GALACTICOS START SEASON IN STYLE!

<p>Witham kicked off their new season in a new league and travelled to play Compasses FC. We had no fewer than 4 debutants in Webb, Yatesy, O'Connor and Rowlands, plus 2 returning players from our team of league champions (Johnson & Clark)

<p>We set up with a formation of 4-2-1-3 and had to contend with strong windy conditions. It took 3 minutes for OC to get his debut goal with a close range finish after a through ball from Jackson. OC got his second 8 minutes later from 6 yards after beating the keeper at the front post after good work by Yates. OC was unlucky not to grab a 20 minute hat trick when the keeper pulled off a great save on to the bar. Witham continued to dominate with good build up from the back with Yates and Yeo both going close.

<p>HALF TIME COMPASSES 0 WITHAM GALACTICOS 2

<p>Witham started the second half as they did in the first half taking 4 minutes before making it 3 with Yeo scoring from 18 yards after Yates beat 2 men and pulled the ball back. OC again come close to grabbing his hat trick but his glancing headed just went wide of the post. Johnson who was introduced at half time nearly finished a superb team move but his finish just went wide of the post. The combination of Yates, Stoneham, Yeo and Johnson continued to stretch the back four but it took till 76 minutes till Yates got his debut goal. Some great build up play around the box was finished when Johnson slipped in Yates and he blasted home. 4 minutes later and Stonehams clever turn out wide made him space and he delivered a pin point ball to Yeo at the back post who volleyed home. A minute later and another debut goal when Rowlands blasted home from 20 yards after another assist from Johnson. Compasses in the last 10 minutes come close to scoring 2 goals as Witham pushed forward, once hitting the cross bar and the other Webb saved superbly when the striker was nailed on to score from 6 yards. Witham responded and it was 7-0 on 90 minutes when Adams beat 2 players down the left and crossed the ball to Johnson who tapped home from 4 yards to get the goal he deserved.

<p>FINAL SCORE COMPASSES 0 WITHAM GALACTICOS 7

<p>A great start to our season with a 7-0 thumping and we already sit nicely at the top of the league. It was difficult to break down a team that got everyone behind the ball but patience was key and in the second half this proved true. It did get a bit sloppy in the dying minutes when we could have conceded a couple of goals but we will learn from that. Added bonus of a clean sheet so hats of to the back four and midfielders that protected them, you all looked good in possession. Front 4 showed its ability with some good movement and build up play to create chances. Man of the match today was Jamie Adams, who had a great game defensevely and going forward was a real threat.

<p>Tougher game this Sunday, lets turn up with the same attitude as we have pre season and push on.