WESTFIELD were left to ponder what might have been after losing to fellow high-flyers Rustington on Saturday.

Missed chances early on and the concession of two poor goals saw The Parishioners slump to a third defeat in four Sussex County Football League Division Two games.

Westfield made three changes to the side beaten 4-2 at Southwick seven days previously with Matt Dadswell, joint manager Tony Harris and Sam Jamison the men coming in.

They made a good start to a clash between two footballing teams on a bright but cold afternoon at The Parish Field and really ought to have been ahead in the 12th minute.

Andy Garman had successive efforts blocked by defenders with the goal at his mercy after Duncan Jones had rounded away goalkeeper Andy McCarthy and astutely pulled the ball back.

Dominic Clarke then dragged a shot wide from just outside the penalty area and Jones struck the top of the crossbar from distance after the in-form Garman dispossessed Chris Green.

But the hosts gifted Rustington a 20th minute lead when Ashley Paine did the hard work before playing a loose ball inside his own box which was pounced on by Steve Kirkham.

There was little goalmouth incident during the remainder of the first half, although Westfield suffered a blow just before the break when Garman limped off with a pulled hamstring.

Westfield, nonetheless, got on top in the second period, albeit without creating much in the way of clearcut chances until Dadswell popped up with a deserved equaliser on 72 minutes.

Paine’s header from a free kick by man of the match Chris Rea was saved by McCarthy, but Dadswell’s follow-up just about crossed the line despite McCarthy’s best efforts to keep it out.

The home side would then have been confident of going on to take all three points, but they couldn’t sustain the momentum and Harris had to clear off the line from Andy Boxall.

Rustington pinched it in the 89th minute as a lunging effort by the impressive Simon Clayton from Boxall’s low left wing cross went through home goalkeeper Dan Foster.

Westfield:Foster, Harris, Rea, Paine, Wood, Morris, Dadswell (Graham), Jones, Clarke, Garman (Miller), Jamison.Sub not used:Ridgway.

---

 

 

 

 

The Parishioners retrieved a half time deficit to beat a Seaford side which ended an incident-packed Sussex County Football League Division Two match with nine men.

Westfield brought in Dan Foster, Garman and joint manager Duncan Jones from the team thumped 4-1 at Mile Oak the previous midweek, and switched back to their usual 4-4-2 formation.

Apart from goalkeeper Foster producing a flying save from Ben Dartnall’s long range volley, there wasn’t a great deal of goalmouth activity during a fairly even first 35 minutes.

Then came the first controversial moment of the contest as Town full-back Alex Keaney was sent-off following a lunging challenge with Ashley Paine by the touchline.

The visitors were far from happy at the decision, though, as they felt that Paine was actually caught by team-mate Garman, who came sliding in from the side in a three-way tackle.

Seaford put that setback behind them to open the scoring through Tom Callaghan’s 44th minute penalty despite Foster touching it onto the inside of the post diving low to his left.

The spot kick was awarded for handball against Jack Graham from a Joe Cutress shot which struck him at point blank range after Foster had saved the initial effort.

Town seemed to think that Graham should have received a red rather than yellow card, but his offence wasn’t deliberate and Jones felt the shot was off target in any case.

Westfield equalised three minutes into the second period, Garman firing into the bottom corner from 20 yards at the end of a trademark driving run from around the half-way line.

Another Garman forward thrust led to the hosts taking an 80th minute lead when a mishit shot from Peter Baker fell nicely for Dominic Clarke to control and shoot past Darren Moore.

Baker then squandered two chances to sew it up for Westfield, firstly shooting over from Garman’s driven cross and again going too high after being put through by strike partner Clarke.

After Ben Dartnall escaped with a caution for a wild hack through the back of Clarke, Baker finally did make sure of the points in the sixth minute of added time by clinically dispatching his second penalty in successive games.

Town defender Barry Knight was dismissed for a professional foul which led to the spot kick, bringing down Garman inside the six-yard box as he was about to tap into an empty net.

First team assistant Mark Drinkwater, who singled out Graham Morris and Lee Wood for special mention, said: “The second half performance I was really, really pleased with, it was a huge improvement on where we were last Wednesday. I thought we showed good patience, played good football and got the result we deserved.”

Westfield: Foster, Rea, Graham, Paine (Harris), Wood, Morris, Garman, Jones (Jamison), Clarke, Baker, Miller (Pepper).

---

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

WESTFIELD were whiskers away from upsetting higher grade opposition in cup action on Saturday afternoon.
Sussex County Football League Division Two side Westfield were pipped on penalties by Division One outfit Shoreham in a dramatic Sussex County FA Senior Cup second round replay.

First team assistant Mark Drinkwater said: “I’m disappointed because I thought we did enough over the two games to progress, but happy that we’ve matched a really good County One side over 240 minutes.”

Westfield made one enforced change from the side which drew 3-3 in the original tie seven days previously, Danny Pepper replacing the unavailable David Miller on the left flank.

There was little goalmouth incident during the first half of normal time on a grey and chilly afternoon at The Parish Field, although the visitors perhaps carried slightly more threat.

Shoreham made a bright start to the second period, but Westfield weathered the storm and it was probably they who looked the more likely winners during the last half-hour of the initial 90.

Peter Baker and Dominic Clarke went just wide before Pepper was twice denied by away goalkeeper Michael Hunter having been put through by Andy Garman and then Baker.

On the first of these occasions, Shoreham were extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty when the rebound from Hunter’s save struck right-back Lee Denyer on the arm.

Shoreham came close themselves as home stopper Gavin Bourne did well to repel a driven cross-shot by Rob Boddy and a couple of defenders blocked Dean Smith’s follow-up header.

The visitors finally broke the deadlock less than two minutes into extra-time, Darren Annis and Owen Callaghan combining for substitute Neil Kane to score a well-worked goal.

Bourne produced a superb save from Kane’s close range header 12 minutes later and Clarke then headed home Baker’s left wing corner to level things up in the 107th minute.

It was a shame either side had to lose after a keenly-contested yet good spirited encounter in very heavy conditions, but it came down to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out in near darkness.

The Parishioners were 2-1 up after three spot kicks each thanks to Duncan Jones and the hosts’ man of the match Jack Graham despite the first one from Baker being well saved.

But the fourth attempt from Graham Morris was also superbly stopped and Clarke, who scored a hat-trick in the first game, blasted the fifth over, while Shoreham scored both of their last two.

Westfield: Bourne, Harris (Henty), Graham, Wood, Paine, Morris, Pepper (Jones), Dadswell, Clarke, Baker, Garman. Sub not used: Bradbury.

---

 

 

Clarke, 25, struck twice during the second half of normal time and completed his treble in the second period of extra-time in this Sussex County FA Senior Cup second round thriller.

First team assistant Mark Drinkwater said: “It was probably one of the best games I’ve seen Dom play for a long time. He took his goals well and his all-round performance was just superb.”

Sussex County League Division Two high-flyers Westfield got off to a terrible start and were two goals behind inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour against mid-table Division One opposition.

Darren Annis dinked the ball over away goalkeeper Gavin Bourne to open the scoring after three minutes before the same player then turned and volleyed home to make it 2-0.

That seemed to spur Westfield into action, though, Ashley Paine going close with a header from a corner and Andy Garman having a shot saved by the goalkeeper’s legs before the break.

The Parishioners played really well during the second period and deservedly got back into it just after the hour when Clarke headed home a left wing cross by Jack Graham.

They continued to apply the pressure and Clarke brought them back on level terms with five minutes remaining, latching onto a ball over the top and toeing it under the goalkeeper.

But Shoreham went back in front probably against the run of play midway through the first half of extra-time when the excellent Annis completed his treble following a break down the home right.

Clarke was then denied another equaliser by what Drinkwater described as an “horrendous” offside decision after touching the ball round a defender and finishing tremendously.

There was nothing stopping Clarke five minutes from the end of the additional half-hour, however, as he sealed his hat-trick and a very good team display with a fantastic header.

“First 20 minutes we were atrocious,” added Drinkwater, “but after that I thought we applied ourselves very well and probably on chances we should have won it.”

Westfield:Bourne, Harris (Carman), Graham, Paine, Wood, Morris (Brand), Garman, Dadswell, Clarke, Baker, Miller (Pepper).

---

 

 

And the margin of defeat could have been worse for The Parishioners following a first half horror show in this Sussex County FA RUR Charity Cup second round tie.

First team assistant Mark Drinkwater said: “We did all the damage in the first half really. We gifted them a two-goal start and it could have been five or six at half time. It was absolutely abysmal.”

Sussex County League Division Two side Westfield travelled to Division One outfit Lingfield with their strongest squad of the season despite an unwell Kevin Rose dropping out in the morning.

Hopes would therefore have been high of pulling off something of an upset, particularly as they drew away to another Division One team, Eastbourne United Association, earlier in the season.

But Westfield lost midfielder Graham Morris to an ankle injury after 10 minutes and it all went downhill from there against a Lingfield line-up possessing plenty of pace on either flank.

The visitors fell behind after failing to clear a corner and their deficit was doubled 10 minutes before the break when Lingfield struck on the counter-attack following a Westfield corner.

It could’ve been several more had returning goalkeeper Gavin Bourne, just about the only player to emerge with much credit, not made a couple of great saves and Lingfield missed an open goal.

Westfield began the second period with a bit more enthusiasm and commitment, Matt Dadswell having a long range effort fumbled onto the bar and Dominic Clarke going close with two headers.

Peter Baker also missed out when clean through, but Westfield never really looked like getting back into it and Lingfield caught them on the break with a third goal shortly before the end.

Westfield: Bourne, Harris (Pepper), Saunders (Carman), Wood, Paine, Morris (Jones), Garman, Dadswell, Clarke, Baker, Miller.

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

---

 

WESTFIELD’S defence of the Hastings & District FA Senior Cup ended in an embarrassing first round exit on Tuesday night.

Although fielding an experimental side, The Parishioners simply caved in during the second half with Matt Dadswell and Jack Graham the only players to emerge with much credit.

First team assistant Mark Drinkwater said: “We were really pleased with the first 45 minutes, but the second 45 minutes was one of the worst performances I’ve seen from a Westfield side for a long time.”

The margin of Westfield’s drubbing might have been even greater had Dan Foster not produced a super diving save from Scott Price’s penalty on four minutes shortly before hobbling off.

Danny Woodley gave Rye a 17th minute lead from Duncan McArthur's lovely pass only for Danny Pepper to equalise on 40 minutes when Jani Seitsonen couldn't hold Peter Baker's free kick.

The white-booted McArthur put United ahead again from the spot in the fifth minute of added time having been fouled by replacement Westfield goalkeeper Tom Dullaway.

Price made it 3-1 less than a minute into the second period by applying a faint touch to Shaun Loft's left wing cross despite the best efforts of Dullaway to claw the ball out after it hit the post.

Luke Woodley got United's fourth from close range in the 66th minute and Lewis Parsons volleyed McArthur's corner into the roof of the net for number five three minutes later.

Adam Hurley scored the sixth on 79 minutes and the impressive Mo Abdullahi completed the rout with an emphatic finish right at the end. Rye will visit Sidley United in the semi-finals.

Westfield: Foster (Dullaway), B. Pepper, Graham, Wood, Ridgeway, Brand (Garman), Jamison (Bradbury), Dadswell, D. Pepper, Baker, Miller. Sub not used: Clarke.

---

 

 

And The Parishioners surrendered top spot in Division Two on goal difference after being well beaten in their first away game of the league campaign.

First team assistant Mark Drinkwater said: “Too many players had off days and we didn’t really create enough chances.”

Ben Ridgeway replaced Lee Wood at centre-half in the only change from the starting line-up of the previous weekend and Westfield made a good start on a lovely pitch.

Dominic Clarke and Sam Jamison both had sights of goal, and Peter Baker delivered a couple of good free kicks as the visitors looked good during the opening quarter-of-an-hour.

But an impressive Rustington side took a 25th minute lead against the run of play when Mike Hatch punished a poor clearance by firing home from just inside the penalty area.

The hosts doubled their advantage five minutes before the break while Duncan Jones was receiving treatment as a cross from Westfield’s left was knocked in at the far post by James Butt.

Westfield changed their formation from 4-5-1 to 3-5-2 during the interval in a bid to give Clarke more support and they had a more solid look about them thereafter.

But they didn’t carry much of an attacking threat and Butt sealed the points for fourth-placed Rustington five minutes from the end as Westfield were caught pushing forward.

Westfield: Foster, Harris, Miller (Pepper), Henty, Ridgeway, Brand, Garman, Jones, Clarke, Baker, Jamison.Subs not used: Dadswell, Graham.

 

---

 

 

IT WAS raining goals again at The Parish Field on Saturday, but this time the result went against Westfield.
The Parishioners have won their first five Sussex County Football League matches (all of which have been at home), scoring 14 and conceding six in the process.

But the defensive frailties they’ve got away with in the league so far were punished by a decent Eastbourne side which has seven points from four games in Division One.

Westfield twice came from behind in the original tie last month to force this John O’Hara League Challenge Cup second round replay, yet they could only do so once on this occasion.

The hosts made a promising start on a glorious late summer’s afternoon and Dominic Clarke missed a good chance to give them a fifth minute lead from Peter Baker’s free kick.

United gradually warmed to the task, though, and opened the scoring on 14 minutes through a cracking strike by Simon Stevens amid Westfield appeals for handball.

Eastbourne doubled their money eight minutes later when a corner worked its way through to Brad Manton, who drove across the face of goal for Tom Morton to turn the ball home.

Goalkeeper Dan Foster then kept Westfield in the tie by denying a clean through Lucas Mann and Tony Harris hacked the ball off the goal-line from the resulting corner.

The home team pulled one back in the 37^th minute via an overhead kick from Clarke following a short corner on the left involving Baker and Duncan Jones.

It was all level less than 60 seconds afterwards, Baker lifting the ball over goalkeeper Nick Maynard and the back-tracking Reece Head could only help it into his own net.

Westfield’s joy was short-lived, however, as despite Foster saving superbly from Manton, a sublime touch from Manton released Sam Crabb to make it 3-2 moments before the break.

Eastbourne restored their two-goal cushion slightly against the run of play in the 59^th minute with Morton rounding-off a fine move involving Stevens, Manton and Crabb.

Westfield seldom looked like recovering again, particularly once the hugely influential Clarke departed to an ankle injury, and Foster made another good stop to foil Crabb.

While scoring goals at one end isn’t a problem, if Westfield’s season is to be as successful as they hope it will be, they need to find a way of stopping them going in at the other.

Westfield: Foster, Harris (Dadswell), Miller, Henty (Ridgeway), Wood, Brand, Garman, Jones, Clarke (Pepper), Baker, Jamison.

---

 

 

WESTFIELD went top of Division Two in the Sussex County Football League following an entertaining victory on Saturday.

 

The Parishioners twice came from behind to make it five league wins out five so far, all on their own ground.

 

Storrington actually drew first blood in only the sixth minute, Kristian Bridle firing a spectacular effort into the roof of the net from well outside the penalty area.

 

But Westfield hit straight back by levelling on 10 minutes when Duncan Jones slammed home on the half-volley at the near post after the visitors were caught out by a quick corner.

 

The hosts struggled to find their rhythm for a while on a sunny but blustery afternoon, yet they ought to have been ahead at the break following a strong finish to the first half.

 

Andy Garman had an effort saved, Lee Wood a header disallowed for offside and Peter Baker was denied by the goalkeeper when he seemed certain to score from close range.

 

Dominic Clarke had the ball in the net twice in a minute early in the second period only for both to be ruled out, the first for handball and the second for offside.

 

Westfield fell behind on the hour, however, when they were undone by a long ball over the top and Chris Chivers knocked in to an empty net amid strong appeals for offside.

 

The home side responded well to going behind, though, by scoring three goals in seven minutes on a pitch which had clearly benefited from the heavy rain of the previous day.

 

Substitute Sam Jamison followed up to equalise in the 69^th minute after Baker’s shot had been saved and Baker headed over when well-placed a minute later.

 

Jones put Westfield ahead for the first time on 72 minutes and Clarke made sure of the points three minutes afterwards from one in a series of excellent Baker set-piece deliveries.

 

Storrington grabbed a consolation with the last kick of a game well refereed by Frank Meilack, who didn’t produce a single yellow card, Bridle bagging his second.

 

Westfield: Foster, Harris, Kelly, Henty (Dadswell), Wood, Brand, Miller (Jamison), Jones, Clarke, Baker, Garman (D. Pepper). Subs not used: Bradbury, Dullaway.

 

---

 

 

AN injury-hit Westfield side did enough to claim victory in its first local derby of the season on Saturday.

 

The Parishioners made it four wins out of four in Division Two of the Sussex County Football League despite being without at least seven players.

 

On a hot afternoon and hard pitch, and with several men still feeling the effects of 120 minutes in cup action the previous Tuesday, it was never likely to be a classic performance.

 

But Westfield, who handed a debut to recent signing Lee Wood in defence, battled hard to take the points with all the goals coming during the first half.

 

In front of a healthy Parish Field crowd, Bexhill had a couple of sights of goal inside the opening two minutes, but it was the hosts opened the scoring on 16 minutes.

 

A seemingly overhit through ball from Duncan Jones bounced over outcoming goalkeeper Arron Heritage and Dominic Clarke tapped into an empty net from a tight angle.

Two minutes later, Sam Jamison’s angled drive from the right of goal was parried by Heritage and Jones wasn’t quite able to turn home the rebound.

 

United levelled in the 23^rd minute, though, as David Harris’ low cross worked its way through to Dave Carey, who fired into the bottom corner from just inside the area.

 

Home goalkeeper Dan Foster foiled a clean through Harris and Carey flashed a long range effort inches wide, while at the other end, Andy Garman was denied by Heritage’s legs.

 

Westfieldregained the lead after 42 minutes with Lawrence Brand claiming the goal, although the more decisive touch to Jamison’s excellent cross appeared to come off away defender Steve Mote.

 

Bexhill started the second period brightly, but despite Carey having a fiercely-struck drive well saved by Foster, they didn’t really look like conjuring up a second equaliser.

 

Clarke and David Miller might have added a third for Westfield, and Heritage saved superbly from Jamison to give a final scoreline that was probably about right.

 

Westfield: Foster, Harris, Miller, Ridgeway, Wood, Brand, Garman, Jones (Bradbury), Clarke, Dadswell, Jamison. Subs not used: Baker, McSweeney, Parris, Bourne.

 

---

 

 

 

WESTFIELD produced a tremendous comeback to force a replay against higher grade opposition on Tuesday night.
The Parishioners recovered from 2-0 down by scoring two goals in the last five minutes of normal time in this John O’Hara League Challenge Cup second round tie.

And they again came from behind during extra-time on a mild night at The Oval to earn a second bite at the cherry on a date to be announced.

Sussex County Football League Division Two side Westfield made one change to their starting line-up from last weekend with Matt Dadswell coming in for the injured Peter Baker.

But they got off to the worst possible start against Division One team United as Tom Morton converted a penalty inside the first minute following a foul by Ben Ridgeway on Brad Manton.

Westfield then went on to dominate the first half and could have gone in ahead after Andy Garman missed a succession of chances, one smashing against the crossbar.

The visitors also looked the livelier side after the break, Dominic Clarke having a shot from 20 yards well saved by David Brook in the home goal.

An inspired substitution then gave United what looked like being a killer second goal as Carl Harris found Ben Billings on the wing and his pass was inch perfect for Lucas Mann to slot home.

But the game changed when Westfield altered their formation to give greater support to Clarke up-front and they pulled one back through Duncan Jones following good work from Dadswell.

Westfield then got what they deserved having not looked at all out of place against higher division opponents in the shape of an injury time equaliser from Clarke.

The home team regained the lead early in extra-time after calamitous defending by the visitors presented Mann with an easy chance to score his second of the night.

United weren’t ahead for long, though, as a cross was cleared against Dadswell and the ball ricocheted into the back of Brook’s net.

Both sides had chances late on, Clarke for Westfield and Manton for United, the latter striking the post following another good crossfield ball from Ben Billings.

Westfield: Foster, Paine (Bradbury), Kelly, Henty (Harris (Jamison)), Ridgeway, Brand, Dadswell, Jones, Clarke, Garman, Miller.Sub not used: Bourne

 

---

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

The Parishioners edged out Midhurst in a tight Division Two contest thanks to Matt Dadswell’s first senior goal for the club 15 minutes from time.

Joint managers Tony Harris and Duncan Jones made two enforced changes from the side which began the 3-0 victory over Littlehampton Town the previous weekend.

Dan Foster was in goal with Gavin Bourne still injured, while Sean Kelly was given his first start at left-back with David Miller pushing forward to left-midfield in place of the unavailable Sam Jamison.

Both sides had chances, Jones squandering a decent opening and Miller having a penalty shout turned down for the hosts, and at the other end, Foster making a fine one-on-one save.

But the one opportunity that counted saw Dominic Clarke flick on Peter Baker’s set-piece for substitute Dadswell to stick out a leg and divert the ball into the top corner.

Westfield have always been strong on set-pieces over the past few seasons and three of their four goals so far this term have come from dead ball situations.

The hosts, for whom Kelly impressed, made hard work of preserving their advantage towards the end by giving away needless free kicks, yet they managed to hold firm.

Westfield will be pleased with the start they’ve made, but they can play better and there is still plenty for them to improve on.

Westfield: Foster, Harris (Paine), Kelly, Ridgeway, Henty, Brand, Miller, Jones (Dadswell), Clarke, Baker, Garman (Johnson). Subs not used: Parris, Bourne.

 

---

 

  

 

---

                       

 

 

 

STEVE Johnson’s final game as Westfield manager ended in an unfortunate defeat on Wednesday night.

Two late goals meant The Parishioners’ considerable efforts went unrewarded away to the runaway Sussex County Football League Division Two champions.

Johnson said: “I was disappointed for the players really because they worked really hard and played some really good football against a side that will be expected to more than hold its own in Division One next year.”

Peter Baker and Will Toal were unavailable, but Dominic Clarke, Carl Morris and Chris Smith shook off knocks to take their places. Mark Drinkwater made his first start for 10 weeks.

Westfield didn’t make the best of starts to a game which was in some doubt at lunchtime, but eventually took place without a problem thanks to the hard work of the ground staff.

Grinstead went ahead courtesy of their 100th goal of the season in all competitions, Tom Saunders flicking a cross inside the far post following a 23rd minute short corner.

The visitors deservedly equalised nine minutes later when Duncan Jones bagged his 19th league goal of the campaign after Dominic Clarke’s header had been touched onto the crossbar.

Westfield, playing a 4-5-1 formation, continued to enjoy the better of the play during the second period and Chris Smith almost put them into a surprise lead from Jones’ pass.

But the hosts went back in front on 84 minutes through Alex Thompson’s first senior goal despite Tom Dullaway, who did well in the away goal, getting a hand to the shot.

Johnson then replaced Drinkwater with Sean Smith and switched to three at the back only to be caught on the break as Dan Sullivan added The Wasps’ third right at the end.

The result was Westfield’s 11th defeat in 17 away league outings and it meant they finished seventh despite claiming only two fewer points than when they came third last term.

“We felt we were more than capable of getting that second spot this year, but it’s about consistency over the course of the year,” Johnson added.

Johnson announced recently that he would be stepping down from a position he has held for five-and-a-half-years (having been assistant for the previous five-and-a-half) at the end of the season.

Westfield:Dullaway, Miller, C. Morris, G. Morris, Drinkwater (S. Smith), Brand, Johnson, Jones, Clarke, Jamison, C. Smith.Subs not used:Dadswell, Graham, Hales.

---

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

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.
The visitors’ miserable midweek trip was compounded by the sending-off of substitute Matt Dadswell who was making his first senior appearance for the club.

“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.

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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).

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hastings Senior Cup Semi Final

Rye United 1 - 2 Westfield  (After Extra Time)

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

---

 

 

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.

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sussex County League Division 2

Westfield 1 - 1 Midhurst & Easebourne

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

The only slight disappointment for Westfield was that four of the five sides immediately beneath them also won on the same afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

The Parishioners seem to be returning to form at just the right time after making it six Sussex Division Two points out of six.

Manager Steve Johnson said: "Every time you go there you think it's going to be tough so we were really pleased to come away with the three points."

This was not a game that will live long in the memory, but Westfield did what they had to do on a bumpy surface.

The local club started badly and conceded a poor goal to Carden which put them behind after a quarter-of-an-hour in West Brighton.  Their predicament could have been worse had it not been for a couple of fine saves from goalkeeper Gavin Bourne.

But they levelled out of nothing five minutes from the break when the home goalkeeper flapped at a ball and Duncan Jones got the finishing touch to it.  Just after that Danny Pepper chased down what appeared a lost cause before rifling a low shot into the bottom corner from an acute angle for his 10th goal in the last 12 games.

Mile Oak continued to make most of the running at the beginning of the second period, although the visitors were much tighter and looked dangerous on the break.

And it was they who struck next, a clean through Jones drawing the goalkeeper and finishing coolly for his third goal of the week on 68 minutes.

Eighth-placed Mile Oak set up a tense finish by pulling one back in the 87th minute when Burnett's ball back into the area looped agonisingly over the otherwise excellent Bourne.

Westfield: Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Carl Morris, Ashley Paine, Jamie Podmore, Tony Harris (CAPT), Alan Johnson (Mark Drinkwater), Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Lawrence Brand, Danny Pepper. Subs not used: Shaun Hardy, Chris Rea,

Att: 37

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

Steve Johnson’s last game in charge before his 6 break to Australia ended in a hard fought and well-earned victory against third place Wealden at the Parish Field Today.

 

This Westies performance was one in complete contrast to that of the 5-0 drubbing they received against the same opposition back in August on that forgettable night at the Oaks.

 

Both sides went into the game in differing form, Wealden’s form of late had been patchy including two defeats to Rye United in cup competitions and a draw at home to lowly Steyning in the league last week, the Westies were looking to make it 7 victories out of 8 in all competitions.

 

Johnson’s last selection before he handed the reigns over to assistant Trevor Burgess in his absence forced him to make to two changes Chris Rea was ruled with a thigh injury so Carl Morris came in a left back, and Richard Devine pulled out on the morning of the game with a stomach complaint so David Miller slotted in at right back in an otherwise unchanged starting eleven. Last Seasons leading goalscorer Duncan Jones had to settle for a place on the bench.

 

As has been the case in the previous couple of games at home against Peacehaven & Lingfield it was important the Westies started with a high tempo and this again they did, letting the visitors know they were in a game right from the first kick-off forcing a number of early corners.

 

There was an early scare for the hosts after 10 mins when the lightening quick Wes Tate latched onto a through ball but Gavin Bourne saved superbly with his legs when one on one with the striker.

 

The opening goal arrived on 23 mins and it was a goal for the hosts that their all action high tempo start had deserved a ball in behind was chased down by Danny Pepper and Kieran Howard when the Wealden keeper Simon Davey had a rush of blood and tried to help Howard out by heading the ball clear, he managed to only clatter into his own player leaving Pepper with the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net to get his second goal in as many weeks.

 

In an attempt to get back into game Wealden reverted to using the pace of Tate and Liam Bull over the top instead of there usual composed short passing game a tactic which did not seem to suite a lot of the hosts players who seemed more comfortable in getting the ball down and playing and when they did they looked neat and tidy. Despite the odd scramble the Westies defence was again dogged and solid and gave no space in behind for Wealden’s pacy forwards to exploit.

 

The second half required more of the same from the Westies, as the rain started to fall the pitch became greasy and a little heavy, the type of conditions where one slip could prove costly, after 54 mins Tate again found himself one on one with Bourne but again it was the Westies number one who came out on top. Johnson Introduced Jones around the hour mark withdrawing leading scorer Dominic Clarke who was still carrying in ankle injury which had made him a doubt for the game.

 

In the main the Westies controlled the second half although Wealden posed more of an attacking threat than that of the first half, that in the main due to the fact that they had reverted to a three man attack with Tobi Hutchison joining Tate and Bull in central positions with Sub Craig Ottley taking up the left hand side of midfield birth. It was Ottley who was to be the provider of Wealden’s equalizer after 82 mins taking of advantage of indecision on the touchline his low cross fizzed of the surface and was met by Liam Bull whose shot was superbly blocked by Bourne but Hutchinson was on hand to slam home the rebound to the delight of the large travelling support.

 

It appeared Wealden would now be on the ascendancy; they had scored after enjoying their best spell of the game whilst the Westies might have been deflated by the nature of the goal. One thing about this Westfield side this season is the character and team spirit and they came straight back at there opponents and were rewarded on 87 mins when Danny Pepper was fouled on the edge of the area. Up stepped Chris Smith to smash a low skidding shot into the bottom corner of Davey’s net the delight was there to see from players to supporters.

 

The Westies could have put the icing on the cake when Jones had two efforts one a header straight at the keeper and another a low left footed strike which was met by Pepper but Davey Somehow managed to claw the ball to safety. But Smith’s strike proved to be the winning goal.

 

This victory moves the Westies up to fifth in the league on 21 points from 11 games but with games in hand over most of the sides above them. The fixture list over the past 4 weeks has provided the Westies with a tougher test each week a test that they have past on each occasion, the confidence is high and the belief is growing that this could be a special season at the Parish Field. It is now over to Assistant Mr Burgess, starting with next week’s home league game against Storrington.

 

Team:- Gavin Bourne, David Miller, Carl Morris, Jamie Podmore, Ashley Paine, Tony Harris, Chris Smith, Danny Pepper, Dominic Clarke (Duncan Jones), Lawrence Brand, Alan Johnson.

 

Subs Not Used: Darroll Parris, Trevor Burgess

 

MOM: Gavin Bourne

 

Att: 67

 

 

---

 

 

Peacehaven arrived at the Parish Field on the back of there team of the month award for October, which had moved the Tye up to 4th place in the league, they were however crushed by a rampant Westies side today by five goals to one and in doing so the hosts sent a reminder out to the rest of the division that they mean business this season.

 

Manager Steve Johnson was forced into one change in the starting line up, the unavailable Duncan Jones last seasons leading goal scorer being replaced by Danny Pepper, Sam Jamison was called up from the reserves and was named amongst the subs.

 

Straight from the kick off the Westies tempo was high, putting there opponents under pressure at every opportunity, the opening goal arrived after just 2 mins along kick from Gavin Bourne was flicked on by Dominic Clarke to Pepper who coolly shrugged of his marker to coolly slot the ball past Simon Parsons.

 

Within 5 mins of the opening goal the Westies had doubled there lead this time good work from Pepper allowed his strike partner Clarke to smash to ball past a helpless Parsons, a dream start for the home side, every time they attacked the visitor’s defence they looked like creating a goal scoring chance.

 

For twenty mins during the middle of the first half though Peachaven regained there composure and played some neat and tidy football spreading the ball wide but found the home defence once again in scrooge like form limiting them to long range efforts.

 

Just before the interval the Westies struck again, good work from Pepper saw him lay the ball back to skipper Tony Harris who calmly side footed the ball past Parsons from 15 yards out, the hosts were buzzing as the referee blew his whistle for half time.

 

More of the same was the cry from the messers Johnson & Burgess at half time, and that is certainly what they got within a minute of the restart they had scored a fourth Chris Smith sliding an eye of the needle pass through to Clarke who burst through the Peachaven defence to drill the ball left footed low and hard past Parsons.

 

On 50 mins Peacehaven with there first real shot on Bourne's goal saw Michael Smiths 25 yard effort fly into the top corner to give them a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the second half. In truth the visitors after Smith's goal rarely troubled the Hosts backline in which Ashley Paine was outstanding.

 

Johnson brought on David Miller and Carl Morris for Alan Johnson and Chris Rea respectively and it was the Jet Heeled Miller who was the architect of the final Westies goal on 78 mins, picking up the ball on the touchline he ghosted past 4 defenders before squaring the ball to Smith who was on hand at the back post to roll the ball into an empty net.

 

There was still time for Peachaven's leading goalscorer Ryan Smith to have his penalty superbly saved by Bourne after Morris had scythed down a Peacehaven forward.

 

In summary Peachaven were a very good footballing side who came up against a Westies side far superior in every department on the day and who thoroubly deserved the three points which sets them up nicely for there next league game at home to Wealden where they will want to settle a few scores after the 5-0 thumping they were on the end of earlier in the season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

---

 

 

A LETHARGIC looking Westfield side was unceremoniously dumped out of the county's premier knockout competition on Saturday. And assistant manager Trevor Burgess didn't mince his words about this distinctly inglorious Sussex Senior Cup first round exit. He lamented: "It was awful and I don't where it came from. I'm just hoping that it was a case of all the emotion of the last few weeks catching up with them."

 

Far removed from their customary sprightly and industrious selves, Westfield looked sluggish and were invariably beaten to the first and second balls. Burgess went on: "That's the worst I've ever seen them play. There was just no spark in any of them and I think they let themselves down as well as letting us (himself and manager Steve Johnson) down. We were shown to be a very ordinary side and it was embarrassing."

 

Right from the off Seaford were on top and Liam Keith squandered two decent openings before Tom Callaghan got the better of Gavin Bourne to give the hosts a rather soft 10th minute opener.
Westfield improved slightly around the mid-way point in the first 45 minutes and equalised on the half hour courtesy of a fine finish from David Miller into the near top corner after an inch-perfect ball over the top by Carl Morris.

 

The Parishioners looked relatively comfortably for a brief spell afterwards, but two goals in the final four minutes of the half rather knocked the stuffing out of them. While the defensive clearances for both were a touch on the weak side, there can be little doubting the quality of the volleyed finishes by Keith and especially Chris Stanyard.

 

Playing with the breeze at their backs after half time, Westfield almost pulled one back within six minutes of the re-start but Dominic Clarke's header from Chris Smith's corner was cleared off the goal-line by Adam Dawson. As the visitors committed men forward in a bid to get back into the tie, however, they left themselves increasingly exposed at the back and Seaford again looked the more likely scorers. Ricci Plastow spurned a golden opportunity to wrap the game up, but Callaghan made no such mistake from Keith's pass mid-way through the half.

 

The one genuine bright spot for Westfield was the encouraging performances of highly-regarded young substitutes Matt McClean and Milton Miltiadou.


Team: Gavin Bourne, Tony Harris, Carl Morris, Jamie Podmore, Mark Drinkwater (Milton Miltiadou), Russell Keen, Chris Smith (Danny Pepper), Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Joe Lambert (Matt McClean), David Miller.

Att: 42

 

MOM: David Miller

 

 

---

 

Westfield returned from there long journey west to Midhurst and Easebourne on Saturday with 3 thoroughly deserved points.

Up until last season the Westies record at the Rotherfield had not been good, last season they thumped there hosts 3-0 there first victory in 3 attempts in senior football, This was always going to be a stiffer test though, with new players and a new manager in Dave Kelly, the Westies would have to be at there best.

Manager Steve Johnson made one change to the side that shared the spoils with Lancing the previous week, Duncan Jones returned from suspension a lined up on the left hand side of a three pronged attack, with Danny Pepper on the right hand side, the unfortunate David Miller was left out after his stunning goal last week. The bench was made up of Miller, Chris Rea and Lawrence Brand.

Westfield kicking down the hill first half started the game with a high tempo and were soon on top of there hosts, the Westies were first to nearly every header and tackle and had grip on the game right from the off. Joe Lambert in his best game for Westfield to date patrolled in front of the back four, again superbly marshalled by Mark Drinkwater.

The first chance arrived when Dominic Clarke towered to meet a Tony Harris centre, but could not direct his header downwards towards goal. The midfield trio of Lambert, Russell Keen and Chris Smith were playing intricate passes before releasing the Jones and Pepper who were offering width on the flanks at every opportunity.

Smith’s dead ball expertise was causing havoc in the home defence; more often than not his crosses and centres were being met by a westie head. The opening goal duly arrived on 25 mins, Lamberts pass was headed on by Clarke to Jones who riffled home from the edge of the box to open his goal scoring account for the season and give his side a deserved lead.

There was the odd flurry forward from Midhurst but in truth with Westfield looking tight at the back rarely looked like threatening Gavin Bourne’s goal, the Westies continued to keep the ball and make it very hard for there opponents, and the second goal there play merited arrived after 37 mins, Smith’s free kick from out wide was met by the head of Clarke who had challenged with the keeper and two defenders but still managed to get the vital touch.

Steve Johnson did not really want half time to arrive, with his side cruising, he new that once Dave Kelly had given his half time team talk that the hosts would come out with fire in there belly, which they certainly did.

The game could have been well and truly over though after 52 mins, both Clarke and Jones missing the target from 6 yards out when it seemed easier to score with the goal gapping.

Would the Westies live to regret this miss, less than three minutes later Midhurst were given a lifeline by referee Bob Minty when he awarded a dubious penalty against Jamie Podmore, who he adjudged had brought down James Glue, even though the defender clearly played the ball. Gary Norgate now operating in a central striker roll coolly slotted the spot kick past Bourne.

The goal clearly rattled the Westies, and panic started to set in, and the composure shown in first half was not as evident now, although Midhurst gifted them there third goal on 62 mins, and long through ball was chased down by Pepper who forced the defender into knocking the ball past his own keeper, disaster for Midhurst after just getting themselves back into the game.

There was however to be another twist on 65 mins, a long ball over the top was skidding of the wet surface through to Bourne who fumbled the clearance as he dived on the ball, as the ball fell loose the clearance only found the feet of Chris Stevens who guided the ball into an empty net.

This set up a nervous last 25 mins for the visitors, but as the second half wore on the composure returned, and they saw the game out to record there first victory of the season to set themselves up nicely for the ‘Local’ derby with Seaford in the Sussex Senior Cup next Saturday.


Team: Gavin Bourne, Tony Harris, Carl Morris, Jamie Podmore (Chris Rea), Mark Drinkwater, Russell Keen (Lawrence Brand), Chris Smith, Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Joe Lambert, Danny Pepper (David Miller).

Att: 72

 

MOM: Mark Drinkwater

 

---

 

 

WESTFIELD turned in the type of whole-hearted performance worthy of the occasion on Saturday afternoon. The only downside was the concession of a 91st minute equaliser in their first home match since the tragic passing of midfielder Graeme Kempster on August 8.

 

Manager Steve Johnson said: "With the whole emotion of the day, everybody was very up for it. You couldn't fault the commitment and at times we played some quite good football. It was almost the perfect day and I thought we were deserving of the three points, but we just didn't kill the game off."

After impeccably observing a minute's silence prior to kick-off, Westfield, again wearing their black armbands with the initials GK in gold lettering, went out there with a real 'Do It For Kempster' mentality. Their commitment was such that several players were struggling to move after the game, but they didn't get the reward their considerable endeavours merited.

 

The first half was essentially a battle, with the challenges flying in thick and fast and neither side enjoying much time on the ball. There was only one shot on target during the opening 45 minutes as the defences dominated. Danny Pepper fired the hosts' best opening over the top, while Joe Lambert received their only booking of the game for an ill-advised kick at John Rhodie.

The second half began in much the same vain, although The Parishioners came close to taking a 49th minute lead when Chris Smith's low free kick was tipped onto the post by Tony Di Barnardo.
It was hard to see where a goal was going to come from until David Miller produced a moment of magic to put Westfield ahead after 68 minutes. The mercurial Miller worked himself the half yard he needed before unleashing a delightful curling strike into the far corner from 25 yards.

 

From then on Westfield seemed in control of the match and a much-fancied Lancing side didn't look like breaching a seemingly water-tight home defence led by the outstanding Mark Drinkwater.
Dominic Clarke might well have wrapped up the points had Miller's cross been a few inches lower and Lawrence Brand stung the palms of the goalkeeper with a rasping long range drive.
But the sting in the tail came when Rob Partridge, Lancing's sole genuine threat, spun Tony Harris and drove past Gavin Bourne with the aid of a deflection from an acute angle.

Team: Gavin Bourne, Tony Harris, Carl Morris, Jamie Podmore, Mark Drinkwater, Russell Keen, Chris Smith, David Miller, Dominic Clarke, Joe Lambert (Lawrence Brand), Danny Pepper.

Subs Not Used: Sam Jamsion, Chris Rea, Alan Johnson, Dan Foster.

 

ATT: 98

 

MOM: Mark Drinkwater

 

---

 

 

 

Westfield put a turbulent fortnight to one side on Saturday , as they opened there Sussex County League Division two campaign with the long trip to bogey side Broadbridge Heath.

Steve Johnson’s men had never won at the Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre in 6 visits prior to this game, with only two draws to show for there efforts.

Following the tragic recent events all of the players made themselves available, so Johnson had a full strength squad to choose from with the exception of the Unavailable Strike duo James Carmen and Darrol Parris and Lawrence Brand who returns from holiday this week.

Before the game there was a minutes Silence as a mark of respect for Graeme Kempster, and both sides and coaching staff wore black armbands, Westfield players sporting ‘GK’ in gold on there armbands. The number 6 shirt that Graeme so often wore has also been retired as a tribute to him, meaning Russell Keen wore the number 16

Broadbridge Heath who were unbeaten after there first two league games were as expected fast out of the traps and made all the running for the first 10 mins, one header across the goal caused panic in the Westies defence, but Gavin Bourne was not forced into action.

After the first 10 mins Westfield slowly worked there way into the game, and for the remainder of the first half they were the better side, with both full backs Tony Harris and the impressive Carl Morris getting forward at every opportunity, Danny Pepper and Duncan Jones were causing problems with there direct running out wide, and Dominic Clarke proving a handful upfront.

The first chance for Westfield came midway through the first half when a Chris Smith right wing corner was met by the forceful figure of Drinkwater whose header was pushed away by the Heath Keeper.

The next chance for Westfield game after 32 mins, Pepper squeezing the ball home from a right wing cross only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. On the stroke of half time the Westies were awareded a freekick on the edge Heath box, Smith curled the ball towards the bottom corner, only to see the Heath keeper dive full length to palm the ball round the post. Despite the early scare on the Westies backline, defensively they continued to look solid throughout , and the Smith freekick was to be the last action of an entertaining first half.

Johnson was forced to make a change at the start of the second period, Joe Lambert who had jarred his knee during the first half was replaced by Alan Johnson who took up a more attacking role in midfieldwith Keen dropping back to Lamberts holding role.

It was again the Westies who were making all the running in the second half, Morris seeing a header go close from another smith centre from the right, and Clarke and Jones also going close. At the other end Bourne was called into action when a shot seemingly heading towards the top corner was superbly clawed away by the keeper now known as the ‘Monk’.

As the game wore on the game become more stretched, and Johnson decided to make another change with 15 mins to go, the pacey David Miller replacing Pepper who had run himself into the ground. And it was Millers pace that was to cause havoc for the remainder of the game, every opportunity he had he breezed past the Heath full back with ease, putting some dangerous crosses into the box only to see know one on the end of them, the one that did find an incoming team mate saw Broadbridge Heath skipper Steve Flack challenge Clarke 3 yards out to some how clear the ball from under his own cross bar.

The final chance for Westfield and the game arrived on the final whistle with Jones finding space in the box following a through ball from Smith, he slotted the ball into the back of the net, only to see for a second time in the game that the linesmen’s flag had again been raised to deny the Westies, there were strong protests on the final whistle from the visitors however, as it was claimed the ball was played through by a Heath player and not from Westfield.

So in the circumstances an opening day point at your bogey side was not to bad, but on the balance of play and chances it could so easily have been 3 deserved points.

Team: Gavin Bourne, Tony Harris, Carl Morris, Jamie Podmore, Mark Drinkwater, Graham Kempster, Chris Smith, Duncan Jones, Dominic Clarke, Joe Lambert (Alan Johnson 46 min), Danny Pepper (David Miller 76 mins).

Sub not used: Sam Jamsion

Attendance: 38

 

MOM: Carl Morris