FOOTBALL: Witney leave it late to steal points

From the Witney Gazette, first published Tuesday 18th Dec 2007.

Sport Italia Hellenic League

AFC Wallingford 2, Witney Utd 3

Witney had to wait until the ninth minute of stoppage time before sealing the points with a hard-fought victory at struggling Wallingford in the Premier Division on Saturday.

With the clock ticking around to 99 minutes, Andrew Younie skipped past three defenders before unleashing an unstoppable drive to snatch the points.

Witney made almost the perfect start as skipper John McMahon drilled home the opening goal after only two minutes, and he went close to doubling the lead after debutant Dean Smith released him with a fine ball over the top, but McMahon's lob bounced off the bar.

Wallingford levelled from the penalty spot on the half hour.

A long ball saw Luke Brandon appear to be bundled over by Jefferson Harriott.

But the referee waved play on, and Chris Webb pulled down Harriott in the box. Jamie Debanks slotted home the spot-kick.

Witney were again denied by the woodwork when Gary Wickens's shot was deflected onto the bar and over.

After the break, Witney had most of the possession, but created little of note.

The home side grew in confidence, and a couple of long-range Harriott efforts were dealt with, while Brad Chalmers headed over from eight yards.

On 87 minutes, Wickens looked to have scored the winner when he prodded home from Jon Steedman's cross.

Deep into stoppage time, Wallingford drew level when a breakdown in communication between Vinny Byfield and Webb left Harriott with an empty net to level the scores.

But Witney weren't finished, and Younie had the final word in the 99th minute to seal a dramatic three points.

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