With urgent need to get games on despite the weather we moved our game to a local 3G to ensure it was played. Our current home pitches are suffering with all the rain we have had, along with every other local team in the area.
Our debut game in the league saw the visit of high flying Wincanton Town, Who probably fancied themselves as title contenders with our friends Ilchester Spitfires leaving the league this summer. Witham Friary FC went into the game without forward Lorenzo due to being unavailable. The squad was shuffled following our last outing.

The reds started well on the wet slick zippy surface for their passing style of football. It wasn't long before the home side applied pressure. With good midfield build up from Hanna, Howse and Franklin-Smith saw Closman hit the target early. This time the gk saved the tame effort. Witham soon found out our visitors style of play was long direct play, hoping the centre forward would run onto a hoof over the top. The style of play represented that of Wimbledon in the 80s and 90s. Our defence of Gray, Standage and Durbin dealt with pretty much most of everything thrown at them. Closman opened the scoring for the host after cutting in from the left. His right footed shot nestled into the far corner to send the supporters into celebration. Witham had chances to extend the lead when Vukinovac was sebt clean through. He was 1v1 with the gk but couldn't take advantage. Vukinovac opted to try round the gk when opting to slot home woyld of sufficed. It was Vukinovac who again squandered another golden chance to get his name on the score sheet. Stanowski took his chance well curling his effort beyond the gk. Witham was rampant at this point, with Hanna going close hitting the bar from 25 yards. Good play from our full backs saw Stanowski found in a half space. Stanowski produced a delightful chip to release Vukinovac. This time Vukinovac made no mistake smashing the ball into the net. The vjsitors did pull one back when Standage stepped in, however our midfield played a square pass which saw was intercepted. A long hopeful ball saw Ponari out sprinted in a foot race. The striker slotted the ball past the advancing Armstrong. This seemed to spark life and even shouts of "This is our league" by the Winkies Captain. This was very quickly silenced when Stanowski added to his tally.

Half Time
Witham Friary FC 4-1 Wincanton Town

Second half saw changes of Purdue, Cowing, Durbin and Gadd come into the side. The changes didn't impact our play and Witham Friary FC pressed and chased everything. The reds extended their lead when Vukinovac was kicked off the ball by the Winkies skipper. The Ref awarded the penalty for the late afters. Stanowski stepped up and made no mistake for his hat trick. Vukinovac worked hard and got his rewards capitalising on the spill by the gk. Vukinovac wasnt finished there and good team play saw him complete his hat trick. Wincanton did get a goal back following a defensive mix up which left Armstrong stranded.

Our management had this to say, "I thought we was terrific today. We had lots of games off and after a month showed just what we can do. There still not fully match fit and lots to come. We dealt with the long direct play well today."

Our player of the match was awarded to Vukinovac for his work rate and desire.

Our next game sees us in Somerset FA County Cup action, the round of 16 will take place at noon.