Having not played for 3 weeks, this was the first League One game for the newly promoted WCFC after our postponed match the previous week. Westbury had finished runner-up in their league and had beat Warminster Highbury Reds last week, so a very tough match was expected.
A large squad of 16 players was taken to this game as we sought to understand how these new teams operate. We used the full squad during the match as we changed tactics and approach at different stages of the match. A big appreciation of the players who came on and off during the game as getting up-to speed etc would not be easy, however, it is important to get all players performing at the best of their ability at this level.
The game started with each side sounding each other out. Balls over the top from each side seemed most popular way to play, however, each defence played well in sniffing out any danger. Worton then started to get the ball down and play along the wings to get past the defence, some glimmers of light started to appear.
After 17 minutes, Alfie Brinton won the ball and played a pass through the left channel, Harry Davis sprinting onto the ball raced through on keeper before dispatching low right into the corner.
1-0 at the break.
Almost immediately after the break, Westbury had a chance – over the top again – and when through on goal was stuffed out a great tackle by Luke Hatch.
At the other end Alfie Miles-Hobbs cut in from right and smacked a great shot off the bar – so close.
After 38 minutes, ball over the top again, suspicion of offside but correctly called by ref, Westbury broke through, shot against James Black well saved but their striker followed up the rebound despite James effort to stop it. 1-1 Game on.
(Sometime around now my watch stopped – so timings may be a bit off!!)
After around 45 minutes, Harry Davis twinkle-toed his was through the middle of the Westbury team from the centre line to the penalty box before Jamo decided it was better if he hit the ball next – right into top corner of goal – 2-1 Worton!
Unfortunately we failed to hold the lead again and a ball through middle (again!!!) led to Westbury equalising!
At 2-2 we decided to go to 4-5-1 and reinforce the midfield. This paid dividends by allowing the wider players to push on wide and increase the number of opportunities we were getting. Alfie Brinton had a shot headered off the line, several shots by Adam and a few other chances made either saved or blocked by Westbury as we pushed for the winner.
The pressure paid off when Alfie Miles-Hobbs cut inside again and was fouled inside the box – PENALTY!
Princess Penalty Champion Charlie Strickland took the penalty which was brilliantly saved by the keeper however the only ones to follow up were Alfie Brinton and Charlie who smashed the ball past the keeper – 3-2!!!
With the lead back in place, we shut up shop and sat back 4 of the midfielders to snuff out any activity being created in or near the Westbury midfield. Relief all around when the final whistle went – victory in our first League 1 match!
It was a squad of 16 team victory – The coaches were all immensely proud of the way we continued to play football – especially in the last quarter of the match – 3 touch practice really does work! Well done everyone.
We took some new team pictures for use in some sponsorship activities. I will have a number printed at 10×8 for parents who wish a copy to make a donation towards the tour fundraising effort (at least £1 to cover production costs!)
NEXT WEEK – HOME vs MELKSHAM A – Northbrook hopefully kickoff 1000. (tbc)
