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SEASON 2014/15 MATCH REPORTS

The Dorset League - Youth Division 1 

 

Saturday 1st February 2015, Dorset Premier League

ROSSGARTH 1 WESTLAND SPORTS 3

We had won on our previous visit to Rossgarth but had also dropped three points to them in a 3-3 draw at Alvington so a tough game was expected. Jake Cowie replaced Tom Farthing in central defence and that was the only change from the team that beat Parley 7-1 in our last game. It was a bitterly cold day and a strong wind blowing down the pitch end to end would undoubtedly spoil the game. And so it proved as both teams struggled to play any constructive football. Westlands looked the more likely side but it was Rossgarth who took the lead after 15 minutes. This was a bit of shambolic defending by the Sports rearguard. I don’t really know what happened, everyone seemed to stand still and leave it to one another, there was no communication and the Rossgarth forward was as surprised as we were when he was left with an open goal and he knocked the ball into the back of the net. We didn’t panic, just kept pushing forward trying to create something and it didn’t take long for the equaliser to come. Six minutes, to be precise, when a free kick into the opposition box was flicked on by Scott Morgan for SAM WATTS to prod the ball into the net and make it 1-1. We kept toiling away in the wind but neither team were really creating any clear cut chances although Westlands always looked in control of the game. A minute before half-time we took the lead. A long diagonal ball by Johnny Ireland was knocked down by Adam Pullen into the path of SAM WATTS who blasted the ball into the back of the net from 15 yards. A nice goal and one which gave us a deserved half-time lead, 2-1.

Rossgarth were having difficulty creating any real clearcut chances so we thought another goal for Sports would probably finish the game off. It only took us 15 minutes to score that crucial third goal and what a goal it was. Adam Pullen swung in a corner from the left which was headed clear by the Rossgarth defence. Unfortunately for them the ball fell to ARON WALLIS some 20 yards out and he volleyed a screamer straight into the roof of the net. A classic goal which even drew applause from the opposition supporters. That was the game over as a contest, and the match was played out to a conclusion without any incidents worthy of note. The appearance of Homer Simpson on the touchline in the second half did provide some light relief for the shivering spectators but I think everyone was happy to hear the final whistle, including the players.

Another three points for Sports which keeps things going the only note of caution being the disappointing goal we conceded by a lack of communication at the back.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Ireland, S.Watts, J.Cowie, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, B.Kearvel, S.Flynn, L.Stobbs, A.Pullen, J.Budden. Subs: S.Beard.

Sunday 25th Jan 2015, Dorset League, Youth (U18) Div. 1

WESTLAND SPORTS 7 CORFE MULLEN UTD 1

After the good win against Parley (7-1) two weeks ago there was no need for changes but with Callum Thomson and Joe Jarvis unavailable Tom Farthing and Steve Flynn returned to the starting line-up. Seamus Beard returned to the bench after suspension and he was joined by Jake Cowie. The surface was badly cut up after saturday's game but Westlands hit the ground running and took the lead after only 4 minutes on the clock. JAMES BUDDEN completely mis-hit a cross from the right and his trundling shot completely deceived the keeper and found the back of the net. Sports were looking the part and Adam Pullen had a crack at goal which the keeper saved. In the 15th minute we made it 2-0. Liam Stobbs skinned the left back for pace and his pinpoint cross was tucked away by ADAM PULLEN. Corfe Mullen had a big Crouchesque number 9 and a speedy 10 up front who were causing our defence one or two problems. On a couple of occasions only the offside flag stopped their number 10 from getting in. In the 27th minute a good break by Corfe saw George Irvine make a good save. Ten minutes later there was an almighty scramble in the Corfe goalmouth following a Westlands corner. The initial cross was headed against the crossbar and when it came down Sports had a least three attempts to force it over the line but they were all blocked. The presssure told in the 42nd minute when Liam Stobbs raced away down the right leaving three defenders sprawling in his wake and once again when he laid the ball across the goalmouth ADAM PULLEN was on hand to score with a low shot. As we are inclined to do at times we switched off waiting for the halftime whistle and allowed the visitors to pull one back. Some slack marking saw one of their midfielders unmarked in the box and his shot was scuffed but managed to find the corner of the net.

That was the final action of the half and although we were pleased to go in 3-1 up we were a little bit annoyed that we had conceded a soft goal at the end. During the break manager Jason Irvine decided to make a change to the back line and Jake Cowie was brought on to replace Tom Farthing who had missed the previous game through illness and was feeling the pace a bit.

As you would expect Corfe Mullen had a good talking to at half time and with nothing to lose, upped their effort a bit at the start of the half. However they failed to trouble our keeper and after the initial 10 minutes it was back to normal with Sports on the attack. In the 57th minute LIAM STOBBS latched on to a through ball and slotted it past the keeper as he came out to make it 4-1. On the hour mark George Irvine had to make his first save of the half, saving well from a free kick. At this point Johnny Ireland came off nursing a hip injury and Seamus Beard took the field. It was noticeable at this stage that the visitors had adopted a more physical approach to the game and were flying into tackles cheered on by their bench. This led to a few confrontations as the Westlands lads reacted but luckily it all settled down again in the 80th minute when we scored our fifth goal. ADAM PULLEN ran on to a through ball and slotted it nicely past the keeper. Corfe Mullen gave up the ghost now and three minutes later that man ADAM PULLEN again ran through a tired defence, rounded the keeper, and scored to make it 6-1. Then in the last minute JAMES BUDDEN rubbed salt in their wounds by repeating the feat, running through the static defence and dribbling round the keeper to steer the ball into the empty net.

That was the end of the match and for the second week in a row we have won 7-1 !! Another good performance and considering the state of the pitch a good game of football provided by both sides. Adam Pullen took my man of the match honours for his four goal haul but there were good performances from everyone.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Ireland, S.Watts, T. Farthing, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, B.Kearvel, S.Flynn, L.Stobbs, A.Pullen, J.Budden. Subs: S.Beard, J.Cowie.

Sunday 11th Jan 2015, Dorset League, Youth (U18) Div. 1

WESTLAND SPORTS 7 PARLEY SPORTS 1

We hadn't played Parley yet in the league so they were a bit of an unknown quantity but Westlands had a couple of good wins behind them so at home we were looking for three points. We got control of the ball straight from the start and after a couple of minutes Callum Thompson, who was making his season debut, had a shot saved by the visiting keeper. Parley were looking a bit off the pace and Sports were quick to punish them. In the 8th minute we opened the scoring with a cracking goal. Sam Watts put a deep cross over from the right wing and JOE JARVIS met it on the full as it dropped and volleyed the ball into the roof of the net from 15yards. A stunning finish and some good technique by Joe, keeping his eye on the ball. In the 12th minute it was 2-0. Liam Stobbs made a good run down the right and squared the ball to JAMES BUDDEN who smashed it into the net from close range. Parley were shell-shocked now and in the 16th minute we added the third goal. A corner from the right was driven low across goal and as the defence stood still SCOTT MORGAN ran in and scored with a stooping header. Parley were in trouble now but in the 20th minute they were handed a lifeline. Having been awarded a pretty soft free kick on the edge of the box a Parley player curled a lovely free kick round the wall and into the far corner with Sports keeper George Irvine a spectator. At 3-1 could that goal spark a fightback from Parley ? No was the answer as in the 28th minute Westlands increased their lead to 4-1 with another goal.  Ben Kearvel played a nice ball in behind the Parley defence and JAMES BUDDEN raced through, rounded the keeper and stroked the ball into the empty net. Their were no more goals in the half so we went into the break with a handy 4-1 lead.

As often happens, the half-time interval seemed to kill the momentum and the second half saw Sports a lot more subdued than they had been in the first. For Parley the reverse was the case, they had let themselves down a bit in the first half so they came out battling with nothing to lose. The result was a much more even game with neither side able to create any decent scoring chances. Then fate dealt Parley a cruel blow when one of their players went down with an ankle injury and had to be helped off. Unfortunately this meant they were down to ten men as they had used all their subs. Sports should have taken advantage but the passing was now careless and people were having too many touches. Eventually, however, we managed to break through in the 75th minute. Johnny Ireland put over a cross from the right and JAMES BUDDEN notched his hat-trick with a looping header. Incredibly another Parley player then got injured and when he left the field they were down to 9 men ! To be fair to the 9 men they worked really hard and kept Westlands at bay until three minutes from the end when LIAM STOBBS stabbed the ball in from close range after he was set up by a good run from Aron Wallis. Then in the dying seconds of the match JAMES BUDDEN scored his fourth of the day and Sports seventh when he ran through the tiring Parley defence, rounded the keeper, and slotted the ball in from an acute angle.

Another high scoring win for Westlands and another three points so a good day. Perhaps we could have done better when Parley were depleted in the second half but at the end of the day a 7-1 victory has to be good.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Ireland, S.Watts, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, C.Thompson, B.Kearvel, L.Stobbs, J.Jarvis, A.Pullen, J.Budden. Subs: D.Quirke, A.Hodges, S.Flynn.

Sunday 14th Dec 2014, Dorset League, Youth (U18) Div. 1

WESTLAND SPORTS 5 BOURNEMOUTH POPPIES  2

Westlands made one change from the team that won well in the cup last week with Steve Flynn starting in midfield and Joe Jarvis dropping to the bench. Sports looked sluggish in the early stages, continually conceding possession to the opposition who took advantage with an early goal in the 10th minute. Their number 10 cut inside from the left, walked past a couple of weak tackles and thumped a right foot shot into the net. Not a promising start, but as the game progressed we began to play a bit better and started to string a few passes together. After 32 minutes we equalised when Adam Pullen made a great run into the opposition half and put a lovely ball into JAMES BUDDEN who ran on and drove a low shot past the keeper. Three minutes later we were in front. ADAM PULLEN struck a sweet free kick which went over the wall and beat the keeper all ends up. We stayed in front until 4 minutes from half-time when George Irvine in Sports goal tried a little dinked pass out to a defender and the Bournemouth left winger intercepted and walked the ball into the empty net.

A bit of a blow for Westlands as we had worked hard to get back in front after the early loss. Nevertheless we had seen enough in the first half to realise the Bournemouth defence were a bit slow and James Budden and Adam Pullen were causing them some problems. If we stuck to our game plan we felt we could win this one.

Three minutes into the second half and Sports were awarded a free kick out on the left. ADAM PULLEN stepped up and his driven cross towards the far post was missed by everyone and ended up in the back of the net. Poppies were reeling now and two minutes later we made it 4-2. Adam Pullen was in the thick of the action again, this time setting up JAMES BUDDEN to score. Westlands were rampant now and in the 55th minute made it 5-2. Liam Stobbs put in a cross from the right and JAMES BUDDEN was again on the spot to complete his hat-trick. That also completed the scoring for the afternoon as Sports were now content to play out time and although Bournemouth had a couple of chances they couldn't get back into the game. A late injury to Steve Flynn saw him removed to casualty for three stitches in a rather deep cut on his shin.

A very satisfactory result from Westlands point of view and now we have played 10 games there are some signs that the team are becoming more confident in their abilities. We are also becoming more tactically aware and are now developing as a team. We won't get carried away but progress has been made and its a pity really that we now have two weeks off as we are in a good run. For today's match Adam Pullen gets my vote for man of the match.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Ireland, S.Beard, S.Watts, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, T.Farthing, S.Flynn, L.Stobbs, A.Pullen, J.Budden. Subs: J.Jarvis, J.Cowie.

Sunday 30th Nov 2014, Dorset FA Youth (U18) Cup, Rnd 3

WESTLAND SPORTS 6  ROSSGARTH 0

We drew 3-3 with these opponents last week in the league so we were determined to not make the same mistakes this time round. We stuck with the same 11 as last week but adjusted the formation slightly just to give us some more defensive solidity. Both sides were a bit cagy at the start and a wary of each other. Westlands were looking fairly comfortable in possession and several promising moves just broke down with the final pass sometimes a bit ambitious. Rossgarth were showing some pace on the break, but their left winger, who we knew was a dangerman, was being kept in check byJohnny Ireland who had been detailed to mark him. As the half was drawing to a close we made the breakthrough with a quick one-two which left Rossgarth reeling. First ARON WALLIS picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired in a low shot which beat the gangly keeper all ends up. Then, before our opponents could draw breath, ADAM PULLEN drove into the box and fired in number two. What a turn up, 2-0 at half time was a surprise given the timing but we were the better side and had always looked the most likely team to score.

With a two goal lead we were in a good position and we didn't need to go gung-ho in the second half, just keep our shape. A couple of minutes into the half Seamus Beard picked up a yellow card for a strong tackle. Sports pushed forward and a free kick pumped into the box saw the referee pointing to the spot for a push in the back. Sam Watts stepped up to take the kick and his rather weak sidefoot effort was saved by the diving keeper. Fortunately for Sam the eagle eyed referee Mr Hughes had spotted some infringement by two Rossgarth players and ordered the kick to be retaken. SAM WATTS stepped up again and this time he put his foot through the ball and thumped it into the back of the net. That made it 3-0 to Westlands and it looked as if the writing was on the wall for the crestfallen Rossgarth side. Then after about 70 minutes  Seamus Beard picked up another yellow for another strong tackle. A bit harsh I thought but that meant a red and we were down to ten men. We sacrificed a forward and put on another midfielder just to keep the defence solid and for the next 10 minutes we kept it tight in a disciplined performance by the lads. In the 82nd minute we killed off any chance Rossgarth may have had of getting back into the game when we scored goal number 4. Liam Stobbs skinned the fullback for pace, cut in along the byeline and fired the ball across the face where it was turned into his own net by a defender. An OG, no doubt about that but i think Adam Pullen was waiting to convert the cross anyway. At this point one of the Rossgarth players had to go off injured and as they had used their subs, they were down to ten men the same as us. Four minutes later we scored again. STEVE FLYNN was put clear down the right and beat the keeper with a beautifully struck lobbed finish. Rossgarth heads were down now and in the last minute we scored again. It was a cool finish from SAM WATTS who controlled the ball in a crowded box and casually rolled it into the corner of the net. That was it, 6-0 to Westlands and in the semi-final of the cup, a good victory with every player playing his part in a good team performance. Man of the match was skipper Scott Morgan who marshalled the defence to only our second clean sheet of the season.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Ireland, S.Beard, S.Watts, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, T.Farthing, J.Jarvis, L.Stobbs, A.Pullen, J.Budden. Subs: S.Flynn, B.Kearvel.

Sunday 30th Nov 2014, Dorset League, Youth (U18) Div. 1

WESTLAND SPORTS  3  ROSSGARTH  3

Having beaten Rossgarth 6-2 on their own ground six weeks ago this looked a good opportunity to put another three points on the board. We kept an unchanged side after last week's good win at Corfe Mullen so all the omens were good. The win looked odds on after 12 minutes when JAMES BUDDEN headed in at the far post to make it 1-0. A couple of minutes later Sam Watts shot just past the post as Sports kept up the pressure. In the 18th minute it was 2-0 when their keeper dropped a corner and JAMES BUDDEN was on hand to tap in. Next Joe Jarvis shot wide and then an Adam Pullen shot from point blank range was somehow deflected for a corner. Rossgarth had only shown the odd  flash of attacking play, mainly through their lively little left winger but in the 37th minute they missed a sitter, missing the target from a couple of yards out. Nevertheless the warnings were there and a minute later they reduced the deficit with a good shot from the edge of the box. 2-1 was the half-time score and Sports could only reflect over the break that the game should have been all over in the first half with the chances we had.

We took control in the early minutes of the second half and in the 50th minute scored again. Aron Wallis, who had replced Sam Watts at the break, picked out James Budden on the edge of the box with a pinpoint cross. James turned his man and fed ADAM PULLEN who held off his man and planted the ball into the far corner of the net. It was a well worked goal and at 3-1 surely now we could go on and win this one fairly easily. We continued to press and chances came and went. James Budden hit the bar with a good header from a corner and then forced the Rossgarth keeper to make a good save to deny him his hat-trick. In the 75th minute Adam Pullen went close with a shot which went inches past the far post. So, with 10 minutes to go and a two goal lead, perhaps it would have been more prudent to keep it tight and just protect what we had. However we kept chasing more goals and in the end it cost us dear. In the 82nd minute a long ball out of the Rossgarth defence was missed by the Sports defenders and the little winger raced through and buried a shot in the far corner. Sports stood around looking at each other and within a minute we conceded again. This time we were caught outnumbered at the back with too many players not getting behind the ball and the Rossgarth attackers had a man over to score and make it 3-3. Our opponents now believed they could win the game and we had to work hard to keep them at bay in the last few minutes. The final whistle saw the visitor's celebrating and the Westland lads shaking their heads in disbelief.

Hopefully there were lessons learned in this match. Sports workrate in the latter stages was not good enough as some players obviously thought the game was won and they didn't need to track back. The other lesson is that you don't get any more points for winning a game by 5-1 than you do for winning 3-1 so you don't need to keep chasing more goals. Anyway, it all makes for a very interesting Dorset FA Youth Cup quarter-final next sunday between the same two teams at the same venue.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Beard, S.Watts, S.Morgan, J.Ireland, T.Farthing, J.Jarvis, L.Stobbs, A.Pullen, J.Budden. Subs: S.Flynn, A.Wallis.

Sunday 23rd Nov 2014, Dorset League, Youth (U18) Div. 1

CORFE MULLEN  1  WESTLAND SPORTS  5

Sports were a bit slow to get going but a quick 1-2 on the half hour mark by JAMES BUDDEN and ADAM PULLEN put us in front at half-time. A quick goal 3 minutes into the second half by LIAM STOBBS put us three up but a soft penalty conceded by keeper George Irvine gave Corfe Mullem just a glimmer of hope. Westlands continued to dominate the game though and 2 late goals from SAM WATTS (2) made the points safe.                                                                Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Beard, S.Watts, S.Morgan, J.Ireland, T.Farthing, J.Jarvis, L.Stobbs, A.Pullen, J.Budden. Subs: S.Flynn, A.Wallis, B.Kearvel

Sunday 9th Nov 2014, Dorset League, Youth (U18) Div. 1

HAMWORTHY UTD  5  WESTLAND SPORTS 2

Sports were totally outplayed by their top-of -the table opponents and found themselves trailing 4-0 at the interval. However we made a bit of a revival in the second half and goals from JOHNNY IRELAND and JAMES BUDDEN made the score more respectable.                                                                                                                               Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, A.Hodges, S.Watts, S.Morgan, J.Ireland, T.Farthing, J.Jarvis, S.Flynn, A.Wallis, J.Budden. Subs: L.Stobbs, A.Pullen.

Sunday 2nd Nov 2014, Dorset FA Youth (U18) Cup, Rnd 2

BRIDPORT  0  WESTLAND SPORTS  4

A sound 4-0 win over Bridport at Beaminster sealed Sports place in the Quarter-finals of the Dorset FA Youth (U18) Cup. Playing uphill and against the wind in the first half Westlands defended well and turning round at 0-0 we felt we could turn the screw in the second half.

It only took us a minute of the second half to go in front, SAM WATTS getting his head on a free-kick. Further goals fron STEVE FLYNN and ADAM PULLEN made the game safe before SAM WATTS netted again at the death to rub salt in the wound. A good display by the Westlands lads with a good game plan which was executed perfectly.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Watts, S.Morgan, J.Ireland, T.Farthing, A.Pullen, S.Flynn, A.Wallis, J.Budden, C.Ryall.  Subs: B.Kearvell

Sunday 26th Oct 2014, Dorset League Youth (U18) Div.1

BOURNEMOUTH POPPIES  1  WESTLAND SPORTS  0

Our Under 18 side made the long trip to Bournemouth and then produced a lack-lustre display to lose 1-0 to Bournemouth Poppies. Sports never got going and a goal midway through the second half sealed our fate.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Watts, S.Morgan, J.Ireland, T.Farthing, A.Pullen, L.Stobbs, S,Beard, S.Flynn, A.Wallis. Subs: J.Jarvis

Sunday 12th Oct 2014, Dorset League Youth (U18) Div.1

ROSSGARTH  2  WESTLAND SPORTS  6

It was a long journey to Verwood for this match but the lads made it all worthwhile with an excellent win. It's always strange how so many players can find an excuse not to play if it's an away game or if its raining ! Nevertheless, manager Jason Irvine got a squad of 12 together (was 13, one just didn't turn up !) and they turned in probably the best performance of the season, particularly in the first half.

We took control of the ball straight away and opened the scoring in 2 minutes ! Sam Watts lifted a lovely pass over the Rossgarth defence for ADAM PULLEN to run onto and he drove the ball in for the opener. Sports were cutting the Rossgarth defence apart at will and in 8 minutes Aron Wallis headed past the keeper only to see the ball scrambled off the line. In the 10th minute we went two up. A neat through ball from Seamus Beard put ARON WALLIS in the clear and he slipped the ball under the advancing keeper and into the net. From then on Westlands played some good passing football and the chances continued to come. James Budden had a shot which went wide, Seamus Beard hit the bar with a cute lob and a good shot from Liam Stobbs went past the post. Eventually the goal we deserved came in the 40th minute. JAMES BUDDEN was floored in the box and stepped up himself to slot the penalty in the corner. That was all the scoring for the first half and the 3-0 scoreline reflected Sports superiority throughout.

Obviously the home team, with nothing to lose, would come out fighting in the second half and they did for a couple of minutes until Westlands bagged another to make it 4-0. A hard driven cross from the left was met at the far post by LIAM STOBBS and he rifled the ball into the roof of the net. That really should have put paid to Rossgarth but we then proceeded to give them some encouragement by conceding a couple of soft goals. In the 65th minute a Rossgarth player cut in from the left wing, evaded a weak tackle and put a shot past Sports keeper at his near post. Not a good goal to lose but only a consolation, or so we thought ! In the 75 minute they scored again to make it 4-2 ! A long free kick from almost the centre line was pumped into the Sports box. Our keeper came charging out, missed the ball, and a Rossgarth player planted a header into the empty net. Prior to this George Irvine, our keeper, could count himself a bit lucky not to have seen a red card when he came charging out his area and barged into an opponent, taking him out completely. Most officials would have been reaching for the red card but luckily we had a referee that didn't like paperwork as he didn't even show the yellow ! Anyway, at 4-2 could Rossgarth make a comeback ? The answer to that was no as Westlands quickly re-established their superiority and began to press forward again. In the 84th minute Aron Wallis made a good run to the byeline and cut the ball back for JAMES BUDDEN to sidefoot in from close range. Finally with a minute to go we put the final nail in Rossgarth's coffin with the sixth goal. ARON WALLIS scored it with a lovely first time volley that gave the keeper no chance. Final score 6-2 and an excellent result away from home. Apart from a bit of kamikaze goalkeeping it could have been a bigger victory but we can be well satisfied as the team played some lovely football on a poor surface and made that long journey home more enjoyable !

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Watts, S.Morgan, J.Ireland, T.Farthing, A.Pullen, L.Stobbs, S,Beard, J.Budden, A.Wallis. Subs: O.Moore

 

Sunday 5th Oct 2014, Dorset League Youth (U18) Div.1

 

WESTLANDSPORTS  5  CORFE MULLEN 2

 

After a defeat in the previous game Westlands were looking for a win here and quickly took control of this match. We were playing some nice football with some crisp passing and with Sam Watts continuing in his midfield role we were dominating possession. An early injury to Ben Kearvell disrupted things slightly but Steve Flynn took his place and we soon settled down to control the game. The opening goal came in the 25th minute. A nice through ball put DAN QUIRKE in behind the Corfe defence and he lifted the ball over the keeper to make it 1-0 to Westlands. Three minutes later we literally gave Corfe Mullen the equaliser. Sports keeper and a defender made a hash of a goal kick and gifted the ball to Corfe's lanky Crouchesque centre forward and he delicately chipped the ball into the net. A bad blunder there but luckily, within 2 minutes, Westlands were able to put things right with a second goal. JAKE COWIE made ground down the right and fired over a long cross towards the far post which deceived the keeper and ended up in the back of the net. Well, they all count and with Sports back in front we went looking for more goals. In the 39th minute we made it 3-1 with a lovely goal. Dan Quirke drove a free kick into the box and a glancing header from skipper SCOTT MORGAN deceived the keeper. There was no holding Westlands now and five minutes later we added another. Adam Pullen burst through the Corfe Mullen defence and was upended by the goalkeeper for a penalty. Up stepped SAM WATTS to take the kick and he coolly stroked the ball into the corner with the keeper going the other way.

 

It had been a good half for Westlands and with a 4-1 half-time lead surely the points were there for the taking.

 

The second half proved to be a bit more even than the first as Corfe Mullen had nothing to lose and began to get stuck in with some physical challenges. Westlands on the other hand didn't need to be too adventurous and seemed quite content to play a containing game. And so the game drifted on with the visitors probably having the edge in possession but not really creating much to really worry the Sports rearguard. Until the 70th minute that was when Corfe Mullen were awarded a penalty. There is no doubt a player was pulled back but the incident was clearly well outside the box. However the official gave the penalty because the player fell inside the box (his words not mine !). This gave the visitors some encouragement but that was finally extinguished in the 85th minute with the 5th Westlands goal. Sam Watts played a nice ball in behind the defence and JAMES BUDDEN ran through to slip the ball under the keeper into the back of the net.

 

That was the final action as Sports wrapped up the three points with a good win that was well deserved. We played some good football in spells and both their goals were preventable so, all in all, a good day.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Watts, S.Morgan, J.Ireland, T.Farthing, A.Pullen, L.Stobbs, B.Kearvell, J.Jarvis, D.Quirke. Subs: J.Budden, S.Beard, S.Flynn.

 

 

Sunday 21st Sept 2014, Dorset League Youth (U18) Div.1

 

WESTLAND SPORTS  1  HAMWORTHY UNITED  2

 

 

Hamworthy were undefeated and we could immediately see why as they passed the ball around ith great confidence in the early stages. Westlands were finding the going tough but stuck to the task and kept the oppositions scoring chances to a minumum. A half time score of 0-0 flattered Sports slightly but we had kept our shape well so deserved some reward.

 

The first goal was going to be crucial in this game and it was no real surprise when Hamworthy opened the scoring shortly after the break. With Westland heads going down slightly the soon added another and at 2-0 we looked down and out. However, with nothing to lose, we began to get stronger and come into the game. Perhaps Hamworthy relaxed a bit as well thinking the game was won, but either way the tide had turned and it was Sports who were now making the running. Sam Watts had moved forward from his defensive role and was proving a tower of strength in the midfield, driving the team on. However the goal we needed would not come until it was really too late, ARON WALLIS getting the final touch after a bit of a goalmouth scramble. Try as they might Westlands could not get an equaliser and Hamworthy held on for what was probably a deserved victory.

 

No disgrace in this defeat for the Westland lads and the improved showing in the second half gives some confidence for the matches ahead.

Westlands line up: K.Woodgate, J.Cowie, S.Watts, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, S.Beard, A.Pullen, S.Flynn, B.Kearvell, J.Jarvis, D.Quirke. Subs: J.Budden, L.Stobbs, J.Ireland.

 

Sunday 14th Sept, Dorset League Youth (U18) Div.1

 

BRIDPORT 3 WESTLAND SPORTS 3

 

Sam Watts was Westlands hero as he scored in the 95th minute to give Sports a deserved point in their Dorset Youth League match away to Bridport on Sunday. Bridport's blatant time wasting in the second half came back to haunt them as SAM WATTS powered through the home defence, rounded the keeper, and slotted the ball into the net for a fine goal. Westlands had a poor first half but turned round 2-2 thanks to some clinical finishing from DAN QUIRKE (2), who twice got in behind the Bridport defence to score, and several good saves from George Irvine the Westlands keeper.

Sports took control in the second half but shot ourselves in the foot with an hour gone when we gifted their forward a goal to put them ahead 3-2. Westlands pressured the home goal for the last half hour but couldn't get the equaliser. A Sam Watts header came crashing off the crossbar and the ensuing melee saw the ball scrambled off the line to safety. Then came that dramatic equaliser which was no more than Sports deserved but we need to improve on that first half display next week when we meet top of the table Hamworthy Utd.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Watts, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, T.Farthing, A.Pullen, S.Flynn, J.Budden, J.Jarvis, D.Quirke. Subs: B.Kearvell, L.Stobbs, J.Ireland.

 

Sunday 7th Sept, Dorset League Youth (U18) Div.1

WESTLAND SPORTS  3  BOURNEMOUTH POPPIES  2

 

Westlands youth team made a good start by kicking off their Dorset County Youth League programme with a 3-2 win over Bournemouth Poppies at Alvington. Dec Cornish was an early casualty when a high tackle saw him carried off and taken to Yeovil Hospital, he was replaced by Alex Hodges. Then, having survived some early pressure, we unfortunately lost the first goal just on the stroke of half-time to go into the break one down. In the second half Sports manager Jason Irvine played his joker by introducing last year's top scorer DAN QUIRKE as a sub and within a minute Dan lobbed the Bournemouth keeper to equalise. Better was to follow as Sports were now on top and five minutes later DAN QUIRKE battled through a couple of tackles and thumped the ball in to put Sports in front. With 20 minutes to go and with Westlands looking fairly comfortable, disaster struck. An opposition attacker broke into the box and our keeper George Irvine raced out to try to win the ball. Unfortunately the attacker got his toe to it first and the result was inevitable. The lad went down, the penalty was given, and the red card was shown to George. Sam Watts took over in goal but he had no chance with the penalty and it was 2-2. Things looked bleak for Sports now with 10 men but the lads knuckled down, and with Tom Farthing looking composed at the back, continued to make chances. With 10 minutes to go, DAN QUIRKE outmuscled the Poppies centre-half and stuck the ball away to make it 3-2 to the ten men ! Sports held on for an excellent victory and a good three points in what will be a very competitive league.

Westlands line up: G.Irvine, J.Cowie, S.Watts, S.Morgan, A.Wallis, T.Farthing, A.Pullen, S.Flynn, J.Budden, J.Jarvis, D.Cornish. Subs: B.Kearvell, A.Hodges, D.Quirke.