Our U21’s took on local rivals Witton Albion last Sunday at Moss Farm. Having comfortably won the “away” fixture in November 5-2, the lads were confident of securing local bragging rights once again.
An early goal bundled in from Adam Whitlock settled the nerves and 1874 U21’s played some great football but just lacked the killer instinct in front of goal. Chad Lowe had one effort that hit both posts before rebounding back into the grateful arms of the goalkeeper. 1874 also had a definite penalty turned down when the Witton right back scythed Taylor Kennerley down. Even the Wotton management team were expecting a penalty!
However the second goal would not come and Witton capitalised on an error at the back to level just before half time. 1-1
Fresh from the half time team talk 1874 came out raring to go. They took the lead 10 minutes into the second half with Chad Lowe finishing off a great run and cross from Connor Arrowsmith. Two minutes later Lowe made it 3-1 reacting first to a rebound off the bar to grab his second. 1874 were now rampant and were playing some lovely football with young midfielder Aaron Clayton catching the eye of the sizeable crowd of 1874 fans. It was soon 4-1 with Kennerley finishing off a storming run from left back Matty Moore. Jamie Mountford made it 5-1 pouncing on a poor clearance from the Witton defence to sweetly half volley into the back of the net. Adam Whitlock completed the scoring with two late goals one a stunning strike from the edge of the area to complete his third hat trick of the season in only 4 appearances. There was even time for the referee to turn down two more strong penalty appeals.
The final whistle put Witton out of their misery. They were beaten comprehensively by a great performance from the U21 lads who appreciated the number of 1874 fans that had turned up to watch. Final score 7-1.
Team Millington, Hoare, Lomas, Goodwin, Moore, Heap, Clayton, Whitlock, Kennerley, Arrowsmith, Lowe
Subs Whelan, Giddins, Leather, Mountford and Stubbs
The win consolidates 6th position with 10 games left of the season. Promotion is still possible as we are 7 points behind the leaders Garswood United and we still have to play them both home and away.
Next up is another local derby away at Frodsham this Sunday with an 11am ko. They play at Ship Street, Frodsham WA7 7PE.
Update
It was nice to see 4 U21’s represent the 1st team in the friendly played on Wednesday. Congratulations to Ryan Millington who played the whole match and Taylor Kennerley, Aaron Clayton, and Chad Lowe who played the second half.