Witham lined up for there first game of the season and welcomed new signings Joe Jackson, Luke Johnson, Jamie Panting, Aaron Holder, Stephen Barbrock and Liam Whipps to the side.
The Galacticos pre season was up and down and a tough draw for the first game against Valley was going to show so real character to get a positive result.
Witham started on the front foot and some good work from Yeo, Lawes and Johnson nearly created a goal within the first minute. On 4 minutes Witham took the lead when Yeo found Orr 12 Yards out and his goal bound shot cliped Johnson to put the Galacticos 1 up. Witham stayed strong and and worked incredibly hard with the front 4 working there socks off and the midfield and defence showing brutal strength to keep the game balanced. After 25 minutes Valley got into the game and numerous long balls were delivered into Witham's box but the back four and Cannock stood strong. Up the other end Lawes and Johnson both had shots from distance that just missed there targets. On 30 minutes the game was level when a set piece was delivered and the towering striker rose above everyone to head into the top corner of the net. Valley stepped up there game and had plenty of possession and forced a good save from Cannock on the stroke of half time
HALF TIME VALLEY GREEN 1 WITHAM GALACTICOS 1
Witham started strong again and there early pressure was rewarded with a goal on 54 minutes. Yeo took a quick throw midway inside Valley's half to Orr who flicked the ball on to Lawes who run down on goal and cooly slotted the ball home. Valley come out of the blocks and began to dominate possession but Witham restricted there chances to shots from distance. Injuries to Murphy, Johnson and Holder meant Clark, Adams and Whipps joint the field and this was quickly followed by Pantinging Orr. The fresh legs definetly helped Witham's cause with Clark and Whipps making vital interceptions at the back and Adams and Panting running lengths to try and force back Valley. Valley nearly equalised on 78 minutes when a sliding challenge by Clark went goal bound but luckily it rebounded off the post. Jackson and Yeo both missed good chances with there head at the other end to extend the Galacticos lead. On 90 minutes it was heartbreak for Witham when the Valley midfielder made a charging run round the back of the defence and his shot was destined for goal, Jacksons desperate attempt to clear the ball came to no avail as the Valley striker was on hand to tap in from 6 yards. WItham nearly snatched a winner at the death when Lawes was put through by Yeo but the ref blew up as he was bearing down on goal.
FINAL SCORE VALLEY GREEN 2 WITHAM GALACTICOS 2
As frustrating it is to concede in the last minute of the game a result away from home against last years league winners and local rivals is a point gained and a positive result. The desire and team spirit on the field was superb from everyone and we showed real unity as a team which we will only build on. Our defence deserves a special mention as they defended superbly for 90 minutes and with Cannock supporting them in goal I can only see the rear of the team getting stronger. Some great individual performances from Vicarage and our new signings Johnson, Jackson and Whipps. Man Of the match was a tight affair but Joe Jackson pinched it, he showed real determination in both his defensive and attacking responsibilities and didnt put a foot wrong all game (except the header he missed!)
3 points at home to Panfield next week will put us right in the mix boys : )
