Witan 1s 2 - 3 Shene 2s

In a thrilling Saturday league football clash at Barn Elms, the Witan 1s and Shene battled it out on in front of an enthusiastic crowd of about six people (largely made of subs). The weather conditions were mixed as it was ideal for football with clear skies but the scorching heat was a massive challenge for the 2023/24 season curtain raiser.

The game kicked off with high intensity, as both teams were eager to secure the victory. The midfield saw intense battles for possession, with neither side willing to give an inch. The match was characterized by end-to-end action, before the midfield trio of Mathaeus, Deb and Louis showed enough passion to come out on top in the opening 15 when the first half really started to take shape.

In minute ’15 Ben Wright plays the pass of his career into Deybson who went onto a solo run a prime Ronaldinho would’ve been proud of. Living up to Brazilian tradition Debs received on the half turn at the just beyond the halfway line skipping past two midfielders in the process before taking on the CB and slotting it into the bottom right corner to make it 1-0 Witan.

From this moment the momentum was all with Witan as shown in ’24 when Deb once again received the ball from deep before playing a through ball to Theo who slotted it low to make it 2-0 to Witan. However, Shene showed they were still in the contest with Divakar being called into action shortly after when a through ball put their number 9 in on goal before Div advanced to make it 1v1 and save the effort.

The first half water break was the intervention Shene needed as they looked to build their way back into the game. ’30 Shene played a ball through our defence to their striker who’s clear on goal with Witan hot on his heels. Mathaeus makes a tactical foul just outside of the area and escapes with a yellow card which could have been a red. Shene go on to score from the resulting free kick as a right footed player strikes from just to the left of the 18 yard box to make it 2-1.

Minutes before half time and it’s all action with both teams pushing for the next goal. Brandon is introduced from the bench having done a sorry excuse of a warm up which very much showed before ’41 Diva sends a long ball to Deybson who flicks it to Brandon who is in a race with the defender. Brandon flexes his big, big, big muscles to get past the centre half then gets a shot away which just hits the outside netting, unlucky effort.

Resultingly, Shene end the half with another 1 on1 opportunity as their striker goes round an on rushing Diva and fakes a pass to his teammate. Archie did fantastic on the recovery by closing down the space while debutant Jack covered the line. The striker eventually gets the shot away which is saved by Diva but it was excellent from the new centre back pairing.

Going into the second half the extreme temperatures were beginning to take their tole with players from both sides playing a much cagier game in the 33 degree heat. Taking us through to about the ’68 with Witan defending a one goal lead. Shene gets a free kick just outside the box. The striker pings it into the middle of the area which leads to a pinball moment inside the box, Div makes a save which is then spilled by the keeper. As the ball approaches the line Shenes attacker leaps in for the rebound with Div making a save on the line by punching the ball leading to him becoming injured as a result of the double save. Once play resumes, Shene pull their corner back to the edge of the box and their player capitalises with a side foot finish into the top left hand corner to equalise, keeper no chance. 2-2.

Shortly after this, Shene break on the Witan defence as we pushed for a winner. In the ’75 Shene plays quickly along the right-hand side of the pitch and their right winger laced the ball with a knuckle ball technique to generate the max amount of power, but Div was equal to this effort with a good save.

It’s now crunch time as we approach the closing stages of the game. ’85 Witan gets a corner which is cleared by the opposition but then followed up by Federico who volleys back into the area leading to a pinball moment with players not knowing where the ball is. Brandon then gets the last kick as it sit’s up for a strike on goal which beats the keeper but is deflected off the line and out for another corner.

Lastly, after a game played in Sahara like conditions our team are patiently playing out from the back in an attempt to create another opportunity ’87 we lose the ball in midfield as the fullbacks push up leaving our back line exposed. Shene take the ball and fire a pass into the centre forward who scores from just inside the 18 yard box. Full time result, 3-2 Shene.

We then drowned our sorrows at the Rugby club and Fede finally got his jacket!

Written by Brandon Beckford