Late Winner Hurts WWFC

Video highlights on the Youtube Channel.

Our league campaign continues to underwhelm despite a strong showing against the League leaders Witley Club.

The build up to today's game was disappointing. Our first game away from the close confines of the Woking area saw half the squad turn up late with two turning up midway through the first half (thanks to Zam for picking Oli up).

This meant Matt's plans for the game had to be altered and a late decision to include the returning Lorenzo Favata at left back saw Ashley Ellis move up front on his first appearance of the season.

To be fair to the team, the shoddy preparations did not affect us as we started very brightly and were playing some classy stuff on a frankly awful surface.

Unfortunately about 10 minutes in the gamble on Lorry's fitness backfired and we nearly conceded the opening goal when he was struggling and played their strikers onside. Thankfully Damian Lynch rushed out and did brilliantly to block the shot.

Lorry then went off with a groin strain that could see him out for a good few weeks and Dan Wicks came on at left back.

Chances were few and far between, despite our slick play, as our decision making in the final 3rd left quite a lot to be desired.

Robbie Wilson went closest for us, shooting wide from Ash's cut back after a lovely move down the right.

Witley Club forced Damo into a further save down to his right and when we failed to clear our lines they also hit the post from long range.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Both teams were trying to play the game in the right way despite the surface with us shading possession and territory, but again failing to make the keeper work.

Luca Mortellaro and Tom Davis both fired just over when well placed for us, while Damo did well to save low to his right following a shot from 25 yards.

As the game wore on it was clear 1 goal would settle it and it would either be a slice of luck or something special as neither team could get the better of the defences.

Such are the differing fortunes of the two sides, it was hardly surprising that it went against us, again.

We briefly lost our defensive shape and when they stretched us down our left and crossed in Silv's sliced clearance fell perfectly to Witley's left winger who could hardly miss.

With ten minutes to go Witley sat back and welcomed pressure from us. We perhaps were too direct at this stage, flooding forwards a bit aimlessly and played into their hands. It is though difficult to find the right balance with such little time left.

Odgie did work the keeper from a free kick, but we couldn't create a clear cut chance and Witley held on.

As with two weeks ago Witley again were very complimentary regarding our performance and said our league position is false, but again it was little consolation to the guys who had all put in great effort on a difficult pitch.

We left without the point we deserved, but should be positive about the way we played and how we matched the team who will probably win the Division.

Defensively we were excellent for the second week running with Damo having a strong game and the back 4 excelling. Going forward it didn't quite click today. We often chose the wrong options and the killer pass was not there. It was not for the want of trying though.

Next week we play in the 2nd round of the County Cup in Ewell. Needless to say our time keeping needs to be better for that one.

MoM - Damo - made 3 fine saves in a very good performance. Noteable mentions for Silvio and stand in skipper Baulds who were superb at centre back and to Odgie who was the driving force in midfield.

Thanks to Carlo and Oli for running the line.