The Galacticos were once again at home in the league looking to bounce back from last weeks defeat. Ahern and Fultys were missing but Holder decided to show up and Barbrock was available giving the Manager a strong squad of 15.
Witham started on the front foot and got off to a great start on 6 minutes when Humphrys found Yeo who beat his man and the keeper to tap home. 2 minutes later Yeo turned provider when he slotted in Orr who buried his shot into the bottom right hand corner. Within minutes Yeo had two more good chances to complete an early hat trick but for some poor finishing and good keeping from the Manor keeper. Against the run of play Manor works got back into the game when Whipps was dispossessed in his own half and the winger found his striker who finished well from 15 yards. Witham got straight back on top and nearly extended there lead when Pantings cross found Yeo at the back post but his header went wide. Lawes then had a good chance after being released by Orr but the keeper saved well. On 27 minutes Witham finally extended there lead when Lawes delivered an inswinging corner that flew straight into the back of the net. Yeo then had another opportunity to get his second goal but his shot was sent wide. On the stroke of half time Witham got there 4th goal when Orr pulled the ball back to Panting who taped home from 2 yards
HALF TIME WITHAM GALACTICOS 4 MANOR WORKS 1
Witham made a change at half time with Johnson coming on for Panting and he was straight in the thick of things linking the play up with the midfield and forwards. Witham knew if they could bury there chances the game could easily be double figures. On 50 minutes Witham got the fifth when Johnson found Lawes down the left who went round his man and his cross across the box was helped in by the defender. Witham were unlucky not to win a penalty minutes later when Yeo was brought down in the box when he was about to pull the trigger. Johnson and Stoneham were linking up well on numerous occasions and Johnson found Yeo inside the box but his touch was just to heavy. Holder was then introduced for Vicarage as Witham tried to strengthen up the midfield and Witham were dominant but couldnt finish there chances. Midway through the half and Johnson again went close when he beat his man on the edge of the box but his strike just went past the post. On 65 minutes Jamie Lawes got the goal of the game when some good build up play found Johnson whos ball found Lawes in the box and he placed the ball into the right hand corner. On 70 minutes Clark and Barbrock were introduced for Whipps and Jackson. Manor Works pulled a goal back when a long ball went between Murphy and Clark and after a mix up the striker was free to tap home. On 85 minutes another mix up at the back when Clark played the ball back to Cannock from 8 yards and Cannock under pressure could only clear 10 yards to the opposing striker who placed the ball home.
FINAL SCORE WITHAM GALACTICOS 6 MANOR WORKS 3
Most importantly 3 points gained and still flying high at the top of the league. It could have easily been 15 plus goals if our finishing was better and we need to learn to switch on for the full 90 minutes and not give up sloppy goals at the ends of games. On a positive we are back to winning ways and some very good performances from Humphry who played superbly at centre back, Jamie Lawes who again was on the scoresheet and a threat throughout, Luke Johnson was brilliant when he come with a dominant display. Man of the match was Harry Stoneham who again showed his versatility by switching back to the middle of the park and put in a great shift
