The Galacticos were up against local rivals and title challengers Terling Villa at home in a repeat of last years cup finals. Witham who hadn't had a game for 3 weeks had a squad of 14 to choose from with Whipps returning to the squad and Humphry's from suspension.
Witham started quickly and nearly took the lead within 2 minutes when Orr found Panting out wide who drove in at goal but his shot was weak and the keeper saved well. A minute later Lawes on the opposite wing beat his man and his shot just went pass the post. On 7 minutes Yeo took the ball down well inside the box beat his man but his shot went into the side netting. Witham were exposing there opposition in the final third especially out wide with Panting and Lawes finding plenty of space and Yeo was first to everything played in to him. On 15 minutes Witham broke the deadlock when Vicarage found Lawes out on the left and after a turn of pace he let fly from the corner of the box across the keeper to finish superbly. Witham continued to control the pace of the game with the midfield combination of Vicarage and Humphry breaking up everything with support from Orr just infront of them. Witham's backline mirrored the midfield with a strong and resilient display winning everything that was thrown at them. On 33 minutes it was a 2 goal cushion when Yeo got in front of his man and played the ball into the run of Panting out on the right and his drive from 18 yards across the keeper flew in. On 38 minutes it was 3 nil when Yeo again beat his defender and his shot from 20 yards squeezed in at the far post. Whipps was introduced just after the goal as Murphy picked up an ankle injury. Terling tried desperately before half time to grab a goal but Ahern, Stoneham and Jackson were first to everything with a very vocal Cannock leading his back line, Terling nearly grabbed a goal from a header before the half time whistle but Lawes was on hand to clear off the line.
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Terling pushed forward looking to get back into the game but couldnt find a way through and with Witham looking dangerous on the counter attack more goals looked a sure possibility. Orr was replaced on 58 minutes by Holder after a brilliant display of both attacking and defensive work. Holder slotted in alongside Vicarge and Humphry to give the midfield some strength. Panting nearly extended Witham's lead when Yeo's ball across the box found him 4 yards out but the Villa keeper saved superbly at point blank range. Terling had more of the ball mid way through the half but lacked any real goal threat as the Witham boys swamped all over them to crush any comeback. Witham still looked dangerous in attack with Lawes going close with a spectacular overhead kick and Yeo giving the centre backs a 90 minute nightmare. Holder nearly snatched his first ever Galactico goal but he had both his shots cleared off the line. With time running out Terling grabbed a consolation goal from a corner when the tall defender rose above everyone to head home. Witham comfortably held out to take 3 points and extend there lead at the top of the table. (Sadly some of the opposition lost out on some big bets they placed before the game with William Hill and posted it on local social media sites so it was a double blow to them : )
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Booooooooommmmmm A great result and a superb performance. Everyone single player today was outstanding and the determination throughout was a joy to watch. We looked dangerous in every attack and solid in defence and midfield. The defensive line of Ahern, Stoneham, Murphy, Jackson and Whipps were excellent led brilliantly by Cannock. Lawes and Panting destroyed there markers down the flanks and were an output through. Yeo won every ball played in to him and completely baffled the oppositions centre backs. Orr's work rate and creativity was visible for all to see and the return of Humphrys gave us some real balance in the midfield. Man of the match this week which was nearly an impossible decision was Steve Vicarage as he rolled back the years with a display that showed everything from strength, work rate, creativity yes he got an assist and discipline (except his Yellow Card!). Considering we haven't played for 3 weeks myself and Dazza couldnt have asked for more and the team is showing some real togetherness now and if we continue that we will be crowned champions but...............lets keep focused and continue what we are doing its not over yet : )
