After some poor weather and unwanted gaps in games due to postponements Witham eventually got to play and drive on in there quest for the league title. Today's opposition was bottom placed Manor Works away from home. Witham welcomed back Whipps who replaced Ahern who was away on his own romantic weekend and also had the luxury of Adams and Stoneham on the bench returning from there long lay off's.
Witham come straight out the blocks and was a goal up within 2 minutes, some good build up play down the left found Lawes inside the box his shot was well saved but Panting was on hand to tap home. 3 minutes later and another well worked goal again down the left that included a clever back heel from Lawes to find Whipps and his cross fell nicely to Yeo who blasted home from 4 yards. 7 minutes in and it was Orr who scored the goal of the game when he volleyed in to the top corner from 12 yards after a good delivery from Jackson. 13 minutes gone and it was already 4 - 0 when Lawes headed in from close range from Yeo's delivery on the right. Lawes had a chance to extend the lead minutes later when he was clear on goal but his chip was easily saved. Witham dominated completely and could have extended there lead with chances missed by Orr, Yeo and Stoneham who was introduced after 20 minutes. Stoneham though got his return goal with a superb finish to the bottom right hand corner from 15 yards after he his run was found by Lawes. Minutes later Stoneham scored again when he followed up a rebound from Yeo's initial shot. On 40 minutes Manor scored what already seemed a consolation goal when they broke away on the half way line and tapped home a rebound after Cannock's initial save. On the stroke of Half time Yeo got his second goal with an assist from Lawes.
HALF TIME MANOR WORKS 1 WITHAM GALACTICOS 7
Witham began to ring the changes and that included the introduction of Holder and Adams at the back. Both players fitted in to the system well and were comfortably retaining possession on a pitch that was starting to feel the effect of the overnight downpour. 57 Minutes in and Lawes got his second goal of the game when he was on hand to tap in at the far post after good work by Yeo on the right and his square ball left Lawes with an easy finish. Stoneham tested the keeper with a fierce drive from 30 yards and Panting nearly got his second of the game only to be thwarted by the post. Yeo completed his hat trick on 68 minutes when his goalward bound shot took a deflection and went in to the corner of the net. Witham continued to dominate throughout the half but for finishing and some consistent use of the subs the tenth goal never come...even though keeper Cannock who swapped and went up front for the last few minutes see a header just go wide.
A great result and some strong performances from all of the boys involved today. The defence was as solid again as it has been for weeks on end and the midfield dominated the opposition from start to finish. In attack we looked unplayable at times with great interlinking play and the stats show that every attacking player was on the scoresheet today. Special mentions to Jackson who put in a superb performance up and down the left and his balance of play in defence and attack was noticeable to all, Yeo who grabbed a hat trick of goals and assists and he sits firmly in the race for the golden boot in the division and all of its leagues but todays man of the match goes to Lawes who himself got 2 goals and 3 assists and his overall attacking presence was clearly a nightmare for the opposition today. Also good to see Adams return from injury and put in a solid performance and to Stoneham who is back in the goals.
2 wins in our remaining 3 league fixtures guarantees us the title!! Nothing for granted boys but keep up the good work and its ours : )
