u7s-cracking match to watch

Another sunny day; another great turn out of friends and family and a return to the home ground after two weeks away – set a good tone for the Witham Town Under 7s.
Today was met with high energy and great determination from the boys and their coach, Chris, who together met Maldon Saints in their last game of the Northey league.
Kicking off were Jayden and captain Joe, with Jack T and Jack H in defense. Although Witham worked hard to keep control of the ball Maldon Saints showed they mean business taking their first target on shot within the first few minutes…luckily for Witham it wasn’t fruitful and Jack H did well to tackle the ball away. The activity continued around the Witham goal, throw ons were given to Witham, with Maldon Saints showing no mercy and attacking to get control – Jack was there to defend and Witham got the ball away from the danger area.
Jack T’s first attempt on goal was unfortunately a bit high, although not to be defeated, he went in again and scored the first goal for his team. The player’s energy on both sides was quite exciting to watch – Witham kept their shape and played on well and were rewarded with a second goal from Joe, who wove through the Saints to place a cracking shot.
The Saints at this point 2-0 down, stepped up a gear, getting the ball away, up to where it needed to be for them, during this time Brody made some spectacular saves.
The Jacks came off and Maxwell and Harvey came on; the fast pace continued with both teams having equal control of the ball and multiple goal attempts made. In the last few minutes of the first half Maldon Saints played well and secured their first goal, ending the first half at 2-1 to Witham.
For the second half the energy remained high and Harvey and Jack H showed tremendous defending. Unfortunately in all the excitement a handball was made on the Witham Town side and a penalty kick given to the Saints. Brody, keen as ever, did not stop moving, distracting the Saints’ player – the ball went wide and Brody was safe.
Staying near the Witham goal, the ball went back and forth several times - it was a tense moment as the activity stayed near Witham’s net. Brody once again showed amazing focus, watching the ball constantly and being ready to save another attempt from the Saints. After a few tries, the Saints eventually tucked another goal away.
Witham Town, with great determination, kept in the game by tackling well and getting control of the ball – Jack T showed “fantastic feet” (quoted from the sidelines). He took the ball to the Saint’s goal and attempted another powerful shot which unluckily went over the net. Witham and the Saints were evenly matched in terms of possession and very quickly the ball was back up the other end – Jayden and Jack held strong around the goal area, keeping the ball away from the Witham net – however Jayden took a ball straight in the face and for a few moments we thought he would have to stop playing – he showed fantastic bravery and within a minute was back in play, showing the strong determination we have come to see from him. Nearing the end of the game, a second penalty kick was given to the Saints which again Brody was ready for – this one he didn’t manage to get, which made the Saints look like they were going to be the winning side. Brody then came straight back with two sensational saves – making the highly regarded keeper much happier J .
Witham Town, clearly not going to settle for a defeat today, went into attacking mode, with Jayden running fast down the pitch, keeping the ball close and nearing the net to score…Witham looked set for an equalising goal but unfortunately Jayden got caught up with another player and the ball slipped away. However, Maxwell was there to support, keeping close to his fellow player, he saw the opportunity and showing great control, took a touch to steady himself and placed the goal, shooting straight past the keeper into the bottom corner – equalising the game at 3-3.
Witham’s team spirit has really developed in the last six weeks and it shows, with more game experience, their passing and tactics are growing, this was demonstrated multiple times by all of the players but one that sticks in mind is in an excellent run through from Jack T. passing to Joe who had made space around him to receive the ball.

All of the players thoroughly enjoyed the game today and were in great spirits in the club house afterwards where they enjoyed sausage and chips with the Maldon Saints. Thanks to them for a great game and we look forward to joining a new league in two weeks’ time.

Chris was really pleased with how all of the boys played, he felt the game was free flowing today and the energy and excitement of the players, coaches and spectators made for a great afternoon.

Chris’s man of the match trophy was deservedly given to Brody, who was continuously focused pulled of a number of saves throughout the game.