways for the home side. After some work at training on deflections and positive in the D, Havering took to the field with instructions to shoot on sight when possible

It didn't take long to break the deadlock either. A positive attacking move from the home team led to a ball delivered to the backpost finding the ever present Eli Cook in his favoured spot. A reverse stick sweep was well saved by the away keeper, although cleared only as far as the advancing John Binks to sweep home brilliantly for his first goal of the season (from right back as well!)

Havering remained on the front foot, engaging a high press which allowed the wingbacks to push forward and remain a constant thorn in the side of the away team. A strike from James Downey evaded the keeper across the face of the goal, only for Martin John to slide in and deflect into an open goal 18 minutes into the game.

The home side, despite further domination of the ball, were unable to build on their lead in the rest of the first half. Witham were restricted to only a few chances, with a number of crash balls finding their wingers, although no real threat was posed to Lonnie Yang in goal. The teams headed into HT with a 2 goal difference.

Despite the lead, Havering were well aware that this Witham side still had fight in them and they were not yet clear. An emphasis on not to get complacent and to grab the next goal to see out the match meant the boys were still on task.

The second half started much similarly to the first, with the Havering front 3 and midfield often cutting out passes from the Witham backline. Further chances from James Downey and Leo Yang from respective short corners were not converted (a common theme this season) however the 3s were clear in the 48th minute with John Binks stepping up to provide his second goal of the match, overlapping on the right wing and planting a deflection into the Witham goal.

Havering did not stop there however, with constant intensity and threat from both wings. A sweep in the middle of the D from Downey was well saved, only for Martin John to be in the right place at the right time to sweep the follow up ball for the 4th goal of the match 3 minutes from full-time.

The home side would see out the match in style as they followed up a minute later with arguably their best goal of the season. A number of triangle passes between Leo Yang and Toby John evaded the Witham defence and found James Downey on the penalty spot, who swept home emphatically to cheers around the pitch after the fine flowing move (and also allowing Downey to finally score a goal after many a game)

A brilliant performance from the home side which built confidence going into a tough final run of games to finish the season, with much improvement from the week before. A special shoutout too to Alex Bilby who made his 3s debut, whilst the team also welcomed back Ricky Sales after he recovered from time out recovering from injury!

FT: Havering 3s 5-0 Witham 4s