Westend make it eight games undefeated
with an exciting game against top of the league
WESTEND UNITED 4
TARPORLEY 4
(Mid Cheshire League Div 3 Under 12’s)
Westend were at home on a sunny Sunday morning playing their second game against the team at the top of the league. Tarporley have only been beaten once so far this season and Westend were determined to make it twice. Westend played very well and at one point were in command but they ended up sharing the points after some great play from both teams.
Westend started the match and after some neat interplay Kit Ambage put a ball over their defences for Sam Marshall to chase towards goal but he was well tackled on the edge of the box. The early stages were spent soaking up a bit of pressure from Tarporley with the defence provided by Dean Morgan, Darren Roberts, Philip Roney and Scott Sapsford with Robin Evans gathering and kicking well when needed. The midfield players Jack Carroll, Harry Higate, Kit Ambage and Oliver Gifford were starting to get into the game with some strong tackling and forward passes. Ashley Goodwin came on for Higate. Westend started to push forward towards Goodwin who forced the keeper to put the ball out for a throw in. Westend continued to press and Jim Cowburn was fouled on the edge of the box. Cowburn took the free kick and he hit an unstoppable shot that went past the keeper to make it 1-0. Tarporley restarted the game and put Westend under pressure and got an equaliser after a nice bit of build up football. Westend continued to battle and at times looked the better side and during an attack there was an appeal for a penalty after Mason went down in the box picking up a knock in the process. Marshall replaced Mason had to go off and immediately linked well with Gifford forcing a corner for Westend. Cowburn took it and the ball came out to Carroll who put a great pass to Goodwin who put it in the back of the net. At half time the score was 2-1.
Tarporley started the second half and both teams came out with renewed determination. Nick Tabbinnor joined the midfield and Ambage picked up a knock but showed good spirit by continuing. Tarporley were being kept in the game by a very large defender who was able to pick off any high balls that came his way. Westend came forward with a move started by Morgan in defence feeding the ball to Marshall who in turn laid it on for Cowburn to score a great goal under pressure from two defenders to make it 3-1. Moment’s later Cowburn could have added to his tally but his shot went over the bar. Tarporley pressed forward and got a goal back. Anthony Crossley joined the midfield and Mason went back into defence. Tarporley had to perform a save on the line after good build up play from Ambage, Marshall and then a shot from Cowburn. Tarporley equalised after some determined play. Matthew Blood came on for Robin Evans and before he had time to warm up Tarporley squeezed one past him to give them the lead at 3-4. Mason went forward with Sapsford joining up with Roney in defence in a reorganisation to try to get the game back. As has become the case Westend did not give up and they chased all the way. Westend were rewarded with an equaliser after Morgan put the ball forward to Mason who had a shot that went high and looped over the keeper and in to bring it level. Westend spent the final minutes pushing forward giving everything to get a win but it was not to be and it finished 4-4.
The man of the match was Jack Carroll for his performance in midfield.
Team: - Ambage, Blood, Carroll, Cowburn, Crossley, Evans, Gifford, Goodwin, Higate, Marshall, Mason, Morgan, Roberts, Roney, Sapsford and Tabbinnor.
The next match is at home against Ettiley and players are asked to meet at the school at 10:00 am.