Witton 2 Shepshed 1 (From Northwich Guardian)

Matt Wood steers Witton Albion to friendly victory over Shepshed Dynamo

8:33pm Saturday 14th August 2010 in Match reports By Andrew Simpson

WITTON Albion’s winner, while late in its arrival, was a worthy one as they closed their pre-season preparations with a smile.

Matt Wood’s finish was expert, lifting substitute Christian Millar’s perfect pass over Shepshed keeper Gavin Saxby as he raced out to narrow the Albion man’s angle.

He was too late.

The hosts, permitted to play much of the first half in their opponent’s territory, led from the tenth minute when captain Ian Kearney stabbed in a loose ball from close range.

He took a chance presented to him after Brian Pritchard had returned Danny Warner’s corner back towards the target.

Trialist Callum Botham might have doubled their tally from Peter Heler’s assist, but his drive was too straight and Saxby saved comfortably.

Shepshed, reluctant attackers before the break, did draw level six minutes after the restart.

Substitute Darryl Chappell found the far corner with a well-placed shot after Ricky Law has ghosted into space behind auxiliary full back Adam Foy.

Albion almost restored their lead from the kick off, Heler’s clever pass releasing Wood only for his drive cross to fizz across the six-yards box without a finishing touch.

Heler turned provider again soon afterwards to give Andy Kinsey a sight of goal, but Kris Jones timed his tackle to perfection and the chance was gone.

Last term’s Player of the Year, Heler was again involved when his back post centre was headed back across goal by Pritchard.

But replacement Carl Frost was wayward with his finish from close range.

Botham, this time supplied with a shooting opportunity by substitute Josh Hancock, fired too close to Saxby again then Pritchard was narrowly off target when meeting Foy’s flag kick.

Witton though they had scrambled a winner nine minutes from time only for Millar’s prod from point blank range to hit the post after Kearney had headed on Foy’s set piece.

The Albion skipper could not control his shot on the rebound and Saxby was grateful the ball thudded into his chest on the goalline.

But the winner came seconds later.

Millar crafted the opening for Wood, whose speed sent him clear to lob Saxby.

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Witton Cooper (GK) (Saunders GK 46), Warner (McLaughlin 46), Kearney, Pritchard, Wood, Heler, Parkinson (Millar 46), Foy, Botham (Carter 85), Kinsey (Hancock 56), Smith (Frost 46, Ledwards 75)
Subs not used McKay
Goal Kearney 10, Wood 82

Shepshed Saxby (GK), Fairclough (James Leggitt 74), Screaton, Jones, Brewer, Brooks (Asimoko 68), Sam Leggitt, Stahlberger, Law (Langham 64), Norris (Chappell 41), Newbold (Hurst 79)
Subs not used none
Goal Chappell 51

Referee Peter Davies (Altrincham)
Attendance 158