Westend put up great display of character
TARPORLEY 8
WESTEND UNITED 3
(Mid Cheshire League Under 12’s)
This game was against the current Division 3 leaders and was likely to be a hard game for the lads but Westend played some lovely football and at times looked the better side and with a bit of self belief they will eventually show that they are.
Tarporley started the game by pushing the ball forward only for Philip Roney to receive it and put a great ball forward that Tarporleys goalkeeper had to kick out but drove the ball against Dean Morgan who nearly scored. The early stages of this game it looked possible that a league upset could occur with Westend playing the better football. Tarporley started to get into the game and had two shots sail over the bar. Tarporley were awarded a free kick that came in but was put out for a corner. It became obvious that Tarporley were well drilled on the corner set piece and they scored their first three goals in this way. Tarporley scored their fourth after Westend restarted the game and were caught by a break. Tarporley scored another goal but one of their players was judged to have handballed and a free kick was awarded to Westend. Moments later the score was 5-0 from open play. The score soon became 6-0 after another corner. Westend kicked off and the ball was thumped forward by Alex Mason for Ashley Goodwin to run onto and he showed great skill and composure to beat the defender and then the goalkeeper to put Westend on the score sheet. Tarporley responded immediately and put the score at 7-1, which was the situation at half time.
The second half was very different with Westend showing great heart and a will to get back into the game. Scott Sapsford came on to join the defence of Jim Cowburn, Alex Mason and Darren Roberts with Philip Roney moving into attack. The midfield players Kit Ambage, Jack Carroll, Anthony Crossley, Harry Higate and Nick Tabbinor all worked hard. For their efforts Westend were awarded a free kick just outside the box, Dean Morgan floated a beautiful ball into the area and after a bit of a scramble Oliver Gifford put the ball in the net. Tarporley got their eighth and then had another disallowed for offside, they also saw a long range shot go over and another come back off the post. All of this did not deter Westend who continued to play football with some fine forward passing and running into space. Robin Evans in goal had to perform some great saves throughout the game. Westends third goal came after a great ball split the defence for Ashley Goodwin to take on and drive it home. There were further chances when Sam Marshall had a good shot go wide and Jim Cowburn saw his shot well saved.
The man of the match was Darren Roberts for his tireless efforts in defence.
Team: - Ambage, Blood, Carroll, Cowburn, Crossley, Evans, Gifford, Goodwin, Higate, Marshall, Mason, Morgan, Roberts, Roney, Sapsford and Tabbinor.
The next game is against Ettiley Heath away and players are asked to meet at the school at 9.30 a.m.