Westleigh 3s Win Again!

Barton 4 v Westleigh 3s

At last it seems we are getting our season up and running due to Covid, Sutton pulling out and Panthers playing half their first team at last we could have a good match. Saying that, Barton were top of the league and unbeaten - no pressure.
Harry back for his first game after a long time out. The game started with both teams with older and young players. First strike went to Westleigh. After great play from the team, including the forward 2, the ball finally went to Finlay who slapped it in. His first league goal. Barton hit back with a great shot which Jonny made a great save with his stick. The ball spun backwards and as he came down he put it in. Very harsh after the fantastic save. Westleigh went straight on the attack and another great attack again all linking up and Zach in the perfect place finished for his first goal in senior men’s. Straight off the training pitch which made captain and coach very happy. Barton were also adding some great balls in but maybe the juniors a little younger missed some close chances on the post. Jonathan continued to clear as did the defense. They did get level again. Jonny made the save but it got tangled in his pads and sadly again as he turned he put it over the line. Westleigh still with the better play won several short corners and Dave on a switch slapped a perfect ball in off the far post. Then with Riley off after a fairly physical defense had winded him. Dave stepped on stride dragged flick off the keeper - back of the net. 4-2 First half
Second half what a change, Dave said keep it safe, simple game management. Barton had other ideas and pressed Westleigh hard straight from the restart which you expect at home and top of the league. Not such good play from ourselves, mistakes, poor tracking and the defense wanting to help Barton all the way with poor clearing of the ball. Plus the sun didn’t seem to cost Barton as Dave chucked ariels which they dealt with. Frustration grew with Westleigh and they did concede another goal pushing Barton harder. But last 10 Westleigh took some control and a good ariel ball from Dave into the corner which Oliver won easy, beat the defender and left 2 v 1 with the keeper He did the right choice slipped it to Riley, who took a well deserved goal. The last part the game swung back to Westleigh with Riley picking up everything and quote Pulling the defenders pants down. Another day, the number of stick tackles on him would have had more Short corners and many CARDS.
There were great performances from all the young players. Oliver now a keeper assisted for two goals and worked hard. What was even better all the team went for teas which were good. Chance for some post match banter and select correctly as team Man of the Match and Dick of the Day.
Mixture of Man of the Match Ryan for his energy and work. Zach for his effort, skill and first Goal.