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Match Reports 2007/08 First Team |
Westfield - 1 (0) - Farleigh Rovers - 0 (0) - Hogsden
'Field scraped the win against lowly Farleigh Rovers thank to a Ricky Hogsden header halfway through the second half.
'Field dominated most of the possession and territory but were unable to convert it into goals. Only two clear chances were made in the first half, firstly a total pin-ball melee in the Farleigh six-yard box had the ball heading goalwards a few times and hitting the bar before it was eventually cleared and then a well flighted free-kick by Liam Pestle was met by a strong header by Neil Davies which was well saved by the impressive Farleigh 'keeper.
The female referee was struggling to take control of the game in light of the arguing, tackling and off the ball incidents and her two linesman had to come on to the field a couple of times to bale her out! To try to wrest control back from the players she started handing out cards like confetti including a red to a Farleigh midfielder for using his elbow in an aerial challenge (spotted by a linesman!].
'Field central defender Simon Hamilton had three forays forward unleashing good shots each time, one of which cannoned off the inside of a post before being cleared.
Manager Martin Powell made a couple of changes early in the second half. The first saw 'keeper Sion Gallent replaced by David Howells because of an injury, and then a tactical change bringing on Phil Parsons for Roddy Stuart.
On sixty-five minutes 'Field got the breakthrough
that was looking more and more unlikely. A great cross-field ball to Liam Pestle saw him take a touch before putting in a low cross to Hogsden whose header went in off the 'keeper and post.
With Farleigh down to ten men, 'Field went in search of another goal to finish off the game, but had to settle for the one - which was enough to secure all three points and keep them on target for promotion, with their final game at Farleigh in two weeks time.
Westfield - 1 (0) - Warlingham - 0 (0) - Lydon
In a match bereft of quality football and opportunities, a piece of magic by Shaun Lydon was enough to give Westfield the three points they need to keep their promotion ambitions on track.
In blustery conditions both teams played "have it" football with the ball in the air most of the time. The only chance of note in the first half fell to Nick Darnell. Some good football on the left touchline by the impressive James Blason saw him float a cross to the back post where Darnell was steaming in, but his attempted side-foot volley ended in the side netting.
Westfield opened the second-half with increased momentum and only a good save by the Warlingham 'keeper from a Craig Moore header in the forty-seventh minute kept 'Field from taking the lead.
The bit of magic from Lydon occurred in the sixty-third minute. A free-kick by Moore found Lydon on the edge of the box and his first touch controlled the ball before he deftly clipped the ball over the head of the outrushing 'keeper and into the net.
With two matches left - both against Farleigh Rovers - and the league's deliberations on Neasden Foundation to be concluded, the opportunity to end the season in the promotion places is still looking good.
Westfield - 5 (2) - Knaphill - 0 (0) - Blason, Lydon, Hogsden (3)
Westfield took the lead in under three minutes! Neil Davies played the ball forward for James Blason to hit a screamer from 25 yards that left Knaphill 'keeper Richard Shelley rooted to the spot as the ball crashed home.
'Field's dominance was interrupted for 6-7 minutes as one of the linesman had to retire injured and a replacement found.
'Field then extended their lead just before the half-hour mark. Some good trickery by Ricky Hogsden on the edge of the Knaphill box saw the ball fall to Shaun Lydon whose first-time left-foot shot rifled low into the corner of the net.
Westfield took their foot off the accelerator for the remainder of the half, but still didn't give Knaphill any clear-cut chances. Neil Davies had to limp off after thirty minutes to be replaced by Roddy Stuart.
The lethargy of the last fifteen minutes of the first half was wiped away at the break as Westfield stormed into the attack once more at the start of the second period.
Two minutes in and Blason sent in another screamer that was well saved by Shelley for a corner, but in the fifty-second minute 'Field got number three. Some good football on the right saw the ball lofted into the box by Nick Darnell and Hogsden went bravely for the ball with Shelley on the penalty spot and the ball bounced off his legs and rolled slowly over the line.
Liam Pestle then got in on the act, drifting past two defenders in the Knaphill box only to see his shot deflect off the outside of the pots for a goal-kick.
On seventy-three minutes the game was put well beyond recovery for Knaphill. Hogsden broke the offside trap and run twenty yards with the ball before slotting low past Shelley to make it 4 - 0.
With ten minutes left and the game comfortably won, manager Martin Powell brought on Innocent Zulu for Simon Hamilton and Simon Fagan for Shaun Lydon.
And a minute later Hogsden completed his hat trick. The ball was cleared from the Westfield defence and Blason's first touch off his chest was into his path and he slotted a ball inside the full-back for Hogsden to hit his shot first time into the net.
A comfortable win against a solid Knaphill team that puts Westfied into second position in the league.
Tuesday 5 February - Div. 1 Challenge Cup
Westfield - 3 (0) - Warlingham - 1 (1) - aet - Lydon 2 (90+4, 116), Parsons (93)
Westfield were just seconds away from being dumped out of the Division One Challenge Cup when Shaun Lydon grabbed an equaliser in the fourth minute of added time!
In a match of frenetic pace and little quality football, goalmouth incidents were at a premium. Warlingham took the lead just before half-time. 'Field were caught napping after failing to clear and Warlingham's Darren Flaherty broke into the right edge of the box before attempting to chip Sion Gallent in the Westfield goal. Gallent attempted to tip the ball over the bar but it managed to fall into the goal.
'Field did have the ball in the net a couple of minutes later when Duncan Thompson lashed home a Craig Moore corner that was dropped by the Warlingham 'keeper - only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul.
The second half was equally devoid of chances, with only substitutions being worthy of note. Simon Reeves, Phil Parsons and Nick Darnell replacing Sam Lampard. Simon Hamilton and Neil Davies respectively.
With the ref adding on time due to time wasting, Westfield pressed forward but still no clear opportunities were created. Then with just seconds left, the tireless Nick Darnell battled to win the ball on the edge of the Warlingham box and it eventually fell to Lydon who unleashed a powerful drive from just inside the area. The ball appeared to take a couple of deflections before hammering into the back of the net. Much joy for the home side and dejection for the visitors.
'Field took the lead just three minutes into extra time.
Phil Parsons floated over a free kick from near to the left corner flag. The ball evaded everyone and went into the goal off the back post.
Warlingham upped the tempo to try to score again, but 'Field put the game out of their reach with four minutes remaining. Ricky Hogsden went on a good run towards the box before passing inside to Lydon who took a couple of touches before sliding the ball under the outrushing 'keeper and into the net. 'Field are now at home to Hanworth Villa in the semi-final on 4 March.
Westfield - 2 (2) - Hartley Wintney - 0 (0) - N. Darnell, R. Hogsden
Westfield put in a terrific first half display to beat the current league leaders.
In an opening ten minutes of exquisite football, 'Field created numerous chances as their passing and movement stunned Hartley Wintney. 'Field could have taken the lead as early as the third minute. Craig Moore took a quick free kick down the right touchline to Shaun Lydon who immediately crossed the ball high to the back post where Phil Parsons had ghosted in, but his header went straight into the 'keeper's arms.
'Field continued to press forward and took the lead after eleven minutes. Neil Davies and debutant James Blason combined to keep the ball in the HW box and it eventually fell to Nick Darnell who unleashed a powerful shot into the net.
Ten minutes later and Darnell had the chance to repeat his feat. Blason was fouled in the centre circle and the ball eventually found its way out to Parsons who crossed to the back stick where Darnell was steaming in. He tried to remove the net with a screaming volley but the ball flew over the bar and was last seen in the West Byfleet High Street!
'Field extended their lead six minutes before the break. Another good move down the right ended with the ball being played to Ricky Hogsden on the edge of the box. He looked as though he had lost the shooting chance before showing the value of two good feet as he slotted home powerfully into the corner with his left peg.
In the second half, 'Field were unable to maintain the high quality flowing football of their first half showing, but kept HW comfortably at bay, with 'keeper Sion Gallent not having a save to make, and the clearest chances still falling to 'Field.
South Park - 1 (1) - Westfield - 6 (2) - R. Hogsden 2 (57, 62), S. Black (20), A. Pitt (30), S. Lydon (78),
S. Lampard (84)
Match report to follow .... probably not!
Frimley Green - 2 (0) - Westfield - 1 (0) - Lydon
Frimley edged this scrappy affair between two teams that have been flying high recently and who seemed to cancel each other out. The stifling football was not helped by a pernickety referee who somehow managed to show nine yellow cards in a game where there was hardly a bad foul.
The ref set out his stall as early as the tenth minute when he showed a yellow to 'Field's Roddy Stuart for a clumsy challenge - a quiet word would have sufficed - but once that card had been shown, anything similar had to go in the book.
There were very few chances for either team in the opening period, but 'Field almost scrambled home a goal after twenty-five minutes. Craig Moore took a corner from the right which was almost punched into his own goal by the Green 'keeper. The ball eventually fell to Sam Black who lashed a shot across goal and then back to Moore whose first-time effort went just wide.
'Field took the lead seven minutes into the second half. Some good hold-up play by Black out near the left touchline saw him release Sean Lydon into the box. His cross/shot deceived the 'keeper and dropped in at the back post.
'Field continued to keep FG at bay, but the cards continued as both Lydon & Nick Darnell were booked, and then five minutes after his first yellow, Darnell picked up a second for an innocuous challenge. Every foul is NOT a booking! Mark Peters took the resulting free-kick from thirty yards and hammered the ball low and hard past the wall and into the net.
Three minutes later and Green got the winner. The ball was taken too easily past Roddy Stuart on the left touchline and the good cross to the back post was well headed home by Michael Ruffles and with just ten minutes left and only ten men, 'Field couldn't get the equaliser.
Wednesday 26 December - League
Knaphill - 0 (0) - Westfield - 3 (0) - Hogsden, Moore, Parsons
Westfield won this first-ever competitive match against local rivals Knaphill thanks in no small measure to two errors by Knaphill 'keeper Richard Shelley - who started this season between the sticks at Westfield!
Westfield started the brighter of the teams and put pressure on the Knaphill goal for the first twenty minutes or so. The first clear chance came after five minutes. Ricky Hogsden won a free kick close to the left touchline and the ball was floated into the box. It was partially cleared, but picked up by Phil Parsons whose great drive from thirty yards was tipped over the bar for a corner.
Knaphill then began to dominate possession for ten-fifteen minutes, without creating any clear-cut chances.
'Field almost took the lead after thirty-eight minutes. A poor clearance by Shelley fell to the industrious Sam Black, who immediately put in a high shot from forty-five yards with Shelley struggling to get back into position, the ball cannoned off the crossbar and was cleared.
The opener came bang on half-time. A low shot by Black from outside the box was fumbled by Shelley into the path of Hogsden, who took the ball on a pace before chipping over the lunging 'keeper and into the net.
Seven minutes into the second-half and Westfield notched their second. With Knaphill struggling to contain Black's powerful runs, he was brought down for a free-kick on the left corner of the penalty box. Craig Moore unleashed a screaming low shot that beat Shelley at his near post.
To compound his misery, Shelley then conceded the penalty that wrapped up the scoring. A beautifully timed run by Black saw him escape the offside trap. He took the ball into the box and past Shelley who up-ended him, giving the referee no option but to point to the spot and show the 'keeper a red card.
Phil Parsons stepped up and lashed the spot-kick high into the roof of the net.
A final comment needs to be made about the exceptional way referee Phil Paice and his linesmen managed the game. No unnecessary cards, no histrionics, just sensible man-management.
Westfield - 2 (1) - Feltham - 1 (1) - Lydon, Davies
Westfield just edged this closely fought match that had both teams reduced to ten men.
The first thirty minutes of the match
were spent mostly in midfield with very few clear chances carved out.
With fifteen minutes of the first half remaining, Feltham had the first real chance when Chykwurah latched on to a Simon Hamilton slip and raced through on goal. Only a brilliant finger-tip save by Sion Gallent that diverted the ball onto the bar prevented Feltham from taking the lead.
With ten minutes to the break, Neil Davies picked up his first yellow card for dissent. And then in the forty-first minute, 'Field took the lead. A REAL drop ball in the centre-circle [now there's a rarity!] was won by Nick Darnell and the ball was picked up by Ricky Hogsden to pass forward to Shaun Lydon whose first touch took him into the box before sliding the ball through the 'keeper's legs and into the net.
But as usual, a team is at its most vulnerable just after scoring and so it proved. With a minute to the break, Feltham flighted a ball into the box where Chykwurah was completely unmarked. He turned and casually passed the ball into the net from just inside the penalty spot.
Two minutes into the second half and 'Field got what proved to be the winning goal. A good move down the right freed Phil Parsons near the goal line and his well flighted cross was beautifully met by a power header by Davies that gave the 'keeper no chance.
Just ten minutes later and Davies saw red! An unnecessary lunge near the halfway line incurred a second yellow and an early shower.
'Field defended comfortably with just ten men, and manager Martin Powell brought on Rod Stuart for Ricky Hogsden to bolster the defence.
'Field continued to press as well as defend, and a long ball forward from Craig Moore allowed Sam Lampard to break free of the defence and into the box, but his shot was dragged wide.
With fifteen minutes remaining, the referee decided to even up the numbers. Feltham's no. 4 seeing red for an innocuous tackle on Simon Hamilton.
Sheerwater - 0 (0) - Westfield - 3 (2) - Davies (2), Hogsden
I doubt if there will be a match report.......sorry!
Tuesday 4 December - Surrey Premier Cup (Match played at Westfield)
Tongham - 0 (0) - Westfield - 3 (1) - Hogsden, Davies, Darnell
Unlike the earlier league match at Tongham, Westfield totally dominated the evening's proceedings and ran out comfortable winners.
Phil Parsons had the ball in the net as early as the tenth minute, coming late into the box before lashing home, only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside. The frequency with which the officials get these decisions wrong is frightening! However, six minutes later Westfield took the lead and the goal stood. Neil Davies headed a clearance back into the path of Ricky Hogsden who deftly curled the ball over and around the Tongham 'keeper and into the net.
Six minutes into the second half and 'Field extended their lead. Westfield were awarded a free kick following a horror challenge on Nick Darnell about 40 yards out. Phil Parsons took the kick down the right to Hogsden who crossed into the six yard box for Davies to slide the ball home. Simple and effective!
'Field could have extended their lead on seventeen minutes when Alex Pitt's powerful header from a Parson's corner was blocked on the line and cleared.
The match was wrapped up with about twenty minutes left. Some great work by Pitt as he shrugged off multiple challenges through midfield saw him release Darnell inside the fullback and he coolly slid the ball into the net.
Sean Lydon should have made it four a few minutes later. Hogsden released Lydon who broke the offside trap, but he took too long to pull the trigger and was challenged on the edge of the box for Tongham to clear.
Hanworth Villa - 1 (1) - Westfield - 1 (0) - Davies
Match report to follow ...?
Westfield - 3 (1) - Coulsdon Town - 0 (0) - Darnell, Lampard, Parsons
Westfield thumped twelve goals past Coulsdon in this fixture last season, but that scoreline never looked likely this time, even though ‘Field dominated most aspects of the match.
‘Field should have taken the lead after eighteen minutes when they were awarded a penalty for handball. However, Craig Moore’s spot kick was well saved. But just two minutes later ‘Field got the goal their pressure deserved. Coulsdon failed to clear and Nick Darnell picked up the ball before passing into the net from the edge of the box.
Both teams were reduced to ten men five minutes before the break. One of the Coulsdon forwards clattered through the back of Alex Pitt who decided to enact his own retribution. Result? Two red cards!
The Westfield defence kept Coulsdon at bay and restricted chances to a minimum, but always threatened at the other end.
‘Field extended their lead after seventy minutes. New signing Sam Lampard was released on goal and he shrugged off the last defender before sliding the ball past the ‘keeper and into the net.
Phil Parsons completed the scoring with six minutes left. A good move down the left allowed Nick Darnell to move inside before passing into Parsons just inside the box. He performed a juggling act with the ball before sliding it home into the corner of the net.
Tuesday 13 November - Premier Cup
Egham - 2 (0) - Westfield - 1 (1) - Lydon
Match report to follow...
Westfield - 1 (0) - CB Hounslow- 0 (0) - Moore (pen)
The first half lasted just over forty five minutes …. and that’s about all that's worth mentioning!
However, ‘Field came out with all guns blasting at the start of the second half and pinned Hounslow back. Chances fell to Craig Moore who headed a Phil Parsons free kick over the bar and soon after Shaun Lydon broke clear, chipped the ball over the ‘keeper but the ball went agonisingly wide.
And then just a minute later, ‘Field were awarded a penalty. Following some flowing football the ball was played forward to Sam Black in the box who turned the defender and was dragged down. Craig Moore lashed home the spot kick.
As usual, the ref decided to even things up and gave Hounslow a penalty on their next break – even though the tackle was clearly outside the box, but the linesman was pointing to the spot! The penalty was well saved before the rebound was lashed home for what looked like the equaliser, but the linesman had his flag held high! The ref wanders over to find out why the flag was raised and then disallowed the goal for infringement! Much gnashing of teeth by the Hounslow players resulted in Hounslow’s Wayne Simmons receiving a rather unnecessary red card. No spot kick would ever stand if the officials looked that closely at infringement!
‘Field comfortably played out the remainder of the match against the ten men.
Wednesday 7 November - Premier Cup
Raynes Park Vale Res - 0 (0) - Westfield - 1 (?) - Hogsden
Match report to follow...?
Worcester Park - 2 (0) - Westfield - 3 (1) - Davies (2), O.G.
Match report to follow...?
Westfield - 2 (0) - Frimley Green - 0 (0) - Black, King
Match report to follow...?
Merrow - 0 (0) - Westfield - 7 (2) - Lydon, Thompson, Moore (2 - 1 pen), Zulu, Hogsden, Darnell
After last season's humiliating defeat at Merrow, Westfield set out to ensure that it wouldn't happen again!
On the calmest of days the wind howls at Merrow and so it was again as 'Field set out playing into the wind in the first half, but dominated play from the opening whistle.
Sam Black should have put the visitors in the lead after twelve minutes after he bustled through two defenders to the edge of the box but his tame shot was easily collected by the Merrow 'keeper.
But 'Field did take the lead on twenty-one minutes. The ball was played into Shaun Lydon from the right and he turned before shooting
left-footed at the 'keeper, who somehow managed to let the ball creep under his body and into the net.
Four minutes later and 'Field extended their lead. Phil Parsons floated over a corner from the left and after a scamble in the six-yard-box, Duncan Thompson lashed home.
Parsons almost extended the lead when his free-kick from 25 yards was tipped over the bar.
Craig Moore replaced the injured Alex Pitt ten minutes before the break.
Westfield continued the pressure in the second half with the wind even stronger at their backs.
Craig Moore headed 'Field's third after some good work on the left wing by Lydon, floating in a perfect cross for the unmarked Moore to head in.
On fifty-three minutes 'Field made it four. Some fancy footwork by Lydon on the edge of the box freed Greg Pomorski whose shot was parried by the 'keeper into the path of Nick Darnell to tap home.
With the game won, manager Martin Powell took off Lydon and Black and brought on Ricky Hogsden and Innocent Zulu - both of whom scored! Hogsden slotted number five with a great shot from outside the box that dipped over the 'keeper and Zulu got the sixth following a good break by Hogsden who was tackled on the edge of the box, but the ball fell to Zulu to sidefoot into the net.
'Field wrapped up the scoring with a penalty. Ricky Hogsden again broke clear but was pulled back by Paul Murrells and Craig Moore stepped up the lash the ball home from the spot.
Tuesday 20 October - Surrey Combination Cup
Westfield - 1 (?) - Chipstead Res - 3 (?) - Zulu
Match report to follow......?
Westfield - 1 (1) - Hanworth Villa - 3 (1) - Lydon
Westfield lost this match in the space of sixty seconds five minutes into the second half. With the 'Field defence coping comfortably with the HV attack in the first half, the giant Jamie Marriott was brought on to start the second half and his two goals in a minute killed the game for Westfield. Four minutes in he broke away from three 'Field defenders by the right touchline, drove into the box and his speculative cross/shot eluded Nick Rogers and crept into the goal. Immediately from the restart the ball was played to Alex Pitt with Marriott closing him down. Marriott hustled Pitt off the ball and broke away to fire a low shot past Rogers. Game over.
The first half was a feisty affair with the HV players questioning every decision by the ref and three of their players being shown yellow cards. HV's style was to restrict space and time, never allowing Westfield to get into their passing style.
The first half was fairly even with the midfields and defences dominating. HV took the lead on eighteen minutes after a good break down the right. The ball was played in to Ben Sidwell and his left foot shot from 20+ yards flew into the net, even though Rogers got both hands to the ball.
'Field equalised on the half-hour mark. A free-kick by Phil Parsons was partially cleared but the ball was played back into the box for Lydon to turn and lash home a low drive past the 'keeper from about twelve yards out.
'Field could have taken the lead on thirty-seven minutes when a Parsons screamer of a free-kick went through the wall and the 'keeper could only parry the shot, but there was no one on hand to tap home.
After HV had gone 3 - 1 up the game lost its way and drifted aimlessly towards the final whistle.
Wednesday 17 October - Div. 1 Cup
South Park - 1 (0) - Westfield - 3 (?) - Pitt, Zulu, Turner
Match report to follow...??
Westfield - 2 (1) - Worcester Park - 2 (1) - Parsons (pen), Lydon
Match report to follow...??
Tongham - 2 (1) - Westfield - 4 (1) - Lydon (2), Hogsden, O.G.
Sometimes it’s just your day! And so it was for Westfield as Tongham went into Charity mode, gifting ‘Field at least three of their four goals.
On a pitch more suited to the Rugby World Cup with its long grass, Tongham played whatever football was on show and started brightly, belying their lowly league position and putting in two good shots from distance in the opening ten minutes.
Westfield were without many of the regular first team players through injury and other reasons, and failed to get their passing game together. However, much of this was caused by Tongham shutting down any space and getting in solid challenges.
’Field had a few chances late in the half, with Greg Pomorski shooting over after a good midfield run and then Pomorski broke down the right before passing into Ricky Hogsden whose volley went wide.
Tongham took a deserved lead on thirty-nine minutes. A route-one ball saw Kieron Marriott outstrip Vic Flynn before lashing home past Nick Rogers.
Then the charity began. Less than a minute before the break, a poor goal-kick by the young Tongham ‘keeper was picked up by Innocent Zulu, who broke free to release Shaun Lydon into the box and he gave the ‘keeper no chance as he lashed home. The Tongham players were appealing for offside and the ref consulted his linesman before confirming the goal.
Two minutes into the second period and the second charitable donation was made. A mix up near the Tongham goal line saw the ‘keeper unsure as to whether he could pick the ball up from a back-pass. In the confusion he fumbled the ball at the feet of Ricky Hogsden who gratefully tapped home.
On sixty minutes Zulu was replaced by Nick Darnell returning from an injury layoff and two minutes later ‘Field extended their lead. One of the Tongham sub’s first actions was to concede a foul to the right edge of the box. Phil Parsons lashed the ball hard and low into the box and it deflected off a Tongham defender and into the net.
Hogsden was then replaced by Sam Black, returning for his first run-out for Westfield after a number of years, having made his first-team debut as a fifteen year old.
‘Field could have extended their lead a couple of minutes later as central defender Simon Hamilton rose at the back post to head Parsons’ corner over the bar.
Then on sixty-nine minutes ‘Field got lucky with goal number four. A good chip forward by Parsons looked like it would run through to the ‘keeper, but Lydon was closing fast and the ‘keeper’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Lydon and rolled slowly into the goal with Lydon shepherding it home all the way.
Tongham maintained the pressure and got the goal their play deserved ten minutes before the end of the game. A good break down the left saw the ball crossed into the box and Rogers could have done better as he looked to have a good hand on the ball before letting it get away for Richard Swain to lash home. This gave the home side hope for more to come, but ‘Field hung on to accept the three points gratefully and move up the seventh in the league.
Saturday 29 September - League
Westfield - 3 (1) - South Park - 1 (1) - Hogsden, Lydon, Howells
‘Field dominated the first fifteen minutes of the match, but didn’t manage an attempt on goal until the twentieth minute when Shaun Lydon’s effort from the edge of the box went wide.
From the restart, South Park took the lead. Carl Parker’s first-time effort from just inside the box screaming past Nick Rogers in the Westfield goal.
Twelve minutes later ‘Field were level. A long ball forward by Craig Ellis was misjudged by the South Park defender allowing Ricky Hogsden to clip the ball over the out-rushing ‘keeper and into the goal.The injured Ellis was tehn replaced by David Howells after thirty-six minutes.
’Field started to play some good flowing football and could have taken the lead before the break. First Shaun Lydon broke into the box in the left channel but no one was on hand to tap the ball home as it scudded across the front of the goal. And then right on half-time Lydon again got free and put in a cross that was headed wide by Hogsden.
’Field wrapped up the points early in the second half with two goals. Howells took a throw-in from the right to Innocent Zulu. He slipped his defender before passing in to Lydon, who turned with only the ‘keeper to beat and side-footed the ball into the net.
On fifty-eight minutes Howells’ powerful header at the near post from Phil Parsons’ corner extended the lead. In between the goals, ‘Field had two other opportunities to score. Howells’ exquisitely chipped free kick from the edge of the box was creeping under the bar before the ‘keeper tipped the ball over and then Lydon pulled the defence all over the place before putting in a good shot that was well saved.
’Field continued to play good football and create chances but failed to extend their lead.
Saturday 22 September - FA Vase
Chichester City Utd - 2 (1) - Westfield - 0 (0)
Apart from the goals, the highlight of the match notes were the yellow cards and substitutions!
On a hard and bumpy pitch neither side managed to string together a move of note for the whole ninety minutes of drab football. Chichester took the lead after fifteen minutes. Ian Cable misjudged the bounce off the hard surface and the ball fell to Warren Hunt who played in Jamie Laidlaw to the right of the 'Field penalty area. Laidlaw's first-time effort took a wicked bounce right in front of 'keeper Nick Rogers and deflected into the roof of the net.
'Field's only effort on goal came just before the break. A well-struck free-kick by Craig Moore from 25 yards was pushed away for a corner.
Greg Pomorski replaced the injured Jimmy Clarke at the break, and Innocent Zulu came on for Craig Prendergast ten minutes later. Rogers pulled off a great save on sixty minutes A pinball break in the box saw the Chichester forward with a clear shot, but Rogers came off his line to block well.
Chichester tied up the match on sixty-seven minutes. Paul Turner was caught by his winger cutting inside and gave away the foul by dragging back the player by his shirt - just outside the box. Rogers was glued to the spot as the ball curled past the wall and into the goal.
'Field almost got a consolation fluked goal right at the death. A bit of ball juggling by Cable on the left touchline got him free of the defenders and his high lob towards goal was drifting in until the 'keeper tipped it over for a corner.
Wednesday 19 September - League
Feltham - 2 (0) - Westfield - 3 (2) - Lydon, Hogsden, Moore
Match report to follow ...???
Saturday 15 September - League
Neasden Foundation - 3 (3) - Westfield - 2 (0) - Davies, Moore
Westfield opened brightly away at Neasden Foundation. Four corners in the opening minutes all created openings – with the home 'keeper flapping but none were converted. The Field flattered to deceive. With their first attack Neasden opened their account after ten minutes following failure by several Field players to clear their lines.
Back to attack, again scoring opportunities, again spurned. A long clearance from the Foundation penalty area, a skidded misheader from Ian Cable (off his bald patch ?) and the speedy home forward was through to score the Neasden second after 15 minutes. Things could only get worse and a few minutes later a poor back pass from Rod Stuart split the Field defence to give the home side an easy 3 – 0 lead at the break.
Geoff Smyrk, in goal for the Field in Andy Brook's absence, must have been wondering why he had come.
David Howells replaced the injured Smyrk for the second half but had little to do as the Field at last began to play some attractive football but were unable to find the home net with the home keeper showing considerable ability with hi shot stopping.
Eventually the breakthrough came with Neil Davies finding the net with a fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area, however 80 minutes had gone. Pressing hard the Field gained a second just before the final whistle from Craig Moore. Work is needed on the training ground to tighten the defence if the team are to improve their placing in the table.
Tuesday 11 September - Challenge Cup
Westfield - 3 (1) - Farleigh Rovers - 2 (1) - Davies, Lydon, Moore
Westfield entertained Farleigh Rovers in the 1st Round of the Lemon recordings Division One Challenge Cup and made hard work of the game. As usual they started well and forced the visitors to defend but were unable to create a clear scoring opportunity.
Farleigh showed how it was done with a well worked goal after 10 minutes with a move that carved open the Field defence. Farleigh seldom entered the home half after scoring the goal and the Field pressed hard exerting much pressure but were able to equalise when Neil Davies was on hand to score with a drive from the six yard line after a half clearance.
The Field started strongly after the break and within minutes Shaun Lydon had swivelled and turned to hit the Field second following a passing move down the left involving Andy King and Craig Moore. Moore increased the home lead with an hour gone hitting home a trade mark drive from outside the penalty area.
The Field relaxed, making substitutions that allowed Farleigh back into the game and the home lead was reduced after 85 minutes after poor defensive work on the right. With few more alarms the Field held their advantage to enter athe next round and a fixture with South Park away.
Westfield - 3 (0) - Staines Lammas - 0 (0) - Zulu, Davies, Moore
The scoreline flattered, but not the result! In a match of high energy and stacatto football, 'Field matched Staines for desire and conviction whereas in previous seasons they were a soft touch for the more intimidating teams.
'Field started the brighter and could have scored twice in the opening ten minutes. After two minutes, Duncan Thompson met a corner from the right by Phil Parsons and his flicked header was well saved for another corner. Then Craig Moore executed a one-two with Shaun Lydon to break into the box, but instead of one of his trademark screamers, he squared the ball into the path of Neil Davies who shot wide.
The rest of the half was void of goalmouth incident as multiple infringements broke up play. Jason Finegan had to leave the field after a crunching tackle and was replaced by new boy Innocent Zulu, with Moore moving into midfield the balance of the team appeared to improve.
Four minutes into the second-half and 'Field took the lead. A free-kick was flighted into the box and moved on by Lydon. The rapid Zulu chased the ball down to the goal-line and then deftly flicked the ball over the 'keeper from a tight angle and into the net.
If anything, the intensity of the match increased, although there was little - if any - elegant, flowing football. Innocent's pace was causing the Staines defence headaches and he broke on fifty-seven minutes before passing across the edge of the box. Lydon dummied the ball for Moore to crash his shot over the bar.
'Field were defending resolutely
as Staines piled forward and only a great tackle by Ian Cable and a fine save by 'keeper Andy Brooks prevented Staines from equalising.
'Field extended their lead in the final minute of normal time. Zulu - who at times looked like Bambi on ice - turned in midfield leaving two defenders for dead before passing towards the edge of the box. Shaun Lydon again let the ball run past him, but this time Neil Davies was steaming in and unleashed an unstoppable low screamer into the net. 'Field celebrated as if they'd won the FA Cup!
In order to break up play and run down the clock, manager Martin Powell
brought on David Howells for Lydon and within a minute 'Field had scored again. Howells broke down the right and crossed to the edge of the box where Moore's rather tame first-time shot managed to creep under the 'keeper and roll slowly into the goal.
Saturday 1 September - League
Crescent Rovers - 0 (0) - Westfield - 2 (2) - Davies, Hogsden
A lovely sunny day in Warlingham and the Field were visiting Crescent Rovers.
Last season the pitch was in a terrible state, bumpy and covered with a layer of sand. This season it was almost perfect – just needed a mow. The Field were in their stride from the start attacking and placing pressure on the home defence.
Crescent had a couple of clever players on their left and came into the game and should have taken the lead when a cross was knocked past the post with an open goal available. Where the field defence were is not known.
With ten minutes gone the Field took the lead with a Neil Davies lob which eluded a poorly positioned home keeper. Crescent had the better of the play for the next 15 minutes but, although chances were created Andy Brooks was in good form to keep them at bay.
The best goal of the game came on 30 minutes, a mazy dribble by Craig Moore a slide rule pass and Ricky Hogsden was through for the Field’s second. That was the final score, how is not known.
'Field had complete domination of the second half. Brooks getting quite a tan watching from a distance. Numerous shots, unfortunately few on target and the home keeper getting much exercise retrieving the ball from behind his goal. Generally the Field defence has struggled through this season but on this occasion, apart from the one problem early on they played well, in this game the attack lacked bite and this requires rectifying before the strongest sides in the division come into view.
Westfield - 0 (0) - Farnham Town - 1
Match report to follow... ?
Warlingham - 2 (0) - Westfield - 2 (1) - O.G., Prendergast
Match report to follow... ?
Chobham - 3 (2) - Westfield - 2 (1) - Prendergast, Stuart
Westfield came into this match with high expectations considering that Chobham had conceded thirteen goals in their opening three league matches! However, on a pitch the size of a large postage stamp, they couldn’t get their game going as space and time were at a premium.
‘Field dominated the opening skirmishes and had three half-chances in the opening ten minutes – two for Craig Prendergast and one for Rod Stuart. But Chobham weren’t to be rolled over and with the pace of new signings Kanoute and Anoman, they were causing the aging Westfield back four some problems.
Chobham should have taken the lead on nineteen minutes but for a spectacular instinctive save from Richard Shelley. But Westfield continued to press and a great cross by Craig Moore from the right touchline found Phil Parsons in the box and his header was well saved for a corner.
‘Field took the lead after twenty-six minutes. A poor defensive clearance was picked up by Prendergast who spotted the ‘keeper off his line. His well flighted lob/shot was palmed into the goal by the back-stepping ‘keeper.
Then for the remainder of the first half, ‘Field went to sleep!
Five minutes before the break, a poor defensive clearance by Parsons went straight to a Chobham midfielder who swept the ball to the left where it was picked up by Mo Kanoute. He went past Ricky Hogsden too easily and unleashed a powerful shot that went in off the post.
A minute later and Chobham almost extended their lead. Another break saw Shelley pull off a good save to prevent a certain goal.
But Chobham weren’t to be denied. Right on half-time a corner was drilled in from the right and Charles Anoman was left unmarked to head home.
The injured Parsons was replaced by Jamie Butler at half-time, and ‘Field were back on level terms soon after. A corner was flighted over and headed against the bar, and with a couple of Chobham players on the ground, Roddy Stuart blasted home the rebound into the roof of the net. The Chobham players surrounded the referee demanding a free kick for a foul in the box … but the goal stood.
Westfield then had a number of chances to take the lead. Firstly, Jimmy Clarke found Craig Moore with a good cross only for the Chobham ‘keeper to pull off a great save and then Ricky Hogsden went on a run past a couple of defenders and the ‘keeper but ran out of room to get his shot away. But the most notable miss came from Jamie Butler. With just ten minutes left Moore timed his run to perfection taking the ball to the goal line before crossing for Butler to tap home at the back post, but somehow the ‘keeper hurled himself across the goal to block Butler’s shot from less than a yard out.
As frustration mounted, Ian Cable and Butler were booked and then with just three minutes left Chobham got the winner. Kanoute chased onto a through ball leaving the defenders in his wake before side-footing the ball past the onrushing Shelley and into the corner of the goal.
At the final whistle the Chobham players celebrated as if they had won the World Cup …. that’s how much this win over their local rivals meant to them.
Westfield - 0 (0) - Banstead - 2 (1)
In a match dominated by defences, 'Field's hopes of a FA Cup Wembley final were dashed at the first hurdle!
The two teams were evenly matched but the result could have been different if 'Field had taken the lead early on. After just four minutes, 'Field were awarded a free kick just outside the Banstead box. Nornal free-kick specialist Craig Moore deferred to newcomer Craig Prendergast who curled his shot around the right edge of the wall only to see it rebound off the post and be cleared.
Banstead could then have scored themselves. On thirteen minutes a good free kick was flighted to the back post but the point-blank header went wide.
On thirty-five minutes, Banstead also hit the woodwork. A corner from the right was scooped on and the ball hit the bar before being cleared.
'Field always appeared at risk of conceding on the break to the rapid Banstead forwards who played right on the shoulder of the last defender, but Banstead took the lead on thirty seven minutes following a free-kick for a questionable foul! The ball was played out to Ricki Lunn on the left who cut inside his defender, floated over a cross which eluded 'keeper Richard Shelley and curled into the net.
At half-time, 'Field brought on Phil Parsons for the injured Dante Alighieri and went in search of the equaliser. Duncan Thompson used his pace to evade the Banstead right full-back to send in a searching low cross to the six-yard-box. The Banstead defender swung at the ball which deflected for a corner when it could easily have gone into his own net.
'Field continued to press without really carving out clear chances. A good move involving Moore and Parsons saw the ball played into Prendergast on the edge of the box, but his curling shot went just wide.
Two more injuries, to Jimmy Clarke and Simon Reeves - who had led the line well - saw Vic Flynn and David Howells brought into the game with about fifteen minutes to go - and both were to have an impact! With just five minutes to go, Flynn was caught napping near the right corner allowing the Banstead forward to escape his tackle and he was brought down on the edge of the box. The resulting free-kick was lashed low towards the near-post, deflected off Duncan Thompson and into the net off 'keeper Shelley.
In added time 'Field continued to press with David Howells leading the charge. First he escaped the attention of the Banstead defender on the right touch-line, put over a cross for Prendergast whose shot was deflected for a corner. Then Howells got onto the end of a Craig Moore free kick from the half-way line only for his powered header to be tipped onto the crossbar and clear to safety. Then Prendergast went on a mazy run in the box, past two defenders and the 'keeper only for his tame shot to be easily cleared.
So 'Field's dreams of Wembley are put on hold for another year.
Westfield - 1 (1) - Sheerwater - 3 (1) - Hogsden
There was a touch of the Kevin Keegans about Sheerwater boss Bob Clark after the final whistle on Tuesday as he demonstrated just how much he ‘loved it’ in beating Westfield 3-1 at Woking Park.
And why not? Clark was on a personal mission to put one over on the club who overlooked him for the manager’s job in the summer and after watching his team bounce back from a goal down with some excellent football, he wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to revel in the moment.
“I was just delighted with the way we played, the attitude of the players from one to 14 and with the ability we showed in only the second game,” he said. “But we must keep producing this sort of football every game.”
Westfield boss Martin Powell was disappointed with his team’s showing and doesn’t blame Clark for milking it. “I’d have reacted in the same way if we’d won 3-1,” he admitted.
Striker Ricky Hogsden put Westfield ahead in the opening five minutes. But Liam Jupp equalised when his speculative effort from distance caught keeper Richard Shelley off his line.
Sheers turned on the style for the remainder of the first half and on this form, showed they can be a force in the division. Front three, Tyrone Peters, Frank Dixon and Saine Bodley were a class apart and will take some stopping, Peters steering home the third goal after Michael Kelly had poked home the second when Westfield failed to clear.
Craig Prendergast and Craig Moore spurned wonderful chances to get Westfield back in it in the second half but this was Sheerwater’s night.
Couldson Utd - 1 (1) - Westfield - 2 (1) - Prendergast , Hogsden
After a decent end to pre-season, hopes were high going into the first league game against last year's basement boys, though an amalgamation with Salfords, a new manager, numerous new players, Coulsdon United were to prove no pushover, they will win more than they lose this year!
For the first twenty minutes or so the players looked like they were still in a pre-season friendly, with a lot of play in the middle of the park, but slowly and surely the lads got rid of the nerves and started to create some openings. The use of three up front upset Coulsdon's shape, so after 25 mins they reverted to a 3-5-2 formation, using the pace of their front runners who will cause a few defenders problems this year.
Just after the changes to their formation, Moore got the ball on the left flank and lofted the ball in behind their new back line, who still hadn't really sorted out who was marking who, a lovely timed run by Prendergast saw him beat the offside trap, beautifully rounding the keeper to make it 0-1.
Westfield were now starting to get on top with another decent chance falling to Moore, who brought a good save from the keeper but by his own admission should have done better, but as with every game you have to stay sharp, we got suckered with a ball lofted over the back 4 from mid-field, their nippy striker got 1 on 1 with Hamilton and made us pay with a lovely strike into the bottom left hand corner, to make it 1-1.
Half time, Assistant boss Comer let rip about the lack of intensity and hard work, and to be fair the boys worked their socks off for each other 2nd half, after 50 mins a sweeping 10 pass move was coolly finished off by Hogsden, it was a lovely goal and proved what Westfield are capable off, seeing as we did the same thing twice mid-week against Ripley. For the next half an hour Westfield had numerous chances to extend their lead but failed to do so, allowing Coulsdon to get back into it for the last 10 minutes, but for all their hard work they didn't have a decent chance on goal. With the final score 1-2.
So a start that we all wanted, a win, albeit the boys could have and should have played better and the score line flattered our opponents, but Prendergast and Hogsden scored their first goals for Westfield and the mood in the camp is good going into the local derby with Sheerwater, even though 'field will be missing about 7 key individuals the boys will be looking to extend the unbeaten record.