Witham Galacticos entertained Witham Phoenix in a Division 2 league game hours after celebrating last seasons players player Jack Murphy's engagement party in Witham Town (I heard he had a great night with the blue pill presents in his card!). A few weeks prior to the fixture the Galacticos defeated the same side 10-1 but the away team put up a much more valiant performance. The Galacticos still had a growing injury list with Jamie Lawes and Aaron Williams still injured, but had last seasons joint top goalscorer Adam Ratcliffe feeling a bit better and starting off in goal giving Cannock a rare start at left back. In the first few minutes the home team began passing the ball around quite well but it was obvious that Witham Phoenix where right up for the game and closing down players very quickly and on 5 minutes Phoenix where 1 -0 up courtesy of a header at the back post from a corner. WGFC knew at that minute they had to dig deep and try and force a way back into the game against a very spirited side. On 12 minutes a stroke of luck/genius (you decide!) came from Jamie Adams who found himself 25 yards out on the right wing, looked up and delivered/shot!! into the sanction of the top left hand corner. At 1-1 the game became a bit sloppy with the Galacticos trying to force another goal but the Phoenix side where very resilient and hard working and it was the away team who nearly pinched a goal just before half time when a pass back to the goalkeeper was misjudged by Murphy and the Phoenix striker was bearing down on goal, only to be thwarted by a good save from Ratcliffe.
HALF TIME WITHAM GALACTICOS 1 WITHAM PHOENIX 1
The second half began with Galacticos making 1 change, Cannock going back in goal and Ratcliffe coming back on into his strong position out wide. The change seemed to give the home side some of the pace that we needed to get in behind the phoenix back 4 with Ratcliffe finding space a few times and looking dangerous. Yeo was now sitting a bit deeper and trying to pick out some passes after picking up an ankle injury early in the first half, with Humphry just sitting in front looking to unlock the spirited Phoenix side. The Galacticos back 4 was also looking as in control with Cannock giving his usual commands and the centre backs clearly winning the ariel battle. On 60 minutes the Galacticos took the lead after a goal that showed spirit, vision and pure determination, Orr chased down the Phoenix defender and produced a well timed strong sliding challenge to win the ball, Humphries picked it up and played a perfect defence splitting ball to Ratty who had again got in behind the back 4 and played a pass across goal to McCormack who slotted home from 6 yards to get his 6th goal in 4 games. Agonisingly the game was too early of a comeback for Ratcliffe who seemed to trigger off the hamstring injury again and had to be replaced by Ballard (McCormack went round Julians Saturday night and got Derrick back!). At 2-1 the game was still in the balance and the away team where very vocal trying to lift their teams spirits and get back in the game. On 68 minutes Goalscorer Adams was replaced By Bromley and was called into action immediately, a Phoenix corner from the right was headed down by a Phoenix attacker but Bromley was on hand to clear the ball to safety. The game was decided on 80 minutes when Mccormack found Orr who went one on one and after seeing his initial shot saved was there to tap in the rebound and bury the game. Another hard earned 3 points to the Galacticos.
Man Of the match: Charlie Humphries - again another strong, solid and energetic display from him. He has slotted in his position well and produced 2 very good performances in his last 2 games ( I secretly believe Charlie is enjoying his football again but wont admit it : ) )
Next week a home fixture against TK Eagles who will be looking to avenge last seasons cup final defeat! A birdy is also telling me Mr Lawes and Mr Williams may be returning earlier than expected?! We shall see.
