Witham travelled to Braintree to play Zizou in what was anticipated as a tough test. Witham had only 12 players with Whipps unavailable, Adams and Stoneham still injured, Johnson AWOL and Humphries suspended the manager even named himself in the squad (even though he didnt kit up).
The pitch was heavy with alot of overnight rain and it was Zizou who started strongest as there energetic midfield and powerful striker looked to keep the ball in Withams half and force an early goal. On 8 minutes they took the lead with a superb half volley from 20 yards flying in the corner giving Cannock no chance. Witham rallied together and forced forward but couldnt seem to find the opening while at the other end Zizou were still dangerous but the back four defended well against some strong pressure. Witham scored a superb team goal on 21 minutes to bring the game level. A crossfield ball was met by Lawes at an angle and he calmly on the volley played it across to Yeo who from 6 yards cushioned it passed the keeper. The goal seemed to settle Witham nerves as the team began to play football and was making good use of the wings. Panting and Lawes were a threat and they were being supported well by Ahern and Jackson on the overlap. Yeo nearly got his second of the game when he turned his man 10 yards out but from an acute angle he blasted over. Lawes then nearly kept up his run of scoring in every game this season when his header across goal hit the outside of the post. On 33 minutes Witham took the lead when Yeo's run and cross found Panting inside the box and he made no mistake. Panting nearly then scored a superb solo goal when he beat his man on the byline and his shot from a tight angle was saved but the rebound fell back to him 6 yards out but his shot come back of the cross bar. Witham come under a bit of pressure in the final minutes of the half but the back four was solid with Ahern and Murphy both making vital tackles.
HALF TIME ZIZOU 1 WITHAM GALACTICOS 2
Zizou again come out strongest and dominated in the centre putting Witham's defence on the back foot. Both Murphy and Clark early on made last minute tackles to keep the score's level but on 56 minutes the equaliser come from the spot after Clark's rash tackle in the box. Witham showed character and minutes later the impressive Yeo and Panting combined when Yeos ball from deep found Panting inside the box and his touch was good and his half volley on the turn was even better to make the game 3-2 in the Galacticos favour. Zizou chased the game and surged forward looking for the equaliser but Witham looked strong with Jackson and Ahern standing out. In response Witham found gaps and could have extended there lead when Yeo had 2 good chances. On 87 minutes it was game, set and match when a poor clearance by the keeper found Yeo 25 yards out and this time he made no mistake in drilling the ball home
FINAL SCORE ZIZOU 2 WITHAM GALACTICOS 4
A huge result securing top spot in the league and it helps with our rivals also dropping points. We beat good opposition today and again our character showed through when we was on the back foot for large periods of the game. We used the width well today with both Lawes and Panting on the flanks and Jackson and Ahern at full back always being available and causing problems going forward. Jackson and Ahern also showed there defensive attributes with some excellent tackles and real determination to deal with some strong opposing players. Yeo scored 2 and created 2 so deserves a big pat on the back and Panting was back to were he was a few weeks ago with a couple of goals and an impressive display. Man of the match was Jackson who seems to enjoy his role down when moved to the left : ) a hard working performance that showed strength, attacking threat and pure desire.
A spare week this Sunday so an excuse for you all to get pissed or whatever it is you do before 2 big games in the league to round up November and keep this title surge going.
