 Match Reports **All Match Reports are in date order with the most recent being nearest the top of this page**
Season 07/08
Saturday 19th April 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 3 - 2 Mile Oak
A MAGNIFICENT stoppage time goal from Duncan Jones secured victory in Steve Johnson’s final home game. Jones picked the ball up inside the visiting half and moved forward about 10 yards before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner on Saturday. Johnson, who is stepping down as Westfield manager at the end of the season, said: “It was a good performance overall, especially first half when we played our best football of the season.” The return of Jones was one of four changes from the side beaten at Wealden four days previously in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League. Will Toal replaced an ill Tom Dullaway in goal despite struggling with a groin problem beforehand, while Graham Morris and full debutant Matt Dadswell formed a new-look central defence. Seventh-placed Westfield created numerous chances before Dominic Clarke put them in front on the half-hour mark, converting the rebound after his initial effort had been saved.
But a mistake by Dadswell allowed Oak to level through Tony Burnett’s 23rd league goal of the campaign shortly afterwards and Paul Eaton fired the fifth-placed visitors ahead five minutes later.
The hosts restored parity again early in the second period, Baker lashing home his 20th league strike from 25 yards after Toal’s long kick was missed by the away defence. Baker was later denied by a fine save, but Toal pulled off a really good stop of his own as both sides had chances to break the deadlock on a grey afternoon. It was Westfield who eventually did get the winner courtesy of Jones’ 17th league goal of the 2007-08 programme against a team which had won five and drawn one of its previous six outings. The result meant that Westfield won their final six home games and took an impressive 39 points from a possible 51 on their own ground this term. Westfield: Toal, Harris, Miller, G. Morris, Dadswell, Brand, Johnson (S. Smith), Jones, Clarke, Baker, C. Smith (Jamison). Subs not used: Podmore, Hardy, Drinkwater. Tuesday 15th April 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Wealden 2 - 0 Westfield
WESTFIELD’S hopes of a top six finish in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League suffered a severe dent with defeat at mid-table Wealden.
A goal in each half settled matters in a match which struggled to rise above the mediocre at The Oaks on Tuesday night. “We just never got going,” said Westfield manager Steve Johnson. “They weren’t a strong side but we just didn’t play well, I don’t know what the reasons were. “We improved in the second half and gave it a bit of a go but they defended well and hit us on the break and that’s how they got the second goal.” Following the postponement of their match at champions East Grinstead Town the previous Saturday, Westfield should have been raring to go against a Wealden side which won 5-2 in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day. But early on the Westies - missing the injured trio of Duncan Jones, Danny Pepper and Ben Ridgeway, and unavailable goalkeeper Will Toal - struggled to find anything approaching their true form. A lacklustre first half looked to be about to end goalless until a partially cleared free kick found its way to Lee Barnard who fired into the corner of the net beyond Toal’s replacement, 16-year-old Tom Dullaway, who according to Johnson, “was the one positive from the game.” Westfield were a lot brighter in the second half and Dominic Clarke twice went close before they suffered a setback on 70 minutes when Dadswell was shown a straight red as the last man. The visitors continued to push forward in search of an equaliser and were punished by Chris Ward’s finish seven minutes from time. Westfield: Dullaway, Harris, Miller (Dadswell), C. Morris (G. Morris), Podmore (S. Smith), Brand, Johnson, Jamison, Clarke, Baker, C. Smith. Wednesday 9th April 2008
Hastings Senior Cup Final
Sidley United 0 - 1 Westfield
WESTFIELD clinched their first trophy in senior football with a gruelling win over higher grade Sidley United at Gullivers on Wednesday night.
Peter Baker’s penalty in the first period of extra time saw the Sussex Division Two outfit lift the Hastings & District FA Senior Cup. “Winners’ medals don’t come round too easy but the players have worked hard all season,” said Westfield manager Steve Johnson. “It’s not the biggest of cup competitions but we wanted to win it.”
The only goal of the evening came eight minutes into the additional period of play after Baker, who celebrated his birthday last Sunday, had been pulled back by Sidley substitute Zak McEniry. The ball eventually found its way into the back of the net but by then the whistle had already sounded.
Baker picked himself up to finally break the deadlock by sending goalkeeper Peter Newstead the wrong way.
Westfield just about deserved the win in a contest distinctly lacking in genuine goalscoring opportunities. There was plenty of effort but both sets of defences were well on top for most of the evening.
Dominic Clarke went close with a couple of headers including one which forced Newstead into a rare plunging stop. Former Sidley favourite Baker followed up to tap home but the forward was flagged offside.
The Blues - who went into the match unbeaten at home in eight matches - struggled to test Will Toal at the other end with their best opportunities falling to Billy Trickett and Josh Elliott-Noye in the dying seconds of extra time.
Westfield: Toal, Harris, Miller, C. Morris, Henty (Podmore), Brand, Johnson (Jamison), G. Morris (Jones), Clarke, Baker, Smith. Subs not used: Ridgeway, Dadswell.
Saturday 5th April 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Rustington 1 - 0 Westfield
Steve Johnson has still got his sights set on a top six finish despite seeing his Westfield side go down to a single goal defeat at second-placed Rustington.
A penalty midway through the first half settled a well contested Sussex Division Two fixture at a windy Jubilee Avenue Recreation Ground on Saturday. This result means Westfield are now lie five points adrift of Lingfield in sixth position. Westfield’s preparations for this match weren’t helped when Duncan Jones pulled up in the warm-up which meant he dropped down to the substitutes’ bench. A firm pitch and a gusty wind blowing from one corner to the other were hardly conducive to flowing football but both teams still had their moments. The only goal came following a quick break by the home side and although Carl Morris did well to get the right side of the forward, his attempt to nick the ball away sent his opponent tumbling to the turf and Adam Bibb converted the resultant penalty. “I thought it was a penalty but some of the players didn’t think so,” said Johnson. Chances were few and far between with Westfield’s best moments coming in the second half with the wind in their favour. Westfield: Toal, Harris (Jamison), Miller, Henty, C. Morris, Brand, Johnson (Podmore), G. Morris, Smith, Clarke, Baker. Sub not used: Jones. Saturday 29th March 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 3 - 1 Seaford Town
IT’S very much home sweet home for Westfield in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League at present. Saturday’s latest success made it five wins in a row at The Parish Field and 36 points from a possible 48 on their own ground this season. Manager Steve Johnson made one enforced change to the side which saw off Southwick 5-2 a week previously, Alan Johnson replacing the injured Danny Pepper on the right of midfield. A first half played out in drizzly and windy conditions got off to a stormy start when Seaford’s Chris Stanyard was booked in the first five seconds for polaxing Duncan Jones. Town looked set to take a ninth minute lead only for Tom Callaghan’s effort towards a virtually empty net to be superbly headed clear by Carl Morris. Three minutes later, Westfield’s David Miller came close to repeating his incredible solo goal of the previous weekend but this time was denied by goalkeeper Lamin Faal. The hosts had a massive let off after half-an-hour, Will Toal saving Stanyard’s penalty and Callaghan’s follow-up following a foul by Lawrence Brand on Stanyard in the corner of the box. Westfield broke the deadlock 10 minutes later as a sweetly struck left-footed effort by Peter Baker was well saved but Jones slid in to convert the rebound. Jones then struck the inside of the post with a low drive from the edge of the box as The Parishioners ended the first half firmly on the front foot. But Town drew level in the 66th minute, the impressive Ben Dartnall shaking off the attentions of Paul Henty and curling his shot into the far corner of the net via a post. Dominic Clarke and Baker were just off target as Westfield stepped up a gear before Clarke rounded-off a neat sequence of passes with a finish into the bottom corner. Faal then did well to tip a Baker free kick which bounced up awkwardly onto the crossbar to keep Seaford in with a chance of avoiding a sixth straight loss. But any hopes they may have had of a second equaliser were extinguished on 83 minutes when Johnson tapped home after Clarke’s header from Jones’ driven cross was instinctively saved. Westfield:Toal, Harris (Podmore), Miller, C. Morris, Henty, Brand, Johnson, Jones (Carman), Clarke, Baker, Smith (G. Morris).Subs not used:Ridgeway, Dadswell. Saturday 22nd March 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 5 -2 Southwick
THOSE spectators who ventured outside in the rain, sleet and snow on Saturday afternoon were rewarded with a hat-trick of stunning strikes at The Parish Field.
On another day Peter Baker’s two glorious finishes from outside the box would have been the major talking points from this Sussex Division Two encounter. Instead, it was David “Windy” Miller’s dazzling solo run from the just outside his own box which really got the modest crowd buzzing. Westfield were leading 2-1 with seven minutes to play when the full back gained possession after a Southwick attack had broken down. Rather than launch the ball in the general direction of the forwards, Miller set off on a run that took him through the opposition midfield and then what remained of the defence before coming face to face with the goalkeeper who attempted to make himself as big possible but was given no chance by a cool, low finish. Miller’s stunning strike was one of six goals in the closing quarter of a match which for a large chunk of the first half was played in conditions more akin to mid-winter rather than Easter. Westfield took just three minutes to open the scoring through Baker’s superbly executed lob from 35 yards which caught goalkeeper Gareth Cook off his line. Dean Venton should have equalised for a Southwick side which was unbeaten in five matches going into this contest but hit a post from eight yards. The visitors were denied by the woodwork for a second time early in the second half, courtesy of Danny Pepper’s miscued clearance. Dominic Clarke headed the second on 67 minutes with his eighth goal in seven matches from a Lawrence Brand cross before Venton halved the deficit after the speedy Dan Molineaux had seen his dipping drive cannon off the underside of the crossbar. Miller restored the two-goal advantage in glorious style only for Venton to lash home his second. Westfield made sure of victory, however, thanks to Chris Smith’s far post finish and a thumping 20-yard volley from Baker - the division’s second joint top scorer with 19 goals. Westfield manager Steve Johnson said: “I was pleased with the performance because they are a much improved side and caused us a few problems. In the end 5-2 was probably a bit flattering.” Westfield: Toal, Harris, Miller, C. Morris, Henty, Brand, Pepper (Johnson), Jones, Clarke (Graham), Baker, Smith. Sub not used: Hardy Saturday 15th March 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 1- 0 Littlehampton
WESTFIELD continued their excellent home record in the Sussex County Football League on Saturday. The Parishioners made it 10 points from a possible 12 lately and 30 from 42 in total thanks to Peter Baker’s 17th league goal of the Division Two season. Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was a hard-fought win really, a battling performance rather than too much good football.” Johnson made three changes, two of which were enforced, from the side beaten 3-2 at Crawley Down seven days previously. Alan Johnson and Duncan Jones missed out through work which meant a recall for Chris Smith and a first start for young Jack Graham. Carl Morris was preferred to David Miller at left-back. A youthful visiting team moved the ball around well and caused Westfield problems, particularly during the first half, despite having won only two of its previous 10 games. Sixth-placed Littlehampton picked up most of the second balls and earned a number of free kicks which the hosts defended well despite losing Ben Ridgeway to a tweaked knee ligament. Goalkeeper Will Toal snuffed out Town’s best opportunity and Westfield broke the deadlock on 38 minutes when Baker found the net after Lawrence Brand and Tony Harris combined on the right. Littlehampton, 4-0 winners in December’s reverse fixture, put Westfield under pressure for the first 10 or 15 minutes of the second period. Westfield upped their game during the closing part of the contest and had a couple of attempts at goal without being able to establish the comfort of a two-goal cushion. The visitors should have equalised right at the end, but a home defence led by the impressive Morris held on for a victory which moves Westfield level on points with their opponents. Westfield:Toal, Harris, C. Morris, Ridgeway (Miller), Henty, Brand, Smith, Graham (Carman), Clarke, Baker, Pepper. Sub not used: Hardy. Saturday 8th March 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Crawley Down 3 - 2 Westfield
A DREADFUL 15 minute spell at the start of the second half condemned Westfield to defeat on Saturday.
The Parishioners went from 1-0 up at half time to 3-1 down by the hour mark in their latest Sussex County Football League Division Two encounter. Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was a bit disappointing. We only really played at our best for the last 20 minutes.” Johnson made one change to the side which won at Midhurst & Easebourne the previous weekend, bringing in son Alan for Chris Smith. The returning Carl Morris and Jamie Podmore, back in the first team after regaining fitness in the reserves, joined Smith on the substitutes’ bench. Fourth-placed Down were possibly a bit quicker to the ball than eighth-placed Westfield during an opening half-hour of few goalscoring opportunities. But it was the visitors who drew first blood in the 40th minute, Johnson playing the ball back in after a left wing corner had been cleared for Duncan Jones to finish at the far post. The match started to swing against Westfield, however, when goalkeeper Will Toal was unable to hold Scott Woolley’s 48th minute free kick and James Upton knocked home the loose ball. Upton added his and Down’s second nine minutes later with an accurate finish from a tight angle after getting in behind a visiting defence led well by Paul Henty and Ben Ridgeway. Gareth Neathey then headed against the away crossbar before Woolley unleashed a wind-assisted free kick from distance straight into the top corner. Westfield switched to three at the back in a bid to salvage something and pulled one back through Dominic Clarke’s seventh goal in five outings on 85 minutes after Morris headed against the bar. Clarke also had a header tipped over and Jones was denied in the driving rain as the scoreline from September’s meeting at The Parish Field was reversed. No club in the top 14 has lost more away matches than Westfield and only one team in the whole division has won more home games than Down. “I didn’t think either side played particularly well, but if it had been our day, we could have got the points,” added Johnson. Westfield: Toal, Harris (Smith), Miller (C. Morris), Ridgeway, Henty, Brand, Johnson, Jones, Clarke, Baker, Pepper (Podmore). Saturday 1st March 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Midhurst & Easebourne 0 - 1 Westfield
THE drive home from Midhurst is always a long one, but it never seems so bad on the back of a victory. Duncan Jones’ first half strike in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League made the journey that much more tolerable for Westfield on Saturday evening. Manager Steve Johnson commented: "It was a battling performance and I think we just about deserved it." Johnson made three changes to the side beaten at Mile Oak seven days previously against 10th-placed opposition which has only won once since New Year’s Day. Paul Henty replaced the injured Mark Drinkwater at centre-half, Tony Harris came in at full-back for the unavailable Carl Morris and Jones slotted back in at the expense of Alan Johnson. Westfield put their hosts under quite a bit of pressure kicking up the slope with the wind behind them during the opening 45 minutes. And they were well worth Jones’ 38th minute strike - his 14th in the league this season - which slipped the hands of the otherwise impressive home goalkeeper. Peter Baker volleyed just wide and Dominic Clarke missed the target with a close range header as the visitors sought to extend their lead before the interval. Midhurst pushed forward in search of an equaliser after the turnaround and visiting goalkeeper Will Toal was forced into a couple of good saves. Johnson’s men defended well from set-pieces and they had more than enough chances on the break to have killed the game off. The away team thought it was about to repeat its 2-0 victory in August’s reverse fixture only for Clarke to be denied a seventh goal in four outings from Johnson’s cross by a stunning save.
Westfield: Toal, Harris (C), Miller, Ridgeway, Henty, Brand, Smith, Jones, Clarke, Baker (Johnson), Pepper (Graham). Sub not used: Hardy.
Saturday 23rd February 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Mile Oak 2 - 1 Westfield
WESTFIELD’S improved run of form in the Sussex County Football League came to an end on Saturday.
The Parishioners’ sequence of seven points from three Division Two matches was halted despite taking a first half lead in Brighton.
Manager Steve Johnson said: “I can’t really complain about the result, they deserved to win it. On the day, I just felt they were a bit sharper and quicker to the ball than we were.”
Johnson made two changes to the side which recorded its first home league clean sheet since mid-August during the 2-0 win over Sidlesham seven days previously.
David Miller was preferred to Tony Harris at right-back, while Peter Baker returned from illness in place of the unavailable Duncan Jones up-front.
Westfield used the ball quite well against physical fifth-placed opposition on a grey afternoon, they just didn’t enjoy enough of it. Mile Oak had the majority of the play and around a dozen corners during the opening 45 minutes, yet the visitors defended well and took the lead against the run of play.
Dominic Clarke got in front of his marker to bag his sixth goal in three outings from Lawrence Brand’s 38th minute cross.
The away team would then have hoped to keep it tight at least until half time only to be caught out by Danny Curd’s run from deep for the 42nd minute equaliser.
Centre-half Mark Drinkwater was forced off with a back problem at the break and was replaced by Paul Henty.
Curd bagged what turned out to be the winner in the 57th minute with a shot which bounced up into the corner of the net as Westfield stood off too much.
Oak looked more likely to extend their lead than surrender it during the closing half-an-hour, although Westfield came close from a couple of scrambles towards the end. “I knew it was going to be difficult and I would’ve been more than happy to get a point,” added Johnson.
Westfield: Toal, Miller (Hales), C. Morris, Ridgeway, Drinkwater (C)(Henty), Smith, Johnson (Harris), Baker, Clarke, Brand, Pepper.
Saturday 16th February 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 2 - 0 Siddlesham DOMINIC Clarke continued his red hot goalscoring form as Westfield picked up three more points on Saturday.
The 24-year-old striker made it five goals in two Sussex County Football League Division Two games with a brace in the opening quarter-of-an-hour at a sunny Parish Field.
Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was quite good, but we made harder work of it than I think we should’ve done after the start we had.”
Westfield’s preparations were hit when Peter Baker pulled out through illness on the morning of the match so Duncan Jones went up-front and Lawrence Brand was recalled to the starting line-up.
The Parishioners were ahead inside five minutes when Alan Johnson cut the ball back from the right, Danny Pepper stepped over it and Clarke rifled into the roof of the net.
Clarke then scored Westfield’s 50th league goal of the season after intercepting a pass by the away goalkeeper intended for a defender.
The same player was whiskers away from completing back-to-back hat-tricks with a shot which struck both posts before rebounding into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Westfield continued to create chances and Johnson was twice denied by the goalkeeper during the remainder of the first 45 minutes. But a 13th-placed Sidlesham side whose two wide players did little tracking back was quite dangerous on the break in an end-to-end contest.
The visitors, who had won three of their previous five matches, started the second period strongly as they sought to avenge a 2-1 loss in October’s reverse fixture.
They struck the post with a penalty conceded by Carl Morris and the crossbar soon afterwards as Westfield rode their luck to keep their first home league clean sheet since August 18.
The wind was rather taken out of Sidlesham’s sails by having a player sent-off for going in high on home full-back Tony Harris.
It was then really a case of how many goals Westfield would score as they cruised to back-to-back wins for the first time since November.
Chris Smith hit the crossbar and Jones shot wide when clean through, while Smith, Mark Drinkwater, Pepper and Johnson all had efforts saved.
Leaders East Grinstead Town are now the only club in the division to have claimed more home points than a Westfield outfit which has accumulated 27 from a possible 39.
Westfield: Toal, Harris (Miller), C. Morris (Graham), Ridgeway (Henty), Drinkwater, Smith, Johnson, Jones, Clarke, Brand, Pepper.
Saturday 9th February 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 4 -2 Storrington WESTFIELD’S forward thinking paid dividends with a deserved and much-needed Sussex County Football League victory on Saturday.
The positive formation selected by manager Steve Johnson reaped its rewards largely thanks to a Dominic Clarke hat-trick against bottom half opposition in Division Two. Johnson said: “I just felt we hadn’t played well for a while really apart from the odd brief spell so we decided to change it. I wanted to try and keep the ball better and I thought we passed it quite well.”
All four Westfield midfielders were more noted for attacking than defending following the return from suspension of Chris Smith and inclusion of Danny Pepper at the expense of Lawrence Brand and Graham Morris.
The Parishioners were the stronger side pretty much throughout a keenly-fought encounter and they almost went in front on eight minutes when right-back Tony Harris had a 25-yard rocket tipped over.
Smith volleyed too high from a good position moments before Clarke opened the scoring with a header which took a deflection and looped over the goalkeeper following an excellent cross by Alan Johnson.
Seventh-placed Westfield appeared to be cruising when Duncan Jones doubled their advantage on 33 minutes with a sweet left-foot finish after good approach play from Pepper and Peter Baker.
But Harris’ under-hit back pass two minutes later left goalkeeper Will Toal with a 50-50 challenge against Frankie Velk which ended with the visiting striker having a simple tap-in.
Baker seemed certain to restore Westfield’s two-goal cushion on the stroke of half time only to see his header from Johnson’s centre magnificently saved at point blank range.
The extra breathing space they were seeking arrived in the 58th minute, Mark Drinkwater glancing Johnson’s corner across the face of goal for Clarke to turn home his second.
A Storrington side which has now won only two of its last 16 matches enjoyed probably its best spell of a gorgeous February afternoon for a short time afterwards.
But Clarke, who hadn’t scored for Westfield since Saturday December 15, completed his hat-trick on 72 minutes by prodding in after Drinkwater had driven Jones’ cross back across goal.
The hosts lost their way slightly towards the end after making a triple substitution and Gavin Hammond nabbed a consolation with a tremendous long range strike.
It wasn’t enough to deny Westfield their first home win since Saturday November 24, however, and revenge for a disappointing 3-1 loss in the reverse fixture three weeks previously.
“We’ve not put in as many crosses in other games as we did on Saturday and I thought it was quite a good performance,” added Johnson.
Westfield: Toal, Harris (G. Morris), C. Morris, Ridgeway, Drinkwater, Smith (Brand), Johnson (Jamison), Jones, Clarke, Baker, Pepper.
Saturday 2nd February 2008
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 2 - 2 Steyning Town THINGS just aren’t quite happening for Westfield at present in the Sussex County Football League.
The Parishioners have won only two of their last 11 Division Two matches after twice seeing leads wiped out on Saturday.
Manager Steve Johnson said: “To be quite honest, I was happy to take a point in the end. The first half wasn’t too bad, but second half we couldn’t keep the ball and invited pressure.”
Johnson made one enforced change from the side beaten 3-2 at Lingfield seven days previously, Tim Linch replacing the suspended Will Toal in goal.
Westfield got off to a decent start in this eighth versus seventh clash, Duncan Jones and Peter Baker having shots well saved by visiting goalkeeper Dave Angell.
Baker made the breakthrough in the 12th minute by converting the rebound after Jones’ initial effort had struck the crossbar.
But Steyning struck back six minutes later as Westfield failed to clear their lines and the ball was squared for Nick Green to tap home.
Westfield went back in front on 21 minutes when Baker moved joint top of the division’s goalscoring charts with his 16th league strike of the campaign.
The in-form striker claimed his seventh in five matches from the penalty spot following a foul on Dominic Clarke inside the area.
Westfield played some quite good football during the remainder of the first half and defended well against a Town side which was nonetheless dangerous, particularly from set-pieces.
Johnson knew Steyning would come at his charges after the turnaround, but Westfield didn’t help themselves by repeatedly failing to retain possession.
Town threw more and more men forward as a consequence, and the home team was subjected to quite a bit of pressure.
The equaliser Steyning had been threatening arrived with 20 minutes remaining, Sean Hourigan mopping up the scraps after a shot from the edge of the box hit the bar.
Things settled down slightly after that as Town recorded their first draw in the league all season at the 23rd attempt.
Westfield: Linch, Harris, C. Morris, Ridgeway, Drinkwater (Pepper), Brand, G. Morris, Jones, Clarke, Baker, Johnson (Jamison). Sub not used: Oliver.
Saturday 14th October 2007
Sussex Senior Cup 1st Round
Pagham 7 - 2 Westfield (After Extra Time)
TREVOR Burgess tore into referee Robert Wilkins after Westfield were beaten in football’s Sussex Senior Cup. The Parishioners’ assistant manager was fuming at having two players sent-off and a rash of others booked in Saturday’s first round tie. He said: “We weren’t beaten by a team, we were beaten by the bloke in the middle. I’ve been involved in non-league football for 20 years and he shouldn’t even ref kids’ football. “It was embarrassing, he just lost it completely. There were probably two bad challenges in the whole game and in extra-time our players were too frightened to make a tackle.” Burgess made two changes to the previous weekend’s starting line-up, Tony Harris replacing the injured Graham Morris and Lawrence Brand coming in for Alan Johnson. He also tweaked the formation to 4-3-1-2 with the in-form Duncan Jones playing in the hole between a narrow midfield trio and the front two. Westfield took a while to get used to the new system and found themselves trailing to a fourth minute goal by Calum Britton. But Sussex County League Division Two side Westfield dominated their Division One hosts after a shaky first 10 minutes. Dominic Clarke equalised on 12 minutes with a magnificent looping header from Chris Smith’s cross and the same two players combined for Peter Baker to fire them ahead 11 minutes later. Baker was then denied when clean through as Pagham had no answer to Westfield’s excellent football, repeatedly allowing Jones acres of space in dangerous areas. The visitors had an effort cleared off the goal-line and Baker was denied in a second one-on-one duel before the tide began to turn with around 15 minutes remaining. Baker was penalised despite appearing to effect a brilliant tackle as Pagham counter-attacked following a Westfield corner and Rob Wimble scored from the resulting free kick. Harris was dismissed five minutes later for his reaction to seeing a home player spit at Smith, although Burgess felt the decision was only made after prompting from the crowd. Paul Henty picked up his second yellow early in extra-time and Pagham added to their tally through Andy Cox (2), Jamie Angell, Britton and Brett Forden during a farcical finish. “Seven-two doesn’t reflect the game whatsoever. For a good hour we absolutely dominated and even their manager said the better team lost,” added Burgess. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Paul Henty, Mark Drinkwater (Sam Jamison), Carl Morris, Tony Harris, Lawrence Brand, Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Peter Baker (Jamie Podmore), Chris Smith. Att:
MOM:
Friday 6th October 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Siddlesham 1 - 2 Westfield
WESTFIELD maintained their excellent start to the Sussex County Football League season on Saturday. The Parishioners chalked up their first away victory of the Division Two campaign to make it 18 points from a possible 21. Manager Steve Johnson said: "It was a good win because it wasn't an easy place to go and it could've gone either way." Johnson made three changes to the side which began the 2-1 success at Rye United in the Hastings & District FA Senior Cup six days beforehand. Mark Drinkwater and Paul Henty returned from injury and work commitments respectively at the back, while Graham Morris was given his first start in midfield. Lawrence Brand and Sam Jamison had to settle for places alongside regular captain Tony Harris on a strong-looking substitutes' bench following holiday. Most of Westfield's chances in a dull game of little good football came from set-pieces, although a solid defensive display limited the duties of goalkeeper Gavin Bourne. The first 45 minutes pretty evenly-contested and the goalless half time score was probably a fair reflection of the play. But the second period was only around 30 seconds old when Westfield took the lead, Duncan Jones firing home with the aid of a deflection following David Miller's quickly taken throw. Jones doubled the away team's advantage with his fourth goal in two games and sixth in four outings after more good work from full-back Miller. Westfield began to play some decent stuff after that and Jones was only denied a hat-trick by a fine save from the home goalkeeper. Third-bottom Sidlesham set up a tense finish, however, after Steve Sneller converted a penalty awarded for handball against Carl Morris. Other highlights included a brace of goal-line clearances by Chris Smith, plus Jones heading against a post at the other end. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Paul Henty, Mark Drinkwater, Carl Morris, Graham Morris (Tony Harris), Alan Johnson (Sam Jamison), Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke (Lawrence Brand), Peter Baker, Chris Smith. Att: 23
MOM: Duncan Jones
Friday 28th September 2007
Hastings Senior Cup Semi Final
Rye United 1 - 2 Westfield (After Extra Time) WESTFIELD are 90 minutes away from claiming their first senior trophy after a gutsy victory on Friday night.
The Parishioners overcame higher rank opposition to reach the final of the Hastings & District FA Senior Cup despite playing the final hour with 10 men. Assistant manager Trevor Burgess, who took charge of the side because manager Steve Johnson had a prior engagement, said: "It was a good win and I think we just edged it chances wise. We showed a lot of character and I thought we played quite well when we went down to 10 men." Burgess was forced into making three changes from the side which beat Peacehaven & Telscombe in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League six days previously. Lawrence Brand and Sam Jamison were on holiday and Mark Drinkwater was injured, so in came Alan Johnson, David Miller and Jamie Podmore. Westfield took the lead against Division One outfit Rye on 24 minutes when they kept Chris Smith's free kick alive and Danny Pepper back-heeled for Duncan Jones to slot home. United equalised 13 minutes into the second period, Shaun Loft converting what Burgess described as a "dubious" penalty. The away side then had striker Dominic Clarke sent-off for a second yellow card, both of which were ironically shown for fouls on ex-Westfield defender Chris Rea. Westfield switched to a 4-3-3 formation at this point and Burgess felt they proceeded to control the semi-final tie en route to completing a fourth straight win. Rye had a lot of the ball going into extra-time, but Westfield struck the decisive blow when Jones' scooped effort looped over home goalkeeper Kusha Movaffagh and under the crossbar. Substitutes Ashley Paine and, in particular, Graham Morris impressed as Westfield avenged their defeat to the same opposition in the 2005-06 final. Their reward is a showdown with Division One team Sidley United or Division Three club Bexhill United later in the season. "They put us under a bit of pressure towards the end, but I thought we coped with it quite well. It was a good team effort. Everyone did their job," added Burgess. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, Tony Harris, David Miller, Carl Morris, Jamie Podmore (Ashley Paine), Chris Smith(Darrol Parris), Danny Pepper, Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Peter Baker, Alan Johnson (Graham Morris). Sub not used: Shaun Smith. Att: 102
MOM: Duncan Jones
Saturday 22nd September 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 3 - 1 Peacehaven
WESTFIELD continued their fine start to the Sussex County Football League season on Saturday afternoon.
The Parishioners made it 15 points from a possible 18 in Division Two and extended their 100 per cent home record to five matches. Manager Steve Johnson said: “I think we can play a bit better and be a bit tighter, but we didn’t play too badly and we definitely deserved to win the game.” Johnson made one enforced change to the side which came from 2-0 down to beat Crawley Down 3-2 the previous weekend, Duncan Jones replacing the holidaying Lawrence Brand. Jones’ inclusion gave Westfield’s four-man midfield an extremely attacking look because he, Sam Jamison and Danny Pepper can all play up-front. It was perhaps little wonder therefore that the match was a very open affair and it was the hosts who drew first blood inside four minutes. Dominic Clarke’s header was pushed onto the crossbar by the visiting goalkeeper, but the aerially-strong striker forced home the resulting corner. Westfield continued to dominate after the goal and could well have killed the game off inside the first 10 or 15 minutes. A young, pacey and good on the ball Peacehaven outfit, whom Westfield pipped for third last season, then came back into it and equalised through Mitchell on the half-hour. The home team swiftly got back on top again with some good football despite losing key centre-half Mark Drinkwater to injury. They ironically went ahead again in direct fashion when Clarke flicked on a long 55th minute clearance for Baker to get in behind the away defence and apply the finish. Jones doubled Westfield’s cushion four minutes later against a side they trounced 5-1 in the corresponding fixture last term. Peacehaven still offered enough for the result to be in doubt, however, and had a goal ruled out for offside following a good save by Gavin Bourne. Westfield were content to play on the counter-attack for the final 15 minutes or so and were full value for their win after striking the bar three times and looking dangerous from set-pieces. Westfield:Gavin Bourne, Tony Harris, Paul Henty, Carl Morris, Mark Drinkwater (Jamie Podmore), Chris Smith, Danny Pepper (Alan Johnson), Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Peter Baker, Sam Jamison (David Miller).
Att: 36
MOM: Danny Pepper
Saturday 15thSeptember 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 3 - 2 Crawley Down The Parishioners recovered from 2-0 down to clinch a compelling contest and make it 12 points from a possible 15 in Division Two. Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was a good win because I thought they were quite a good side. I thought if either side deserved to get the winner it would have been us.” Westfield made one change to the team which began the 2-0 cup victory over Storrington a week previously, the returning Mark Drinkwater replacing back injury victim Jamie Podmore. But they were forced into another alteration within two minutes of the kick-off as Peter Baker sustained a nasty cut to the chin. Chances came thick and fast at either end during a very open game, and home goalkeeper Gavin Bourne made a good save to keep the scoresheet blank fairly early on. But Westfield fell behind in the 21st minute when Noel Etherington volleyed home from just inside the penalty area seconds after Drinkwater cleared off the goal-line. One became two just six minutes later when Gareth Neathey was allowed a free run down the away right before slotting beyond Bourne. Westfield defended better as a unit after that and pulled one back almost immediately, Baker’s replacement Duncan Jones finding the net with a snap shot from inside the box. Sam Jamison restored parity on 38 minutes with a left foot strike which took a deflection on its way into the net. Jamison couldn’t beat the goalkeeper with another decent opportunity, while Dominic Clarke failed to convert a trio of headers. Westfield had the better of the first 20 or 25 minutes during the second period, but were unable to get their noses in front, Jamison being denied by the goalkeeper in their best opening. Down then came back into it a bit more and forced a decent stop out of Bourne before the hosts nabbed the points when Drinkwater’s 85th minute cross from the right sailed into the far corner. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, Chris Smith (David Miller), Paul Henty, Carl Morris, Mark Drinkwater, Tony Harris, Danny Pepper, Peter Baker (Duncan Jones), Dominic Clarke (James Carman), Lawrence Brand, Sam Jamison.Subs not used: Jamie Podmore, Tim Linch. Att: 46
MOM: Mark Drinkwater
Saturday 8th September 2007
Sussex County League Division 2 Cup 1st Round
Westfield 2 - 0 Storrington WESTFIELD rediscovered the winning formula in a Sussex County Football League knockout competition on Saturday.
The Parishioners put successive away defeats behind them by reaching round two of the Division Two Challenge Cup. Manager Steve Johnson said: “There was a great improvement on the previous two games. We just played better all-round and thoroughly deserved to win.” Johnson made two changes to the side which began the loss at Southwick a week previously, Jamie Podmore and Chris Smith replacing unavailable duo Mark Drinkwater and David Miller. Westfield were the better team from the off and were well worth the single goal lead they took into half time. That goal came in the 33rd minute when Danny Pepper got in front of his marker to turn home a Smith free kick. Sam Jamison also struck the crossbar with a header for a Westfield side which has won three of its four league fixtures thus far. The hosts came under a bit of pressure during the opening 20 minutes of the second period from a Storrington outfit which has taken six points from its four away league games. The visitors’ main threat came from their height at set-pieces, but Westfield tried to maintain as high a defensive line as they could and dealt with them quite well. Despite losing Smith and Peter Baker to injury, Westfield gradually began to get back on top and Jamison doubled their advantage at the end of a flowing 78th minute move. They played the closing five minutes with only 10 men after Dominic Clarke hobbled off when all three substitutes had been used. But Westfield still encountered few problems in preserving their advantage to book a trip to Seaford Town in the last 16. Westfield:Gavin Bourne, Chris Smith (Alan Johnson), Paul Henty, Jamie Podmore, Carl Morris, Tony Harris (Paul Oliver), Danny Pepper, Peter Baker (Duncan Jones), Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Sam Jamison. Att: 79
MOM: Paul Henty
Saturday 1st September 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Southwick 2 - 1 Westfield A LATE rally wasn’t enough to prevent Westfield suffering their first defeat of the Sussex County Football League season. The Parishioners piled on the pressure during the closing stages on Saturday, but were unable to summon up an equaliser in Division Two. Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was a disappointing result really. We didn’t play that well, but still felt we should’ve got something in the end.” Westfield made two changes to the side which started the John O’Hara League Challenge Cup defeat at Whitehawk seven days previously. First choice goalkeeper Gavin Bourne returned from holiday to replace Tim Linch, while Carl Morris’ groin had healed enough for him to take the place of the injured Ashley Paine in defence. The opening exchanges were fairly evenly contested and there was little activity in either goalmouth, although Sam Jamison clipped the top of the crossbar for the visitors. Westfield fell behind to a good finish by Bean on 35 minutes, however, after they had squandered possession from their own throw-in. The second period also got off to a relatively subdued start until Bell took advantage of a lack of pressure on the ball to put Southwick two-up with 25 minutes remaining. Westfield halved their arrears shortly afterwards, Mark Drinkwater knocking Lawrence Brand’s corner back into the danger area for Dominic Clarke to head home. The visitors then switched from a 4-4-2 formation to 3-4-3 and dominated the closing 25 minutes, creating several chances in the process. But Clarke couldn’t quite turn one home, Peter Baker hit the post with a deflected free kick and Southwick somehow survived a massive scramble to record their first win at the sixth attempt. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Paul Henty (Chris Smith), Carl Morris, Mark Drinkwater, Tony Harris (Alan Johnson), Danny Pepper, Peter Baker, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Sam Jamison.Sub not used: Jamie Podmore. Att: 40
MOM: Carl Morris
Saturday 25th August 2007
John O'Hara Cup 1st Round
Whitehawk 3 - 0 Westfield WESTFIELD suffered an unwanted dose of John O’Hara League Challenge Cup déjà vu on Saturday.
For the second consecutive season, The Parishioners’ hopes of upsetting higher rank opposition were struck down by an injury nightmare. The village club ended its first round tie in the Sussex County Football League knockout competition with 10 men – just as it had against Worthing United last term. Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was almost a carbon copy, but it was the performance that disappointed me most. We just never got to grips with the game at all.” Division Two side Westfield fell behind against last season’s Division One runners-up when Stevenson reacted quicker than their defenders to head home a 12th minute cross. The ankle of goalkeeper Tim Linch gave way shortly afterwards meaning that Carl Morris took over the gloves despite not being fit enough to occupy his customary defensive role. Morris made a good save to maintain Westfield’s single goal deficit, but was powerless to prevent Dudson making it 2-0 on the half-hour after the visitors failed to clear. Westfield almost pulled a goal back just before half time when Peter Baker’s free kick from out wide evaded everybody and clipped the outside of the far post. Dominic Clarke succumbed to a hamstring problem a couple of minutes into the second period and the away side used their final substitution when illness got the better of Mark Drinkwater. Westfield failed to track the late run of Stuart Garrod and his volley from six yards out completed the scoring for an under-strength Hawks side 12 minutes into the second period. But Westfield’s troubles didn’t end there because Ashley Paine hobbled off with a sore foot to leave them a man down for the final half-an-hour and with Sam Jamison struggling as well. “The chances of going there and winning weren’t great, but if there was a chance, it was going to be on Saturday,” Johnson added. Westfield: Tim Linch (Carl Morris), Paul Henty, David Miller, Ashley Paine, Mark Drinkwater (Jamie Podmore), Tony Harris, Danny Pepper, Peter Baker, Dominic Clarke (Chris Smith), Lawrence Brand, Sam Jamison. Att: 37
MOM: Ashley Paine
Saturday 18th August 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 2 - 0 Midhurst & Easebourne FEW teams around the Sussex County Football League look upon a trip to Westfield with much relish.
And the village club has continued its fine form at The Parish Field of last season with successive home victories at the beginning of the new Division Two campaign. Manager Steve Johnson said: “We always target getting as many wins as we can from our home games and we’ve got just the start we wanted really.”
Westfield made two changes to the line-up which kicked-off the 3-1 defeat of Lancing in much more seasonable weather seven days previously.
Tim Linch returned from holiday to replace Steve Constable in goal and Alan Johnson came in for the unavailable Sam Jamison on the left-hand side of midfield.
What followed was a predictably competitive encounter between two clubs widely tipped to be among the frontrunners come early May.
Neither side allowed the other much time on the ball, but there was still some good football played at times on a grey and blustery Saturday afternoon. The Parishioners enjoyed the better chances during the opening 45 minutes albeit without engineering anything especially clearcut.
Centre-half Ashley Paine seemed certain to have put the hosts in front only to be denied by a miraculous goal-line clearance and Peter Baker flashed an effort just past an upright. Danny Pepper caused the visitors no end of problems down the Westfield right and it was perhaps fitting that he should break the deadlock with a composed finish in the 63rd minute.
Pepper turned provider for the crucial second goal 21 minutes later, winning the ball in the corner and beating a couple of defenders before squaring for Baker to volley home.
At the other end, Linch did well on his first senior appearance for quite some time as another resolute defensive display withstood a late Midhurst rally.
“It was a good win. They were a good side and it was a tough game. We had to work hard and I was really pleased,” added Johnson. Westfield: Tim Linch, David Miller, Carl Morris, Ashley Paine (Paul Oliver), Mark Drinkwater, Tony Harris (Capt), Danny Pepper, Peter Baker, Dominic Clarke (James Carman), Lawrence Brand, Alan Johnson (Shaun Hardy).Subs not used: Jamie Podmore, Alvin Atkins.
Att: 75
MOM: Danny Pepper
Saturday 11th August 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 3 - 1 Lancing WESTFIELD kicked-off the new Sussex County Football League season with three good goals and three good points.
The Parishioners were impressive winners in their Division Two opener on a glorious Saturday afternoon. They performed superbly well from one right the way through to 11 and their margin of victory might well have been even greater.
Westfield were solid at the back with Mark Drinkwater particularly impressive and the combative Tony Harris ensured they got on top in midfield. Sam Jamison and Danny Pepper were a constant threat on the flanks, while the aerially dominant Dominic Clarke and the classy Peter Baker dovetailed nicely in attack.
Stand-in goalkeeper Steve Constable did what little he had to do well and manager Steve Johnson would have been highly satisfied with his team’s display.
Westfield opened their account after just five minutes, Clarke nodding Carl Morris’ free kick from inside his own half perfectly into the path of Baker to side-foot home.Baker could have had a second in the 29th minute, but unselfishly elected to tee up Pepper for a simple finish following a weak back pass by Mark Dixon.
The hosts twice came close to a third before half time only for Clarke to be denied by the goalkeeper when clean through and Jamison to strike a post from Pepper’s precise pass.
Westfield continued to look comfortable into the second half, but needed the cushion of a third goal to make the points safe.
It finally came on 67 minutes when Clarke flicked on Drinkwater’s goal kick and Baker played the ball through for Jamison to score the goal his performance deserved. Clarke then squandered a gilt-edged chance to get on the scoresheet himself and Baker couldn’t beat the goalkeeper at the end of a fine move involving substitutes Alan Johnson and Paul Oliver.
Westfield also gave a run-out to a third substitute, full-back Paul Henty, who signed from Sidley United two days before the game.
The only blot on an otherwise excellent afternoon was the somewhat statuesque defending which allowed Ben Reeves to head a 95th minute consolation. Westfield: Steve Constable, David Miller, Carl Morris, Ashley Paine (Paul Henty), Mark Drinkwater, Tony Harris (Capt), Danny Pepper (Alan Johnson), Peter Baker, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Sam Jamison (Paul Oliver). Subs not used: James Carman, Shaun Hardy.
Att: 67
MOM: Tony Harris
Season 06/07
Saturday 5th May 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Peachaven 0 - 0 Westfield WESTFIELD were denied a Sussex County Football League runners-up finish in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday.
The Parishioners began celebrating coming second in Division Two after being told that rivals St Francis Rangers had only drawn at champions Pagham. But they were to find out moments later that St Francis had nabbed a winner five minutes into stoppage time and that they were relegated to third spot. Manager Steve Johnson said: “We were told that it had finished and that we had got second, but we still achieved a promotion position which is great credit to the club and the players really.” Westfield aren’t eligible to go up as they fail to meet ground grading criteria, but they have still enjoyed a record-breaking season. This decent point against fifth-placed opposition ensured they finished in their highest ever position and pipped their previous best points total in senior football. In so doing, they once again came above sides with considerably larger budgets and significantly better facilities. Westfield may well have clung on to second, however, had they taken even one of the chances which came their way on a sunny Saturday afternoon. They engineered four or five opportunities, two of which were excellently saved, kicking up the slope during the first 45 minutes on a bumpy pitch with only a sparse covering of grass. More openings presented themselves on the break during the second period, but again they couldn’t make any of them count against a team which lost only one of its last 10 contests. Peacehaven threw just about everybody forward, including their goalkeeper, late on as they desperately sought the victory which would have given them a second successive promotion. But the away defence, with Carl Morris again impressive, stood firm and goalkeeper Gavin Bourne helped them out with a couple of good stops. “It was an exciting game and it was unbelievable that it was 0-0,” added Johnson, whose side ended the campaign with just one win in six matches. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Carl Morris, Mark Drinkwater, Ashley Paine (Chris Rea), Tony Harris (Shaun Hardy), Chris Smith, Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Danny Pepper (Terry Payne).Sub not used:Foster
Att: 81
MOM: Carl Morris
Saturday 28th April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 1 - 1 Midhurst & Easebourne A CONTROVERSIAL late goal kept alive Westfield’s hopes of a runners-up finish in the Sussex County Football League. Duncan Jones held his nerve to convert a crucial 88th minute penalty which meant The Parishioners nabbed a point in their penultimate game of the Division Two season. But Midhurst were convinced that goalkeeper Stuart Burt played the ball when Jones hit the deck attempting to round him following an exquisite pass by Chris Smith. Westfield went into their final home game without defenders Jamie Podmore and Mark Drinkwater, plus strikers Dominic Clarke and Danny Pepper. The quartet of absentees meant a rare start for the evergreen Shaun Hardy at centre-half and Jones playing up-front despite being short of full fitness. But the somewhat unfamiliar looking side competed pretty well during a fixture that was keenly-contested throughout on a lovely Saturday afternoon. There was never really a great deal to choose between the two teams, but the two best chances of a scoreless first half fell to Westfield. Terry Payne was unable to convert a decent headed opportunity on 10 minutes and Jones was denied by Burt after brilliant work by Payne 10 minutes later. Westfield were also unable to force the ball home during a comical incident when Burt found himself tangled up in the netting to the rear of his goal. Sixth-placed Midhurst did get in behind Westfield on a couple of occasions without managing to overly extend the returning Gavin Bourne in the home goal. Payne didn’t get enough on his shot when through 10 minutes into the second period and Westfield were behind to a James Wills header from Lewis Hamilton’s cross three minutes later. The game appeared to be drifting away from the home team until Johnson switched to three at the back with 20 minutes left. Carl Morris headed just over from Smith’s free kick and a through ball by Lawrence Brand was prodded wide by Payne. The pressure was further cranked up 10 minutes later when Morris joined Jones and Payne in attack, and Westfield got the break they wanted in the form of Jones’ penalty. Westfield:Bourne, Miller, Rea, Morris, Hardy (Devine), Harris (Paine), Smith, Jones, Payne, Brand, Johnson (Oliver)
Att: 65
MOM: Chris Smith
Tuesday 24th April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Steyning 5 - 1 Westfield
EVERY team has the odd game to forget during the course of a season and Westfield definitely had one on Tuesday night. The Parishioners’ makeshift defence was all at sea as they took a five-goal pasting in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League. Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was pretty disastrous. They didn’t score one good goal, they were all gifts.” Second-placed Westfield actually began the match playing some good football and frequently got in behind their ninth-placed opponents. They were full value for the 18th minute lead given to them by a splendid curling shot from Chris Smith at the end of an excellent move. Westfield looked in complete control until they began to over-elaborate and a string of individual errors condemned them to a third defeat in four outings. Division Two Challenge Cup finalists Steyning levelled through Davis on 25 minutes after visiting goalkeeper Dan Foster dropped a corner. Schofield put Town ahead following a defensive mix-up 10 minutes later and Waterhouse capitalised on hesitation to make it 3-1 at half time. Waterhouse effectively wrapped-up the points with his second and Steyning’s fourth less than a minute into the second period after Westfield failed to clear their lines. The visitors then switched to three at the back and returned to knocking the ball around well, but by that stage the damage had well and truly been done. Salt was rubbed into the wound late on when Waterhouse followed up to complete his hat-trick after Foster had saved a harshly awarded penalty. Westfield:Dan Foster, David Miller, Carl Morris, Chris Rea (Alan Johnson), Terry Paine (Richard Devine), Tony Harris (Shaun Hardy), Chris Smith,Danny Pepper, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Terry Payne.
Att: 25
MOM: Terry Payne
Saturday 21st April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Storrington 1 - 3 Westfield
WESTFIELD put consecutive Sussex County Football League defeats behind them with a come-from-behind victory on Saturday.
Two goals from Dominic Clarke either side of a Lawrence Brand strike helped The Parishioners consolidate second place in Division Two.
Westfield made the long journey into West Sussex having lost their previous three league meetings with a Storrington side which has now slumped into the relegation zone.
And it looked as if that depressing sequence may continue when Dean Leaver fired Kris Bridle’s pull-back into the bottom corner to give The Swans a seventh minute lead.
But that advantage lasted only five minutes because Clarke profited on the failure of home goalkeeper Gary Elliott to get anything on his punch by finding the vacant net.
Westfield brought on midfielder Alan Johnson for centre-half Jamie Podmore at half time and switched from their customary 4-4-2 formation to an adventurous 3-5-2 shape.
But the bold decision on the part of manager Steve Johnson and assistant Trevor Burgess was thoroughly justified as the visitors controlled the remainder of the contest.
They went in front against a team whose last victory came in the reverse fixture on March 3 when Lawrence Brand dispatched a trademark quickly taken free kick on the hour.
Clarke bundled in the third goal to make the points safe 12 minutes from time and it could have been more as Westfield cruised home in the end.
The only slight disappointment for Westfield was that four of the five sides immediately beneath them also won on the same afternoon.
Westfield: Dan Foster, David Miller, Carl Morris, Jamie Podmore (Alan Johnson), Chris Rea, Tony Harris (CAPT), Chris Smith, Danny Pepper, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Terry Payne.
Subs Not Used: Ashley Paine, Trevor Burgess
Att: 48
MOM: Carl Morris
Tuesday 17th April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
East Grinstead 2 - 1 Westfield
WESTFIELD have suffered consecutive defeats in the Sussex County Football League for only the third time this season.
The concession of two goals in the first 11 minutes on Tuesday night meant The Parishioners have won just one of their last five games and confirmed Pagham as Division Two champions. Manager Steve Johnson said: “We looked like we had never played together before for the first 15 minutes and we then played really well after that.” Tenth-placed Town hadn’t won any of their previous 10 matches, but quickly went about putting that record straight and gaining revenge for a 5-2 loss in the reverse fixture. The Wasps took the lead through Dave Gellatly in only the eighth minute when Westfield made a catelogue of errors following their own throw-in deep inside the home half. The visitors conceded another sloppy goal just three minutes later as backpeddling stand-in goalkeeper Dan Foster could only help Matt Thorpe’s shot into the net. Westfield eventually settled down and put their opponents under quite a bit of pressure with some decent football despite losing Ashley Paine to injury at half time. Dominic Clarke pulled one back mid-way through the second half by heading home Chris Smith’s corner and it looked as though they would go on to get something out of the contest. They sent plenty of balls into the home penalty area and forged out several half-chances, but their finishing was too often erratic. Lawrence Brand, Danny Pepper, Clarke and Carl Morris all had attempts at goal, while Grinstead threatened only once or twice on the counter-attack. The match finished amid ugly scenes following a comment by Gellatly which angered the Westfield players. Westfield: Dan Foster, David Miller, Chris Rea, Jamie Podmore (Shaun Hardy), Ashley Paine (Terry Payne), Tony Harris (CAPT) Chris Smith, Danny Pepper, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Carl Morris.Sub not used: Trevor Burgess
Att: 117
MOM: Chris Rea
Saturday 14th April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Pagham 2 - 0 Westfield
WESTFIELD’S faint Sussex County Football League title aspirations were effectively ended on Saturday afternoon.
Two second half goals sealed The Parishioners’ fate against the now-crowned Division Two champions. Manager Steve Johnson said: “Even if we won the game there wasn’t much chance of winning the title, it was just disappointing the way we conceded the first goal.” Westfield made the long journey to the Bognor Regis area trailing their opponents by 10 points with a game in hand. And they looked as though they may be capable of eating into that deficit as they began the match really well. They had the only attempt of note during an opening 45 minutes in which both sides cancelled each other when Mark Drinkwater’s goalbound effort was tipped over. The visitors probably edged the contest until they fell behind to a 49th minute goal from the towering figure of Brett Forden. Westfield only managed to half-clear a free kick they shouldn’t have conceded in the first place and Forden struck the ball through a ruck of players into the corner of the net. Rob Wimble extended Pagham’s unbeaten run to 11 matches and avenged a 3-1 defeat to Westfield back in March with the second goal 10 minutes from time. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Chris Rea, Mark Drinkwater (Jamie Podmore), Tony Harris (CAPT) (Danny Pepper), Chris Smith, Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Carl Morris. Sub not used: Richard Devine
Att: 67
MOM: David Miller
Monday 9th April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 2 - 0 Seaford Town
WESTFIELD typified the inconsistent nature of teams throughout Sussex Division Two in their two games over Easter.
The Parishioners bounced back from Saturday’s poor reverse at home to struggling Crawley Down with an excellent victory over Seaford Town on Monday. Manager Steve Johnson said: “It was one of our best performances of the season following on from one of the worst. We were determined to put it right and we were definitely the better side.” Johnson reacted to the defeat of Saturday by tinkering with the starting line-up, drafting in David Miller and Chris Rea, and switching Carl Morris from left-back to left-midfield. Westfield started the match well and were one-up at half time after talented midfielder Lawrence Brand notched his first goal of the campaign from open play in the 29th minute. Morris and Duncan Jones also came close to scoring before the break following crosses by Alan Johnson and Dominic Clarke respectively. Westfield made sure of extending their run of form to one defeat in seven games with a second goal 15 minutes from time. Rea’s free kick was won by Johnson at the far post and Morris got above his marker to head the ball into the corner of the net. The home team might well have added a couple more goals as they outgunned a seventh-placed Seaford side on Easter Monday for the second time in three seasons. And goalkeeper Gavin Bourne barely had a save to make as he kept a third clean sheet in the last four matches. “We were easily worth a 2-0 (victory), if not more to be honest,” added Johnson, after his team’s 11th home league victory of 2006-07. Westfield:Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Chris Rea, Mark Drinkwater, Ashley Paine, Tony Harris (CAPT), Alan Johnson (Danny Pepper), Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Carl Morris.Subs not used:Shaun Hardy, Richard Devine, Dan Foster. Att: 42
MOM: Dominic Clarke
Saturday 7th April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 0 - 2 Crawley Down
WESTFIELD'S hopes of coming up on the rails in the Sussex Division Two title race suffered a devastating blow on Saturday with defeat at home to lowly Crawley Down.
There was nothing unfortunate about this result, though, as they never really got going and, but for the superb shot-stopping of Gavin Bourne, would have lost by an even greater margin. As if the frittering away of three crucial points in their bid to overhaul leaders Pagham wasn't bad enough, they also had striker Dominic Clarke sent-off in the dying moments for two yellow cards. The first half turned into something of a turkey shoot as Crawley Down rained shots down on the Westfield goal. The only reason they didn't score more than once during this period was down to the reflexes of Bourne, who set the tone in the ninth minute by touching an Adam Aylward 30-yarder on to an upright. Other saves followed before Bourne produced his best just before half time, managing to stick up an arm while in the throes of diving the wrong way to divert a goalbound Aylward header and, from the resulting corner, he tipped over a Dave Connor piledriver. The Westfield goalkeeper was beaten on 40 minutes, however, when former Hastings United forward Rob Collins finished coolly following a neat move which cut right through the centre of the home midfield and defence. Crawley Down, who also had a couple of decent penalty shouts in the first half, made the points safe 16 minutes from time, Collins again making no mistake after racing on to a ball over the top. Westfield created very little at the other end with their best efforts falling to Clarke, who headed over from close range in the first half and was kept out by a brave double save from Jimmy Arnold in the second. Westfield: Gavin Bourne, Mark Drinkwater, Carl Morris, Ashley Paine, Jamie Podmore (David Miller), Tony Harris (CAPT) (Shaun Hardy), Alan Johnson, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Danny Pepper. Sub not used: Chris Rea, Dan Foster
Att: 35
MOM: Gavin Bourne
Tuesday 3rd April 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Lancing 0 - 0 Westfield
UNDER normal circumstances a point from a lengthy midweek journey would probably be viewed as a reasonable result.
But the form of Sussex Division Two leaders Pagham is such that Westfield really needed to take all three against third-bottom opposition on Tuesday night.
Manager Steve Johnson said: “We put enough into it, but we couldn’t break them down.”
Pagham’s 3-0 victory at home to sixth-placed Seaford Town has left them nine points clear of second-placed Westfield having played an extra match. But that gap would have been just seven had The Parishioners managed to convert possession into goals at a predictably windy Culver Road.
Their best openings against a team which they’ve now failed to beat on three occasions this season came during a first half in which they enjoyed the benefit of the conditions.
Westfield delivered some decent balls into the home penalty area without quite ever managing to apply the killer touch that would have given them a fourth straight victory.
Carl Morris and Alan Johnson fired fractionally over from distance, while Dominic Clarke had a goal disallowed for offside after a flick by Danny Pepper.
The visitors continued to have more of the ball after the interval without looking quite so threatening. Pepper lobbed just too high from their clearest chance as a decent contest continued to be played out at a high tempo.
Lancing came into the game far more and did trouble a solid-looking Westfield defence from the occasional counter-attack. The impressive Ashley Paine had to make a couple of crucial tackles and clearances, including one from off the goal-line, to make sure of Westfield’s first goalless draw since Boxing Day.
Westfield: Gavin Bourne, Mark Drinkwater, Carl Morris, Ashley Paine ,Jamie Podmore , Tony Harris (CAPT), Alan Johnson ,Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Danny Pepper. Subs not used: Daniel Foster, Chris Rea, Shaun Hardy
Att:34
MOM: Carl Morris
Saturday 31st March 2007
Sussex County League Division 2
Westfield 3 - 0 Lingfield
Westfield went into this game looking to gain revenge following there 3-2 defeat a few weeks earlier in a game they dominated from start to finish.
Manager Steve Johnson decided to shuffle his pack despite the excellant 3-2 victory over Mile Oak three days earlier, Alan Johnson & David Miller both dropped to the bench with Mark Drinkwater coming in at full back and Chris Smith taking up the wide role on the right of midfield.
The Westies started the brighter side without creating many clear cut chances, the times they did get in good area's they were sloppy in possession and gave the ball away two many times. The one clear cut chance they did create finished with Dominic Clarke prodding home from close range latching onto a towering header from Drinkwater after 3 mins.
Scoring as early as they did probaby did the hosts no favours as they seemed to relax and be in to much of a comfort zone and the display was very dis-jointed, Lingfield had a golden opportunity to equalize shortly before half time when Carl Morris hauled back a visiting attacker inside the area, the resulting penalty was poorly placed and Gavin Bourne saved comfortably.
Despite leading at half time messers Johnson and Burgess no doubt read there side the ride act at half time for there overall 1st half performance, and it seemed to have had the desired effect as within 15 minutes of the restart the hosts had put the game beyond Lingfield's reach with two further goals, firstly on 51 mins Morris's left wing cross was knocked across goal by Clarke to Danny Pepper who from a couples of yards out stabbed the ball past the helpless visiting keeper.
On 55 mins Duncan Jones had the chance to get himself on the scoresheet from the spot but his well struck penalty was superbly saved and Pe |