Westend now on a run of six games
undefeated
WESTEND UNITED 4
GOOSTREY 2
(Mid Cheshire League Div 3 Under 12’s)
Westends return game against Goostrey was at home on a soggy pitch with a cool wind blowing and they dealt with the conditions better to came away with all the points.
Westend kick off the match playing with the wind on their backs and they used it to their advantage by pushing forward. Alex Mason found himself in attack and put the ball forward and ended up on his bottom in the muddiest part of the pitch but the ball eventually reached Sam Marshall who expertly put the ball past the keeper to open the scoring. Westend continued to push and could have had another if it had not been for the mud slowing the ball sufficiently for a Goostrey defender to clear off the line. Westend continued to have much of the play but Goostrey equalised after Robin Evans was drawn off his line. Jim Cowburn made his presence felt with a number of shots that were either saved or wide. Goostrey put some pressure on the defence of Dean Morgan, Alex Mason, Darren Roberts, Anthony Crossley, Scott Sapsford and Evans who was called on to make some excellent saves throughout the half. Westends football was a joy to watch with great link up play between Cowburn and Marshall. Harry Higate and Kit Ambage were the main providers from midfield with some accurate forward passes. At half time the score was level at 1-1.
Goostrey started the second half and the game became a midfield battle with each team getting shots on goal. The midfield of Jack Carroll, Ashley Goodwin, Ambage, Higate and Oliver Gifford all worked very hard going forward. Goostrey won the ball in midfield and sent the ball forward which Evans had to come and clear but his kick rebounded off the Goostrey player for a shot on goal and despite the efforts of Philip Roney it went in and Goostrey took the lead. Goostrey were given a lot of encouragement from this goal and Westend had to defend vigorously and Robin Evans worked very hard to stop any further attempts. Westend found that the only way to move up the field was to keep the ball on the ground and to use their growing skill to pass and dribble through midfield or out on the wings. It was during one of these attacks that Sam Marshall received the ball on the right wing and he put a great ball through to Jim Cowburn who levelled the scores. Goostrey attack and this time Philip Roney manages to save on the line. Westend apply more pressure with some great forward balls from both Higate and Cowburn. Darren Roberts threaded a beautiful ball to Cowburn who played it through to Marshall who was clear but he put his shot just wide of the post. Ashley Goodwin put a good ball in to Marshall and his shot is cleared off the line in front of Gifford. Higate gets the ball after great build up and his fierce shot was deflected by the fingertips of the keeper only as far as Marshall and he makes no mistake from this range to give Westend the lead again. With only five minutes to go Matthew Blood comes on for Robin Evans and carries on where Evans left off by making crucial saves when required. The ball was kicked out by Blood to Joe Brazier then on to Goodwin forward to Cowburn who then put a great cross in to Marshall who made it 4-2. Westend finished the game in control and it ended 4-2 at the final whistle.
The man of the match was Alex Mason for his performance in defence and for his inspired distribution.
Team: - Ambage, Blood, Brazier, Carroll, Cowburn, Crossley, Evans, Gifford, Goodwin, Higate, Marshall, Mason, Morgan, Roberts, Roney and Sapsford.
The next match is away against Tarvin and players are asked to meet at the school at 9:15 am.