Westend dominant but end up with a draw
ETTILEY 2
WESTEND UNITED 2
(Mid Cheshire League Under 12’s)
This game was played in driving rain on a very muddy pitch. Westend were determined to perform well and they played Ettiley off the park. A win just eluded them but it was not for the lack of trying as every player gave 110%.
Westend started the game by pushing forward and the midfield of Kit Ambage, Dean Morgan, Harry Higate and Jack Carroll were first to nearly every ball. Ettiley broke forward and had a shot go wide. Ashley Goodwin got the ball on the half way line and ran in with defenders in hot pursuit and he got a good shot off but it went inches wide. Westend were awarded a free kick for an offside, this was sent in for Sam Marshall to work it in and open the scoring in good style. Ettiley came forward and got a corner that was taken and it came in, went out and then shot in over the bar. Ettiley came forward again and after some good play shot wide. Ettiley had another shot that also went wide. Nick Tabbinor came on in place of Harry Higate and slotted in well. Ettiley got an equaliser from a shot that evaded the grasp of Robin Evans. From the kick off Westend pushed the ball up to Sam Marshall who saw a good effort go wide. There was some great football played with Jack Carroll putting a fabulous ball through to Sam Marshall who got to the dead ball line and put a fierce cross in but it missed everyone. Ettiley came forward and scored their second. Robin Evans was beginning to get used to the mud and was called on to perform a fine save to put the ball out for a corner that he also saved. Robin Evans was in the action again when he had to come out of his area to kick the ball clear after a long ball forward from Ettiley. The defence of Scott Sapsford, Alex Mason, Darren Roberts and Philip Roney were all having to work very hard and nearly every attack was cleared or put safe. The score at half time was 2-1.
Ettiley started the second half but Westend won the ball and came forward only to be fouled. Darren Roberts took the free kick and sent a stunning ball in but Westend could not make it go in. Oliver Gifford replaced Dean Morgan in right midfield. The game was punctuated by what can only be described as footballing genius with moments such as Darren Roberts turning and sending a great ball forward when under pressure, as last man, from two attackers. Westend were applying all of the pressure in this half and had a series of corners that were desperately defended. The ball coming out from one of these to Philip Roney who threaded a delightful ball through to Sam Marshall who was clear on goal but his shot got stuck in the mud which took the sting out of it allowing the goalkeeper to save. Westend got another corner but it went out for a goal kick, this came out but the Westends midfield were first to it again and it was Ashleys turn to have a certain goal saved by the mud. It was Westend making all the play with Jack Carroll having a couple of good efforts followed by a corner that came out to Alex Mason who hit a fierce shot that went over. It was only a matter of time before Westend equalised and it came after some great midfield play involving Oliver Gifford who battled to get the ball through to Ashley Goodwin who had to beat both the mud and the goalkeeper. Westend could see an elusive victory coming their way but there was not quite enough time and though they did deserve to win they came away very wet and cold but with a valuable point.
The man of the match was Sam Marshall for his determination and commitment throughout the game.
Team: - Ambage, Brazier, Carroll, Crossley, Evans, Gifford, Goodwin, Higate, Marshall, Mason, Morgan, Roberts, Roney, Sapsford and Tabbinor.
The next game is away at Elworth and players are asked to meet at the school at 9.30 a.m.