Premier Division
Witney United 2 Henley Town 0
Monday, 30 August 2004
United got their first maximum points of the season when a hard-working performance saw them defeat Henley Town 2-0 at Marriott's Stadium.
United came out of the blocks flying looking intent on clinching that first victory and within the first two minutes almost went in front. A corner by Steve Knight was flicked towards goal by debutant Darren McCluskey but somehow the defence scrambled it away with Witney looking certain to score. The swirling wind was also causing problems for Henley and a cross by Knight again caused problems that saw Jamie Curtis mis-kick and Richie Saunders header towards the near post was clawed away by Peter Little in the visitor's goal. Henley looked very reliant on Michael Meaker and a long ball that caught out the defence gave him a chance but his shot was weak and wide. The game had become scrappy with the officials not helping with some bizarre decisions against both sides. United were to come close again when a near post corner was met by the head of John McMahon but went over the bar however in the 40th minute Witney finally got the opener. Some lovely skill and close ball control by Ricky King saw him slip the ball to Mitch Wyatt who stabbed the ball into the corner of the net to give United an interval lead.
Half Time: 1-0
This goal gave United confidence and in the 2nd half they were much more dominant and had plenty of chances. It was King again who went on a mazy run and he tried to curl the ball around Little but the keeper was equal to it only for the move to start again with Duncan Fitzgerald sending Knight away but his shot hit the outside of the post. United continued to press and a poor back header by Greg Allen gave Wyatt another chance but Little got down to save with his feet. There was an amount of anxiety amongst players and spectators alike as both were desperate to see Witney clinch the three points and were willing the second to go in. This was only made worse when strong penalty appeals were waved away after Wyatt was scythed down in the box. Then the shot of the match as Knight hit the ball from 30 yards and with Little beaten the ball cannoned back of the crossbar and King's shot, from the rebound, was blocked by Peter Bryan. United were not to be denied and got the second goal that they deserved when Wyatt robbed Bryan in his own penalty box and tucked the ball in off the far post to give United three points. |
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