WESTEND ON A HIGH AFTER BEATING TEAM SECOND IN THE LEAGUE
Westend United 1
High Legh 0
(Mid Cheshire League Division 3 Under 12’s)
Westend felt that they were owed this win after the away fixture and they dug in and won it with distinction.
High Legh kicked off playing with the wind and they used it to their advantage by pressing forward. As the game progressed Westend started to get their football flowing with some great approach work from defence through midfield and into attack. Westend defenders Dean Morgan, Darren Roberts, Alex Mason, Scott Sapsford and Robin Evans were all tested by High Legh. Sam Marshall and Jim Cowburn both worked hard to try to open up the opposition. Westend made a change taking Roberts off and bringing Nick Tabbinnor on. High Legh were doing most of the attacking at this stage with Westend looking for a break. Evans had to make a number of good saves to keep Westend in the game. At half time the scores were level at 0-0.
The second half was started by Westend and this time they had the assistance from the wind. Westend pressed forward and they were awarded a free kick. This was taken by Jim Cowburn who forced a save from the goalkeeper. It was now Westends turn to have most of the play as they made another change taking Sapsford off and bringing Anthony Crossley on. Ashley Goodwin had moved into left back had to come over to the right to clear an attack that had broken through. Crossley battled for the ball in midfield and put a great ball through to Marshall who in turn fed it forward for Cowburn to run on to and with two defenders snapping at his heels he kept his head and neatly beat the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. Westend made another change bringing Joe Brazier on for Jack Carroll before High Legh restarted the game. The midfield of Crossley, Harry Higate, Philip Roney and Joe Brazier all contributed to stopping any attacks from High Legh. Westend as usual were playing the better football and they were rewarded with a penalty after Marshall was brought down in the area. Mason struck the ball well enough but it was straight at the keeper but he spilled it and although several Westend players were following up Marshall got to it but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper. High Legh were encouraged by this and they started to get some efforts on goal that they either missed or were saved by Evans. Westend made another substitution replacing Marshall with Sapsford. Westend were determined to keep their lead and to this end defended magnificently. However High Legh managed to breakthrough and whilst one on one with Evans were only able to hit his shot wide. No matter how hard High Legh pressed Westend never lost their concentration and were able to keep their advantage. Evans was called on to pull off some fabulous saves as High Legh tried to get an equaliser in the last few minutes. At the final whistle Westend were deserved winners with the score at 1-0.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Anthony Crossley for his determination in midfield with some great forward passes and covering defensive runs.
Team: Brazier, Carroll, Cowburn, Crossley, Evans, Goodwin, Higate, Marshall, Mason, Morgan, Roberts, Roney, Sapsford and Tabbinnor.
Next match is away at Tytherington and players are asked to be at the school at 9.30 a.m.