By Liam Price
Easter Monday brings our final home game of the season and a Cheshire derby to boot as we host Witton (3pm kick-off).
Do Wit Again
The pattern of Witton’s recent games has been not a great deal of goals. Only 2 of their last 9 games have had more than 2 goals in them, most notably a 4-0 defeat to Clitheroe in mid-March. But in those quiet games have been some loud results, with a 1-0 win over league leaders Widnes and a 1-1 draw at play-off side Vauxhall. There have also been narrow defeats to Stalybridge, Avro and Stafford. But they secured an excellent win over another likely play-off side Chasetown on Saturday, coming from behind to win 2-1. All of this has left them 13th in the NPL West.
Former Dabber Ben Harrison has done a solid job since taking charge and looks to have guided them to mid-table security. There may be disappointment that the club couldn’t kick on from their 6th place finish last season, where they missed out on the play-offs on goal difference. But if you look at last season’s table, none of the teams who did finish in the play-offs look as if they’ll repeat that this time. Runcorn will narrowly miss out, Bootle are currently below Witton, and City of Liverpool have had a disastrous season. A lot can change in a year, especially at this level, so solidity should not be taken for granted.
Last Time We Met
Signposted by many as the start of the slump that ended Nantwich’s chances of finishing in the top 6, the Boxing Day reverse game at Wincham Park ended in a far-too-comfortable 2-0 win for Witton. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Witton have had no less than 22 different goalscorers across the season from their 40 different players. Picking out a specific goalscoring threat is even more difficult as their last 12 goals have been scored by 10 separate players.
Damola Sotona scored against Chasetown and Wythenshawe FC in recent games. And Ben Harrison scored a penalty recently against Hednesford.
Other former Dabbers include James Lawrie and centre-back Josh Langley, who arrived in February and has made 8 appearances so far. And look out for Mike Koral, always associated with being a full back he started and scored as a number 9 on Saturday.
Match Information
Tickets for this one are available online HERE or on the gate. It is £1 cheaper to buy online for each category than it is on the gate.
Dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead.
Please use the parking provided. If you have to park on the street then please be respectful to local residents.
Pre-order half-time drinks at the bar before the game to avoid the queues!
And don’t forget you can vote by paper for your Player and Young Player of the Season, look for the slips and box in the bar area!