Westleigh 2s lose away from home

The stage was set for a freezing cold game at Shadowbrook as bottom side Westleigh took on high flyers Hampton-In-Arden. With the message clear from the off to play with the press and to maximise possession, Westleigh quickly set off and within minutes of the starting whistle found themselves 1-0 up thanks to a brilliantly worked move, El Presidenté James Woolley drilling the ball to an on rushing Sam Hinsley, dragging a couple of defenders with him he stepped over the ball and let it run to George Ireson who took it round the final defender with ease before smashing the ball home into the bottom left hand corner from the right hand side of Top D.

Westleigh continued the press and had a few more chances to increase the lead that would've given a much needed win. Unfortunately it was Hampton who would strike next as their player darted into the D, the first shot was saved but the rebound was tucked away as Toby Wakelam could only look on. 1-1.

Both teams settled and became more confident in possession and the game entered half time at 1-1.

The message was loud and clear from all the team, we can and must win this from here. With the game even, the next goal would be crucial. A short corner for Hampton led to a goal mouth scramble, the ball broke free on the left hand side of the goal and despite a near on impossible angle, they unfortunately squeezed it through the keepers legs to make it 2-1.

Westleigh didn't let their spirits dropped and continued to push for a much needed three points with brilliant chances spurned by J.Kirby, G.Ireson, K.Sansome and S.Hinsley.

Time was not on Westleighs side and unfortunately Hampton grabbed a third and final goal on the counter as Westleigh pushed for an equaliser, 3-1.

Another game of ifs and buts but the same result befell Westleigh as the full time whistle blew at 3-1 to Hampton-In-Arden.

MOTM: G.Ireson for an outstanding goal and all round great play up front causing no end of issues for the Hampton back line

DOTD: K.Sansome for missing the step into the shower and ending up skipping across the shower floor like a weird human skipping stone towards a bemused R.Vara

Match Report by J. Kirby