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SEASON 2014/2015 FIRST TEAM MATCH REPORTS

Saturday 14th February 2015, Dorset Premier League

MERE TOWN 2 WESTLAND SPORTS 1

We travelled to Mere with a depleted side. Louis Irwin was injured and Josh Payne and Sam Beard had other plans so Nick Wilton, Lewis Howchin and Sol Carney were all given starting places in an unfamiliar line-up.

Westlands had the first goal attempt after 4 minutes with Sol Carney shooting over. A minute later Sam Watts made a good save as Mere hit back. Sports had a good spell now with the Carneys linking up well in support of Leo up front. Sol Carney burst through the home defence but the keeper rushed out and blocked his shot. In the 18^th minute the home keeper saved again from

Sam Carney and a minute later he made a great save from Leo Hayward. For the first half of the opening 45 minutes Sports had created several chances but failed to make them count and the home side now began to push forward and forced several corners in a row. Sports were guilty of conceding soft free kicks and on the half hour we were nearly punished. A free kick from outside the box was smashed over the wall and was heading for the top corner until Sam Watts leapt to tip the ball over the bar. Mere were dominating now and in the 35^th minute they took the lead. The big Mere number 6 had a shot parried by Sam Watts but had

time to scramble to his feet and score from the rebound. Sports defence seemed a bit slow but we had contributed to the goal by giving away possession in our own half. Sports tried hard to hit back and a flicked header by Leo Hayward shaved the far post. Next Leo put over a deep cross which Phil Wells tried to convert at the far post again the keeper saved well.

The half time whistle brought an end to a half that had been end to end. Both teams had found it difficult to keep possession but the result was lots of goalmouth action and both keepers had been in excellent form to keep the score to 1-0.

The first major action in the second spell came after 10 minutes when Sports player/manager Stu Smith had to limp off with a groin injury and young Steve Flynn took his place. Unfortunately this meant a bit of a reshuffle for Westlands but three minutes later we scored ! Leo Hayward thumped a free kick over the Mere wall and when the keeper parried it MATT WATSON was on hand to bang the ball into the net. Next Mere tried their luck from a free kick but the shot just cleared the crossbar. With 10 minutes to go the home team were still pressing for the winner and they missed an absolute sitter when their player ballooned over from inside the six yard box. In the 83^rd minute the pressure paid off but once again we shot ourselves in the foot. Phil

Wells tried to make a pass across the edge of the box and when a Mere player intercepted he was able to run in and thump the ball into the back of the net. Such a disappointing way to lose what turned out to be the winning goal. In a match where we had given as good as we got, and considering the numerous changes we were forced to make, perhaps a point might have been a decent result away from home.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts 2. L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.N.Wilton 7.S.Gibbs 8.C.Wells 9.L.Hayward 10.Sam Carney 11. Sol Carney Subs: S.Flynn

Saturday 7th February 2015, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 6 BRIDPORT RES 2

After last week’s good away result it was imperative that we followed it up with a home win so it was good to see there was only one change to the team that had played so well at Merley Cobham, Chris Wells coming in to replace Lewis Howchin who was unavailable.

The first big excitement came in the 8^th minute of the game and a major incident it was. The visitors No 6 had a kick at Sam

Carney as he lay on the ground following a tackle. The referee ignored that incident but Sam obviously gave his opponent a bit of verbals and the next thing the no 6 headbutted him ! After consulting with his linesman the referee showed him a straight red card.

Westlands seemed to relax realising they were playing 10 men and immediately got caught napping. A ball over the top saw a Bridport attacker in a race for the ball with Sports keeper Sam Watts. The forward got there first and toed the ball out for a goal kick just before he was taken out by our diving keeper. It was an obvious penalty but luckily for Westlands the referee only saw it as a yellow card as there was no goal-scoring opportunity, the ball having gone well away from goal and the attacker having no chance of reaching it. The Bridport players (and management) argued long and hard for Sam’s dismissal as this would even things up at 10 apiece. Once the furore died down the penalty was despatched into the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. What a start and for a few minutes everyone seemed to draw breath and nothing of note happened until the 15^th minute when Josh Payne had a goal-bound shot blocked. As you would expect Westlands were beginning to press now and in the 26^th

minute the equaliser came. The Bridport keeper failed to hold on to Louis Irwin shot and JOSH PAYNE followed up to score. Two minutes later Sports were ahead 2-1. Josh Payne went on a run down the left which took him to the bye-line and his cut-back was banged into the net by LOUIS IRWIN. That goal settled Westlands down and for the rest of the half they pretty well dominated the game although that third goal was proving hard to get. Then, just as we were expecting the half time whistle to blow we scored, and a fine goal it was. Louis Irwin fed the ball through to Josh Payne who in turn laid it on for LEO HAYWARD who scored with a well struck low shot.

At half-time, with a 3-1 lead and playing against 10 men, we looked to be in a strong position and we fully expected Westlands to go on and win comfortably.

The second half started with Bridport on the front foot and Sports looking lethargic as if the game was won. As we know, 10 men can often up their game as they have nothing to lose and if the team with 11 don’t match that effort things can change. And so it was in this game with the visitors forcing a good save from Westlands keeper Sam Watts in the opening minute of the half. Sports were sloppy now and when the ball was given away in the 48^th minute the Bridport centre forward had a clear sight at

goal but blazed the ball over the bar. A bit of a let off for Westlands and Bridport kept up the pressure forcing Sam Watts into another good save in the 50^th minute. And so the game continued with Westlands under pressure and another good chance was squandered by the visitors in the 65^th minute. It looked as if a goal was coming and it did a minute later when a high dipping shot

from distance dropped over the keeper’s head and found the back of the net. At 3-2 this was not how we had seen the half turning out but the goal did seem to be a wake-up call for Westlands and at last we saw some attacking play. Only a minute after conceding Leo Hayward thumped the crossbar with a good shot on the turn as Sports began to turn the tide. We needed another goal really to put some distance between the sides again and in the 72^nd minute we got it. Another thumping Leo Hayward shot

could only be parried by the keeper and JOSH PAYNE was following up to bang the ball into the back of the net. This goal finished Bridport off and suddenly the 10 men were looking a bit weary. In the 75^th minute Leo Hayward was replaced by

CallumThompson and within 2 minutes Westlands scored goal number 5. This was a great goal and the most spectacular solo effort witnessed at Alvington for many a long year. Picking the ball up in his own half, JOSH PAYNE went on a scorching run down the left wing completely outpacing the tiring Bridport defence. He then cut in and as the keeper advanced sent a high dipping shot over his head into the far corner. A marvellous goal and one worthy of the admission fee alone. Sol Carney then came on for brother Sam and with Bridport looking tired it was just a case of could we score again. The two young subs were full of energy and Callum Thompson almost fashioned a chance with a lovely turn in the box but he was crowded out. In the 86^th minute we

grabbed goal number 6 when Callum Thompson set up SAM GIBBS on the edge of the box and he blasted the ball into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.

A good finish to the game and the last 20 minutes had seen us stretch away to secure a fairly comfortable victory. But the first 25 minutes of the second half was anything but comfortable and showed what can happen if you take your foot off the gas. In the end Josh Payne took the honours for his hat-trick in a match which showed the good and bad sides of Sports performance.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts 2. C.Wells 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Beard 7.S.Gibbs 8. S.J.Payne 9.L.Hayward 10.Sam Carney 11. L.Irwin. Subs: C.Thompson, Sol Carney.

Saturday 31st January 2015, Dorset Premier League

MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 1 WESTLAND SPORTS 5

We have been on a decent run of form recently with three wins and two draws in our last 5 matches but a trip away to the league leaders is always a daunting prospect. On the team front, Mike Rousell and Nick Wilton dropped out from last week and were replaced by Leo Hayward and Lewis Howchin which gave the line-up a more familiar look.

From the kick-off Westlands had some good possession, knocking the ball around, and Josh Payne forced an early corner in the 4^th minute. That was cleared but it only took Westlands another minute to take the lead. Josh Payne played a lovely through ball

to LEO HAYWARD who was never going to be caught and he slid the ball past the onrushing keeper into the far corner. What a goal and what a start for Westlands who now had their tails up and continued to press. Josh Payne and Leo Hayward were looking in the mood and both had shots at goal which just missed the target. After 15 minutes Cobham had their first dangerous attack when a well struck shot went past the post. This gave the home team some encouragement and they began to push forward now. In the 18^th minute a free kick from just outside the box cleared the Westlands bar and a couple of minutes later Sports keeper Sam

Watts dived and saved at the feet of an attacker who was clean through. The pressure was building now but just at the right moment we hit them with a classic sucker punch. Lewis Howchin went storming down the right wing and he fed Louis Irwin down by the corner. Louis made himself a yard and drove the ball hard and low across the face of the goal where LEO HAYWARD got to it first at the far post and smashed it into the roof of the net. This goal rocked Cobham back on their heels and Westlands were able to keep things under control for the rest of the half. There was one scare on the half hour mark when a Cobham player got in behind our defence but he shot wide of the mark, otherwise we got through to half-time unscathed and with a two goal lead were in a good position.

Half time verdict was that Westlands had played very well in that first half. We had scored two cracking goals and defended stoutly when they had their spell of pressure. We were aware, however, that Cobham had come back from a 1-0 half-time deficit the week before against Weymouth to win 4-1 so we knew the game was far from over.

The second half started with Sam Watts having to dive low to make a smart save after 2 minutes. After 10 minutes we made a substitution with Leo Hayward, who was suffering with a cold, coming off and youth team player Steve Flynn coming on. Steve lined up in midfield with Louis Irwin pushing forward to join Josh Payne in attack. I’m sure Cobham were glad to see the back of Leo but Westlands quickly regrouped and almost immediately scored again. A bit of a shocker this one for the Cobham defence. Sam Carney, from out on the left, thumped a low ball across the face of the goal. Somehow it found its way past several defenders to JOSH PAYNE at the far post and from about two yards out he had time to control it and tap it into the back of the net. Great stuff from Westlands and as Cobham threw on their subs we rolled up our sleeves for some defensive duties. But no, ten minutes later, in the 65^th minute we made it 4-0 ! Steve Flynn fed Josh Payne with a nice through ball. Josh raced

through to almost the bye-line before rolling the ball across the face of the goal where LOUIS IRWIN forced it over the line. At 4-0 Cobham were now looking to salvage some pride and threw men forward leaving only two at the back. In the 68^th minute

Sam Watts made another good save to keep them at bay. Westlands brought on some fresh legs at this point with Chris Wells replacing Sam Beard in defence. In the 75^th minute we made a rare mistake at the back and were punished. We were guilty of

trying to play the ball out and when an attempted pass was intercepted we were in trouble. The ball was fed through quickly to the big Cobham sub who hit a vicious swerving shot which found the back of the net. Westlands had to hold firm now and they did so for the next five minutes which took the sting out of any Cobham fightback hopes. As we went into the last ten minutes Cobham kept piling forward and Sam Watts was twice in action with good saves. Westlands still had their attacking moments and in the 85^th minute Sam Gibbs sent a low drive just past the post. Back came Cobham and Sam Watts had to make the save of the game to

keep them out, tipping a net-bound shot over the bar. As we went into the last minute of the match Westlands put a bit of icing on the cake by scoring goal number five. A free kick out on the right was swung in deep to the far post by Sam Gibbs where LOUIS IRWIN met it first time and thumped the ball into the net. That was almost the last kick of the match and the final whistle ended an excellent afternoon for Westlands.

We had produced a good away day performance, defending well and always looking dangerous in attack. Although we won comfortably in the end we had to defend well for periods in the game and the fact that our goalkeeper Sam Watts was a candidate for any man of the match awards proves the point. It was nice to see our attacking duo of Leo Hayward and Josh Payne, ably supported by Louis Irwin, back in tandem again giving opposing defences problems. Everyone put in a solid performance without exception and that’s what you need when you play the top sides. Unfortunately these three points don’t improve our league position any so we’ll have to do it all again next week.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts 2. L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Beard 7.S.Gibbs 8. S.J.Payne 9.L.Hayward 10.Sam Carney 11. L.Irwin Subs: C.Wells, S.Flynn.

Saturday 24th January 2015, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 4 CRANBORNE 0

The pitch was once again a bit of a muddy mess but it was playable although slippery on top. Westlands made a couple of changes from last week. Lewis Howchin was unavailable and was replaced by Nick Wilton who made a welcome return to the team after a long layoff. There was also a start for Sol Carney with Josh Payne dropping to the bench where he was joined by Leo Hayward and a couple of new signings, Callum Thompson and Chris Wells.

Westlands settled quickly with some good short passing on the treacherous surface. This paid off in the 15^th minute with the

opening goal. A couple of quick passes gave Louis Irwin some space to get his head up in the midfield and he spread a good pass out to Nick Wilton on the right. Nick went past the opposition full back with a good burst of pace and his cross into the middle caught the Cranborne defence flat-footed. SOL CARNEY controlled the cross, turned, and coolly side-footed the ball into the bottom corner. A fine goal and it put Westlands firmly in the driving seat. As we continued to push forward we were gifted a second goal in the 19^th minute. A ball dropping at the edge of the penalty area caused confusion in the Cranborne defence. As the

keeper came out both he and his defenders hesitated and the alert MIKE ROUSELL nipped in and stole the ball and steered it into the empty net. A dream start for Sports, two up in twenty minutes but Cranborne had a decent effort just afterwards and Stu Smith had to stretch to divert the ball for a corner. Five minutes after the second goal we should have had a third which would probably have put the game to bed. Louis Irwin was barged in the back as he went for a header and the referee pointed to the spot. Louis decided to take the kick himself but unfortunately his side-foot shot was pretty tame and the keeper dived to save. As Westlands continued to press Sam Carney hit the bar with a decent effort. Then on the half hour mark Sam Watts had to make a diving save as Cranborne began to regroup and enjoy some possession. The game got bogged down in the mire for a while with a bit of a midfield battle taking place. The visitors should have pulled one back with 5 minutes remaining in the half but their lad missed an absolute sitter, blasting wide from close range. The final action of the half brought the third goal for Westlands. A ball from the right bounced into the six yard box and as everyone left it to each other MIKE ROUSELL reacted quickly to bundle the ball over the line from close range. A real poacher’s goal this one.

A three goal lead at half-time was probably what Sports deserved as we had played some good stuff considering the conditions.

We were only five minutes into the second half when Westlands made their first substitution. Perhaps wise as the conditions were strength sapping and two goal Mike Rousell was the first to come off and he was replaced by Leo Hayward. A few minutes later Sol Carney was replaced by Callum Thompson, one 17 year old replacing another. On the hour Cranborne had a shot but missed the target and that signalled Westlands final substitution with Chris Wells replacing Nick Wilton. A couple of minutes later we made it 4-0. Callum Thompson showed some nifty footwork to get to the byeline and his pull back was calmly sidefooted into the net by SAM CARNEY. It was really just a matter of how many now and as the pace slowed so did the action. Leo Hayward shot over the top after a storming run by Chris Wells down the right had set up the chance. Next Sam Gibbs tried his luck but missed the target and a chance for Louis Irwin went over the top. Finally, as the referee was looking at his watch, the visitors had a chance to get on the score sheet but a good shot across goal just slipped by the far post.

All in all a good day for Westlands. We played some decent football on a poor surface and thoroughly deserved the three points.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts 2. N.Wilton 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Beard 7.Sol Carney 8. S.Gibbs 9.M.Rousell 10.Sam Carney 11. L.Irwin Subs: C.Thompson, L.Hayward, C.Wells.

Saturday 17th January 2015, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 1 SHERBORNE TOWN RES 1

The match was preceded by a minutes silence in respect of Mr Keith Bullen, the Dorset Referees Development Officer, who died suddenly this week.

Sports made one change in the team from last week. Leo Hayward, our top scorer, was unavailable and was replaced by the experienced Mike Rousell. The pitch wasn’t great, a muddy top surface that was sure to cut up, but I expect most pitches are the same at the moment. The early exchanges were fairly even as the teams weighed each other up but Westlands created the first real chance in the 7^th minute. Josh Payne burst through the Sherborne defence and only a last ditch tackle denied him as he drew

back his foot to shoot. A couple of minutes later the visitors had a shot but it went wide. It was a keenly contested local derby with little to choose between the sides. In the 30^th minute Sports took the lead. A nicely weighted through ball from Sam Gibbs

saw LOUIS IRWIN run on to it, fend off a defender’s challenge and slot the ball past the diving keeper. A cool finish in a hectic game. In the 37^th minute Sam Watts had to make a good save from a shot on target, tipping it round the post.

Half-time came with Sports holding on to their slender lead and the general opinion was that it was an even game with Westlands looking more dangerous when they attacked so perhaps just deserving their half-time lead.

As expected our opponents came out fired up for the second half and started to enjoy some good possession. Mike Rousell, who had worked hard up front and had been the recipient of a few heavy tackles, was replaced by Ant Herrin. Sherborne continued to push and a couple of shots were off target. Then the best chance of the half so far fell to Louis Irwin, whose runs from deep were not being picked up and once again he found himself put through on goal. As the keeper came out Louis stretched and toe-poked the ball past the keeper only to see it hit the outside of the post and go by. Two minutes later Sherborne drew level. Stu Smith misjudged a header allowing an attacker to make ground down the right and when his cross came over their number nine thumped it into the top corner. A well finished goal but once again it came from an error so that was a bit disappointing. It was all even now and with 30 minutes to play it promised to be an exciting finish. A couple of minutes after the equaliser Sports had another great chance to regain the lead. Again it was Louis Irwin who ran through and as the keeper came out he tried to lift it over his head but completely miscued his shot and the ball was cleared. Sports went for the win now with 15 minutes to go bringing on two midfielders, Nat and Sol Carney, and taking off two defenders, Sam Beard and Lewis Howchin. Josh Payne had a shot which went wide and then Sherborne put in a deep cross which an onrushing attacker just failed to reach at the far post. In a final effort to win the match Westlands pushed forward in the last few minutes and forced a couple of corners but Ant Herrin put a shot wide and Sam Carney fired over the top.

The referee’s whistle ended a good match considering the conditions were pretty bad and deteriorated as the game went on. Sherborne were delighted with their point, Westlands less so as the home side, but a draw was probably a fair result as both teams put the effort in and neither really deserved to go home empty handed.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts 2. L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Beard 7.L.Irwin 8. S.Gibbs 9.M.Rousell 10.S.Carney 11. J.Payne. Subs: S.Carney,N.Carney, A.Herrin.

Saturday 10th January 2015, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 2 BLANDFORD UTD 1

Our first game since 20^th December and the first good news was the return of Sam Watts to goalkeeping duties after a spell out

with an injured thumb. Manager Stu Smith also returned after suspension and Mike Rousell returned to first team duty on the bench with Sol & Nat Carney making three Carney brothers in the squad ! Although wet and muddy, the pitch was looking much better than it was for the Swanage game but there was a bitter wind blowing across the pitch which was going to make things difficult (especially for the spectators !).

Both teams took a few minutes to find their feet (literally !) and it was 5 minutes in before we had our first goalmouth action. Leo Hayward fired in a shot which the keeper dived to save low down by the post. Westlands were pushing forward but the opening goal still came as a bit of a surprise when it arrived in the 15^th minute. The ball was played in to JOSH PAYNE

unmarked in the box and he seemed to have all the time in the world to control the ball, turn, and knock it past the keeper into the back of the net. Blandford responded and their speedy left winger outpaced the Sports defence and drove the ball across the face of the goal, fortunately no takers. Westlands though were full of confidence now and kept the pressure on. Five minutes after we had taken the lead we missed an absolute sitter. Poor old Louis Irwin was the culprit, scooping the ball over the bar when faced with an open goal. Nevertheless he soon made amends for his miss when he finished off an excellent move in the 27^th

minute. Josh Payne went up for a goalkeeper’s punt and won the header well, flicking the ball on to Leo Hayward. Leo quickly laid it off to LOUIS IRWIN who took a couple of steps and smashed the ball into the top corner with the keeper helpless. A cracking goal and Westlands looked to be in the driving seat now. Three minutes later, and with Blandford reeling, Josh Payne danced his way through their defence but then decided to dribble round the keeper as well and was forced wide. Just before the break, Blandford hit back with a couple of chances which brought a couple of excellent saves from Sam Watts. The second in particular when the Blandford No 7 was clean through but was thwarted by the diving keeper.

The half time whistle saw us go in with a handy 2-0 lead but most of the comments at the break reckoned this was no foregone conclusion and we needed to be careful especially with the strong wind still blowing.

The half was only 4 minutes old when the Blandford keeper tipped an effort from Leo Hayward round the post after good interplay between Leo and Josh Payne. Leo was then taken off and Mike Rousell took his place in attack. Blandford then mounted a couple of good attacks, the first shot was well saved by Sam Watts and from the resulting corner he made another terrific save. Another substitution was made by Sports with Nat Carney replacing Sam Beard. In the 67^th minute Mike Rousell tried his

luck but the keeper saved his shot. Sol Carney then came on for Westlands with Josh Payne going off. Sol didn’t take long to get involved and with 10 minutes to go he had a good shot which just cleared the bar. Then Phil Wells overlapped down the left and just as we thought he was about to pull the trigger with his favoured left foot he decided to cut back inside the last defender and the chance was blocked. Blandford then had a good shot which just fizzed past the post. Chances were coming thick and fast now, perhaps the players were tiring in the testing surface. Then with 5 minutes to go they scored ! A long diagonal ball over the top of our defence found the speedy no. 11 in the clear and he ran on and made no mistake, thumping the ball into the back of the net. This made for a rather nervous last 5 minutes but the best chance of scoring again actually fell to Phil Wells who again overlapped down the left and was put in by a good pass. Unfortunately his shot missed the target so the chance went begging. I’m not sure why the full-backs were still pushing on at this stage but had we scored a third goal I guess it would have been justified. We held on pretty comfortably in the final few minutes, having to defend a few long balls punted up as Blandford tried to create an opening. Nevertheless the final whistle was a welcome sound and it guaranteed us the three points.

I think the result was about right on the day. Both teams deserve credit for playing some good football under trying conditions on a wet muddy surface. Westlands made more clear chances and if we had been a bit more clinical I think a third goal would have settled the contest. As it was we made things a bit difficult by losing a late goal when perhaps we should have been shutting up shop.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts 2. L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Beard 7.L.Irwin 8. S.Gibbs 9.L.Hayward 10.S.Carney 11. J.Payne. Subs: S.Carney,N.Carney, M.Rousell.

Saturday 20th December 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 2 SWANAGE TOWN 2

After last week’s goalkeeping crisis Jason Bundy was re-signed and returned to the club to take his place between the sticks. This allowed Sam Beard to line up at centre half in place of manager Stu Smith who was suspended. Apart from that it was the same squad as last week. Thankfully Nat Carney had recovered from his scare at Blandford and was able to start the match.

The pitch was in poor condition, the worst I have ever seen, and obviously suffering from over-use but we won’t go into that, I think the picture below says it all !

Westlands started quite brightly and soon had the visitors pinned back in their own half. Matt Watson got his head to a corner but his effort went over the top. After about 15 minutes Swanage began to get a foothold in the game and a good effort slipped just past the post after a Sports defender had given the ball away. Five minutes later a nice through ball put Leo Hayward away and as the keeper came out he slipped the ball past him only to see it agonisingly hit the post and go by. A few minutes later a great through ball from Sam Gibbs put Leo through on goal again but this time the keeper made a good save. As we moved into the last 15 minutes of the half it was Swanage who were having a good spell. A shot from a corner just cleared the Westlands crossbar and then we were a bit lucky when our keeper Jason Bundy charged off his line and took out a Swanage attacker. The ref said he had played the ball but I’ve seen those given more often than not so a bit of a let-off there. Just before the break our keeper was in action again, diving to save a good low drive. The picture below shows Westlands defending a corner in the first half.

Half time 0-0. Not a great game but enjoyable and surprisingly the pitch was holding up quite well with both teams managing to play some good football. As the half had developed it was clear how the teams were going to play. Swanage had a more methodical build-up but were coming up against a solid Sports defensive line. Westlands, on the other hand, were using the pace of Leo Hayward to get in behind the Swanage back line and it had almost paid off a couple of times.

As we returned to pitchside after our half-time tea we were almost caught out as Sports immediately took the lead. Once again LEO HAYWARD took on the Swanage defence single-handed. Cutting in from the left he brushed off a couple of challenges and hit a right foot shot back across the keeper that curled into the top corner. What a start for Sports but unfortunately we could only hold on to our lead for 5 minutes. A cross from deep on the left was dropping around the penalty spot and Jason Bundy came to collect. The Swanage No 11 ran in and leapt to challenge. As the two collided the Swanage player got his head to the ball and it bounced into the back of the net. The referee immediately signalled for a goal but Sports keeper Jason Bundy went down claiming he was fouled. The referee went over to explain why he had given the goal and their exchange of words led to the Westlands keeper completely losing his rag with the official giving Mr Day no option but to send him off. So, what a blow, back on level terms at 1-1 and now down to 10 men. Sam Beard took the keeper’s jersey again (!) and Phil Wells moved over to central defence. Sports adjusted pretty well to the situation with Leo Hayward always providing a good outlet for the hard-pressed defence. And it was Leo who almost nicked one for Sports in the 65^th minute as he burst through and forced a good save from the

Swanage keeper. Nat Carney was then replaced by Sam Watts to give us fresh legs and a more physical presence in midfield. Shortly after Leo Hayward, who had run himself into the ground, was replaced by Charlie Gay as Westlands continued to soak up the pressure. Swanage were now having all the territorial advantage but they weren’t making many clear cut chances and anything that did get through was dealt with competently by Sam Beard. Phil Wells, ably assisted by Matt Watson, was marshalling the Westlands defence well, and the screen of Sam Watts and Sam Gibbs were proving difficult to penetrate. Whenever possible, Sports were attacking on the break, mainly looking for Charlie Gay’s pace to cause problems to the Swanage defence. In the 75 th minute our hearts were in our mouths when a Swanage shot flew just past the post with the keeper beaten. I had just commented that I would be happy if we could hold out for a point when, with only five minutes left, we took the lead. It was LOUIS IRWIN this time who broke into the opposition half down the left side and headed for goal. As he got into the box it looked as if a defender had got his body between the attacker and the ball but as the keeper came out to gather he hesitated and Louis managed to get a foot in and stabbed the ball past him into the net. A superb solo effort which sparked off great celebrations on the touchline as it looked as if Sports might nick all three points. Swanage had nothing to lose now and they piled forward with Westlands defending in numbers. Eventually in the 89^th minute the pressure told and their No 11 turned in a

cross from close range to make it 2-2. There were a few minutes of overtime but Sports held on for what I thought was a deserved point in the end.

The second half had provided us with plenty drama and excitement and four goals as well so a good afternoon’s entertainment. As I said before I thought Westlands deserved to get something from the game after a very spirited performance when down to 10 men. I’ve mentioned a few names in my report but every single one of the players out there on Saturday deserved a pat on the back for their effort in that second half.

Westlands line up: 1.J.Bundy 2. L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5. S.Beard 6. S.Gibbs 7.N.Carney 8. L.Irwin 9.J.Payne 10. S.Carney 11. L.Hayward. Subs: S.Watts, C.Gay

Saturday 13th December 2014, Dorset Premier League

BLANDFORD UTD 4 WESTLAND SPORTS 5

Westlands made a couple of changes from last week but the first one was not by choice. With a shortage of goalkeepers Sam Beard volunteered to go between the sticks to help out. Lewis Howchin returned at right back after illness and Nat Carney was promoted after some good performances in the reserves. Charlie Gay was also promoted to the first team squad and he took a place on the bench with Sam Watts.

On a good surface at Blandford, Sports started brightly and Josh Payne had an early chance which he skewed wide. Leo Hayward then forced the goalkeeper into a save as Sports set about the task with an enthusiasm that was not evident last week. In the 10^th

minute our hard work paid off with the opening goal. Josh Payne ran at the home defence cutting past a couple of their players in a mazy run. He then fed the ball to LOUIS IRWIN on the edge of the box and he turned and thumped a great shot into the top corner. Our early pressure had paid off but in the 15^th minute we had a bit off a setback when Nat Carney had to go off

after taking a hard blow to the kidneys. Sam Watts took over in midfield but it was the home side who carved out the next chance with danger man Mark Ford driving a shot over the bar. A minute later Lewis Howchin played a nice ball to Leo Hayward but his shot was saved. Back came Blandford and a good effort grazed the far post with our keeper beaten. After 26 minutes it was 2-0 to Westlands. LEO HAYWARD skinned the opposition full back and from an acute angle drove a left foot shot into the far corner for an excellent goal. Unfortunately we could only hold on to our two goal lead for another two minutes. A ball played inside our full-back put their winger in and he slotted into the far corner. This goal lifted our opponents and a few minutes later they had the ball in the net again but fortunately it was ruled out for offside, not sure why to be honest ! Anyway, this seemed to wake Sports up again and Josh Payne got a good header in from a corner. With a couple of minutes to go until half-time we restored our 2 goal lead. JOSH PAYNE went on a solo run and as the opposition backed off, he continued into the box and fired the ball past the keeper into the back of the net. Again however we were unable to hold on to our 2 goal lead and almost immediately shot ourselves in the foot by conceding a soft goal. A shot from the left was gathered by our keeper but disaster struck when the ball squirmed from his grasp and finished in the far corner.

Oh well, a 3-2 lead at half time could have been more but a lead is always a good result away from home, so we were reasonably satisfied. Westlands had looked sharp going forward in the first half with Josh Payne, Leo Hayward and Louis Irwin giving the home defence a torrid time. An ambulance had been called for Nat Carney and he was being attended by the paramedics at half time so that was a bit of a worry as we went out for the second half.

The home defence just couldn’t cope with Sports pace up front and it wasn’t long before we were threatening the home goal again. Leo Hayward found the target but the keeper saved. In the 51^st minute Josh Payne again tormented the Blandford defence as he

got to the byline. His cut-back to LEO HAYWARD was perfect as was Leo’s shot which flew into the back of the net. Two in front again, could Sports hang on to the 2 goal lead this time. Yes was the answer, not only that, in the 55^th minute we made it 5-

2. A ball over the top was chased by Louis Irwin who was brought down as he went round the keeper. The outcome was predictable, a penalty to Westlands and a red card for the keeper. LEO HAYWARD thumped in the kick to make it 5-2 and with the opposition down to 10 men, surely the game was in the bag ? Well, not quite as there was still 35 minutes to go and we know a lot can happen in that time. Having secured his hat-trick, Leo Hayward was taken off to protect a knock and he was replaced by Charlie Gay. But Leo’s departure offered no respite for the Blandford defence as Charlie Gay quickly showed his pace, carving through the backline to get a shot off. With 11 against 10 Westlands were on top but couldn’t find another goal. Louis Irwin was in with just the keeper to beat but somehow the stand-in goalie beat his shot away. Charlie Gay was next to have a chance but his ambitious chipped effort lacked the required height and was comfortably saved. Again Charlie Gay fashioned a chance but shot just wide. With 10 minutes to go came an incident that almost changed the game. Louis Irwin had to come off with a hamstring twinge and as we had used our subs we were now down to 10 men. This gave Blandford a real boost and within 2 minutes they pulled one back and a soft one it was. Their right back tried his luck from well out and the ball seemed to go through a crowd of players and catch our keeper flatfooted as the ball found the far corner. That goal spurred Blandford on but in the 87^th minute

we should have extinguished their glimmer of hope. A swift break again carved open the Blandford rearguard and the ball was crossed in to be collected by Sam Watts six yards out with only the keeper to beat. As Sam stroked the ball into the corner the goalie stuck out a leg and somehow blocked the shot. In the final minute we switched off a bit and allowed a Blandford player a free header which he buried in the top corner to make it 5-4.

Too little, too late I’m afraid from the home side’s point of view as the referee’s whistle sounded a few moments later.

So in the end a bit of a thriller but in all honesty this was a match Sports deserved to win even although we almost threw it away near the end. Performance wise however, this was much better from Sports with a renewed enthusiasm replacing the lack-lustre displays of the last couple of weeks. Going forward we looked really dangerous all game and it was reminiscent of last season when we ripped open defences in the senior league to take the title. Unfortunately our defending hasn’t been up to the standard of last season when clean sheets were a regular occurrence but we can work on that. This result should be real shot in the arm for Sports as we have been struggling a bit recently and it was good to watch (mostly !).

Westlands line up: 1.S.Beard 2. L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5. S.Smith 6. S.Gibbs 7.N.Carney 8. L.Irwin 9.J.Payne 10. S.Carney 11. L.Hayward. Subs: S.Watts, C.Gay

P.S. Nat Carney was taken to Dorchester Hospital for observation but was released at 8.30 pm and allowed home.

Saturday 6th December 2014, Somerset Senior Cup Rnd 3

WESTLAND SPORTS 1 STAPLEGROVE 3

The sun was shining but things didn’t look too bright for Westlands as it became evident we would have no subs on the bench for this game. Sam Beard was the only change coming in for the ill Lewis Howchin, otherwise an unchanged team.

The visitors were the first to look dangerous when their left winger raced through, got to the byeline and crossed to the centre forward whose prodded effort went just past the near post. The warning signs were there and in the 14^th minute Staplegrove

took the lead. The left winger again burst through but this time he let fly early and his dipping shot looped into the far corner with Sports keeper motionless. A few minutes later a free kick from Leo Hayward which was routinely saved by the keeper was Westland’s first attempt at goal. On the half-hour mark we had a good chance but Sam Watts failed to make a good contact with his header with only the keeper to beat. A minute later Sam had a shot on target but the keeper saved well. As the half came to a close we were lucky when a thundering shot from a Staplegrove player hit the bar.

Half time and only a one goal deficit was a bit of a let off really as Sports had looked pedestrian in the first half and it was difficult to believe we were actually playing a cup tie. Being optimistic surely we would come out fighting in the second half.

Unfortunately that was a forlorn hope as it only took the visitors 5 minutes to double their lead, Some good passing split open the Sports defence and the Staplegrove forward had an easy task to tuck the ball in the corner. Straight after that goal Westlands had a bit of pressure with Louis Irwin having a shot tipped over and Leo Hayward forcing the keeper to make a good save. Next the visitor’s missed a great chance when their player was clean through but George Irvine came out quickly and made a good save. Staplegrove again opened up Sports defence but their lad smashed his shot past the post. On the hour mark a bit of hope for the home supporters. Leo Hayward made a great run down the left and crossed for LOUIS IRWIN to score neatly. We were back in the game but it was Staplegrove who nearly increased their lead again but they hit the bar with a header to let Sports off the hook. In the 83^rd minute Leo Hayward shot just wide of the target with only the keeper to beat and this turned

out to be Sports last chance of the game. Two minutes later Staplegrove put the tie beyond doubt with their third goal. Westlands gave the ball away, it was fed into an unmarked attacker in the box and he slotted it into the far corner. That was the game over, there was no way back and it finished 3-1.

This was Westlands fourth defeat in a row and unfortunately there wasn’t a lot on show today to give any optimism that it will change in the near future. The same players are making the same mistakes week in week out so we can only hope we have reached rock bottom now and the only way is up.

Westlands line up: 1. G.Irvine 2.S.Beard 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5. S.Smith 6. S.Watts 7.L.Irwin 8. S.Gibbs 9.J.Payne 10. S.Carney 11. L.Hayward. Subs: -

FOOTBALL REMEMBERS

All 22 players posed together with the Match Officials for a group photograph in celebration of the spirit of the Christmas Truce football matches of 1914.

Saturday 29th November 2014, Dorset Premier League

BRIDPORT RES 3 WESTLAND SPORTS 2

This was a game Sports were looking to win against a side just below us in the table. The line-up had two changes from the team that lost at Parley. Sam Beard was unavailable and Sam Gibbs made a welcome return. Also with Szymon Matuszewski departing for Weymouth there was an opportunity for Sam Watts to start in the midfield. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and the pitch looked in good shape so we looked forward to a good game.

After a quiet opening ten minutes it was the home side who drew first blood with the opening goal. We had several attempts to clear a corner but failed to get the ball away. Eventually it fell to the Bridport number 9 who surprisingly had time to control the ball and fire it low into the far corner. Not the start you want in an away game but Sports responded well and equalised 4 minutes later. A curling free kick delivered into the danger area by Sam Gibbs was contested by the Bridport keeper and Sam Watts. As they collided the ball fell free and after a bit of a scramble SAM WATTS forced it over the line. A good response from Westlands but amazingly within a minute we were behind again. Bridport took a corner from the left which glanced off Sam Gibbs head at the near post and somehow the ball made its way through all the defenders into the far corner. Fifteen minutes gone and with three goals already scored this was proving good value for the spectators. It was noticeable Sports were beginning to win more ball in midfield now and the home team were on the back foot. In the 20th minute Sam Watts had a double attempt but couldn’t force the ball in. Nevertheless the equaliser came on the half hour mark and a lovely goal it was. Some good passing down the right wing saw the ball fed in to Sam Carney who laid it back to LEO HAYWARD who rounded off the move with a nice side foot finish. It was all Westlands now and Sam Carney shot just over from another Sam Gibbs free kick.

Then Sam Gibbs himself burst through and smashed in a shot which came back off the bar and was cleared. A minute later Sam Carney slid a nice pass through to Leo Hayward whose shot flew just past. A corner for Sports then saw Matt Watson have his header cleared off the line. The referee’s whistle for half-time was not what we wanted to hear but the half ended in stalemate at 2-2.

It had been a high-scoring first half with both teams looking a bit suspect defensively so in all probability they would try to tighten things up in the second half. Sports had finished the first half well on top so if we could continue in that vein we could get something out this game.

It was noticeable as the second half got under way that Bridport had changed their line-up a bit presumeably to tighten up defensively. The home team were looking a bit fired up now and Sam Carney got his name in the book for biting back. Ten minutes into the half and Bridport hit the bar with Sports defence looking a bit ragged. Then George Irvine made a good save to keep the scores level as the home team pushed forward. On the hour mark Sports had their first real chance of the half with Leo Hayward getting a shot away which the keeper saved. Nick Wilton and Mike Rousell then replaced Lewis Howchin and Sam Carney as Westlands tried to regain the momentum we had shown in the first half but to no avail. In the 65^th minute came the

winning goal and it came to the home side. A corner was cleared out of the box but fell to the Bridport left back who rifled a well struck shot from 20 yards into the back of the net.

Sports now desperately tried to get back in the game by pushing forward but as a result we looked very open at the back and Bridport nearly capitalised in the 80^th minute. An unbelievable melee took place in the Westlands goalmouth with Sports

keeper, defenders and Bridport attackers all throwing themselves at the ball which hit the bar and both posts (I think !) before being eventually scrambled away to safety. Leo Hayward then hit back for Westlands with a couple of efforts. First a shot which went wide and then a free kick that the keeper saved. Nick Wilton the picked up his customary yellow card for a rash tackle before a Bridport player missed an absolute sitter when it looked easier to score.

Leo Hayward had another shot saved before the final whistle ended what had been a disappointing half for Westlands.

At the end of the day Bridport could have had a couple more in that second half but by the same token Sports could scored in that good spell at the end of the first half. Nevertheless I think the home side just about deserved the win for the way they upped their game in the second period. From a Westlands viewpoint we lost our way a bit in this match with the team shape not quite right but that’s something we can work on. What we need now is a win to end our current losing streak so a Somerset Senior Cup tie next week could be a welcome change.

Westlands line up: 1. G.Irvine 2.L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5. S.Smith 6. S.Gibbs 7.L.Irwin 8. S.Watts 9.J.Payne 10. S.Carney 11. L.Hayward 12. N.Wilton 14.M.Rousell.

Saturday 15th November 2014, Dorset Premier League

PARLEY SPORTS 2 WESTLAND SPORTS 1

The first team travelled to Parley and went down 2-1 in an incident filled match that saw us play the last 40 minutes with 10 men. With Westlands 1-0 down at the break, and Rob Wheeler dismissed 5 minutes into the second half for talking out of turn, things looked bleak. However, Sports keeper George Irvine came to our rescue, saving 2 penalties, and although LEO HAYWARD equalised, we just failed to hold out with Parley scoring the winner deep into injury time.

Westlands line up: 1. G.Irvine 2.L.Howchin 3. P.Wells 4. M.Watson 5. S.Smith 6. S.Beard 7.L.Irwin 8. S.Matuszewski 9.J.Payne 10. S.Carney 11. L.Hayward. Subs: 12. R.Wheeler 14.S.Watts.

Saturday 8th November 2014, Dorset Premier League

PORTLAND UTD 4 WESTLAND SPORTS 2

This was our most difficult task of the season so far, a trip to Portland on a wet & windy day to face the current league champions Portland Utd. Sports had only one change from last week with Stu Smith returning to the team at the expense of Steve Flynn. Ant Herrin was back from Uni so took a place on the bench with Sam Beard and Sam Watts.

We held the 2 minutes silence of remembrance in pouring rain but it was Westlands who looked shell-shocked when Portland kicked-off and scored straight away. The first Westlands player to touch the ball was George Irvine as he picked the ball out the net after 30 seconds ! Our difficult task had just got that much harder and with the home side dominating possession it looked like things were going to get worse. In the 20th minute they did. A free kick was allowed to drop beyond the far post and as keeper George Irvine left his goal to try and gather the ball a Portland player beat him to it and squared the ball for a team-mate to knock it in. At this stage it looked as if this could be an embarrassing afternoon but gradually Sports dug in and at last we began to make some headway going forward. In the 40th minute we pulled back a goal that we badly needed. Nick Wilton slid a nice pass through the Portland defence to SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI who smashed it past the keeper into the back of the net. That goal was crucial and we went in at half time only a goal behind and still in a game that looked to be beyond us in the first half hour. Portland had played some good stuff and had dominated the half but with only one goal in it you never know.

Portland had the first chance of the second half when they hit the post following a corner but Westlands immediately hit back with Szymon Matuszewski shooting over. Westlands were growing in confidence now and our fast raids were causing the Portland rearguard a few problems. Leo Hayward was making good headway down the left and the Portland keeper had to make a good block to keep him at bay. We were on top now and eventually our pressure paid off. Szymon burst into the bax but was sandwiched between two defender's and brought down for a penalty. LEO HAYWARD stepped up and thumped the ball into the back of the net to put us back on level terms. Portland were rocking as we continued to attack them. In the 65th minute Szymon blasted a good chance over the top and a minute later Leo shot just past the post. Had one of these chances been taken perhaps the result would have been different, but as we moved into the last 15 minutes Portland turned the tide and began to push us back. George Irvine made a good save and then a Portland player headed over the bar before they scored in the 80th minute to get their noses back in front. A Portland player got his head to a corner and George Irvine made a great save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar. Unfortunately the rebound fell to his team mate and he forced the ball in from close range. It was so frustrating to lose that crucial third goal and it was a blow we never recovered from. Hard as we tried we couldn't create another good chance and with 2 minutes to go their fourth goal finished the contest. A Portland player got to the byeline and squared the ball for his team-mate to sidefoot in. That was it, game over and another 4-2 loss, our 5th defeat by that score this season. We are having difficulty defending as a team this year. In 16 games we have managed only 2 clean sheets and conceded 36 goals. Thats 2.25 goals per game and means you have to score three on average to win. Perhaps the balance between defence and attack is not quite right but there is no doubt our play results in lots of goals and exciting games for the spectators. Reflecting on saturday's game, in the end the best team won but Westlands showed a lot of spirit when many teams would have folded so well done to the lads for that. Just a pity about our sloppy start to the game, you just can't give away goals like that and hope to compete with the top sides.

Man of the Match: this week is LEWIS HOWCHIN who worked hard from start to finish.

Westlands line-up:- 1.G.Irvine 2.L.Howchin 3.P.Wells 4.M.Watson 5.N.Wilton 6.S.Smith 7.S.Matuszewski 8.L.Irwin 9.J.Payne 10.S.Carney 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.S.Watts 14.S.Beard 15.A.Herrin

Saturday 1st November 2014, Somerset Senior Cup Round 2

WESTLAND SPORTS 3 STOCKWOOD GREEN 2

Something different this week with the visit of Stockwood Green from Bristol in the Somerset Senior Cup. They play in the Somerset County League Premier Division so we knew it would be a tough game. Westlands made three changes from the previous match. Sam Watts had damaged his thumb last week and was unable to play in goal so he was replaced by Under 18s keeper George Irvine. Sam was fit enough, however to take a place on the bench as an outfield player. At centre half, player/manager Stu Smith was suspended and he was replaced by Nick Wilton and finally there was another Under 18s player Steve Flynn drafted into the centre of midfield to replace Sam Gibbs who also took a place on the bench. Three changes to the spine of the team made me a little nervous but sometimes changes have to be made and we are lucky to have a good squad of players to come in. Also nice to see youngsters being given a chance in the first team.

There was a blustery wind blowing up the pitch and Sports were facing it in the first half which was making things a bit tricky, especially when the ball was in the air. Weighing up the opposition, they looked quite an experienced side and had two wide men who played really wide and looked to have a bit of pace. Early indications were they tried to put these wingers in with long diagonal balls but the Westlands rearguard dealt fairly comfortably with some early attacks. Both teams were struggling to keep the ball in the wind and subsequently there were not a lot of passing movements being created. After 25 minutes the visitors took the lead but it was a basic error by a Westlands defender which led to the goal. With an attacker heading to the corner flag and with his back to goal its silly to go and foul him but that is exactly what we did, Nick Wilton being the culprit. Then we made things worse by failing to cut out the low hard driven free kick when it came across. We had a two man wall up to prevent just such a cross from coming in but they failed to do their job with one of the two half-turning his back on the ball which flew across the goal and was converted by a Stockwood player from about two yards. A poor goal to lose. Although a goal down we were still having our fair share of attacks and Louis Irwin just failed to connect properly with an overhead kick which flew wide. In the 38th minute we went 2-0 down and again we set up the opportunity for our opponents by giving away a soft free kick, Matt Watson the culprit this time. Once again the ball was thumped in hard and low, again our wall was ineffective, and the shot flew straight through a crowd of players into the bottom corner. So, there we were, 2-0 down and wondering how it had happened as they hadn't really hurt us in the final third, but to be fair, they had taken the chances when they came with two good free kicks. Westlands tried desperately to get back into the game and Matt Watson went up for a free kick and got his head to it but failed to hit the target. Leo Hayward then had our best chance of the half in the 43rd minute when he burst through the Stockwood defence and with only the keeper to beat, put his shot over.

With a two goal deficit at half time things looked a bit bleak but generally the opinion was that our opponents were a workmanlike side and if we stepped up our game a gear or two we could still dig ourselves out of the hole.

The second half started with Westlands pushing forward as you would expect but we couldn't create a telling chance. What was noticeable, however, was that the Stockwood keeper was already starting to timewaste, strolling after the ball etc and the referee had a word with him about it. This was a good sign for Westlands, showing that the opposition were happy with their two goal lead and were going into "protect what we have" mode. On the hour mark we made a substitution with Sam Watts replacing Steve Flynn in midfield and within four minutes we had pulled a goal back although Sam had nothing to do with it ! With the wind behind Sports keeper George Irvine launched a big kick deep into the opposition half. Szymon Matuszewski chested the ball down to LEO HAYWARD who smashed it first time from 25 yards into the back of the net. A lovely goal with only three touches including the keeper's kick. Westlands kept probing and in the 79th minute we got the equaliser. Some clever footwork by Josh Payne took him past 2 defenders and his pass to Sam Watts was neatly flicked round the corner into the path of SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI who powered into the box and drove the ball low and hard under the keeper. That goal shook our opponents up a bit and they forced a good save from George Irvine who dived to clutch a shot that was heading for the far corner. With the minutes ticking away Westlands kept the pressure on and it paid off in the 87th minute. Sam Watts won a great tackle in our opponent's half and fed the ball to Loius Irwin out on the right. Louis caused panic in the Stockwood defence by driving into the box until he reached the byeline where he cut the ball across the goal for LEO HAYWARD to net from close range. Another well-worked goal from Sports and surely that was it now ? Stockwood made one last attempt but their forward just failed to get a foot to a low cross and the last effort of the afternoon fell to Leo Hayward who was looking for his hat-trick but thumped his shot just wide of the near post. The whistle went and one of the Stockwood players showed his sportmanship by attacking a couple of Westland players. not a nice spectacle to end a game and totally unnecessary. Summing up Sports display, not our best, too many basic errors but a cracking fightback in the last half hour and three good goals.

Man of the Match: this week is SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI who gave the Stockwood defenders a problem all afternoon.

Westlands line-up:- 1.G.Irvine 2.L.Howchin 3.P.Wells 4.M.Watson 5.N.Wilton 6.S.Flynn 7.S.Matuszewski 8.L.Irwin 9.J.Payne 10.S.Carney 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.S.Watts 14.S.Gibbs.

Saturday 25th October 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 1 WEYMOUTH RESERVES 1

No changes were made from the side which had lost narrowly to Hamworthy Recreation in the cup last week. Nick Wilton returned to the squad and he was joined on the subs bench by Dave Beats who was making his debut.

Westlands came out of the blocks fast and within 3 minutes had carved out 2 good chances. First Josh Payne was put through but rushed his shot and scuffed it wide. Then Szymon Matuszewski got on the end of a corner but a defender blocked his shot. This was a good start by Sports, we were knocking the ball around with confidence and looked sharp. Weymouth, however, reminded us of their presence with a header which went wide after 11 minutes. Another corner for Westlands in the 22^nd minute nearly broke

the deadlock. The keeper came out and dropped the ball at Szymon Matuszewski’s feet and his shot looked netbound until a defender headed it wide. A couple of minutes later it was Weymouth’s turn and their big centre forward missed an absolute sitter, blasting over the bar with the goal at his mercy. The next good chance fell to Louis Irwin but he didn’t connect properly with his shot. But in the 42^nd minute Westlands broke the deadlock. A pinpoint ball through the visitor’s defence by Josh Payne

put LOUIS IRWIN in the clear and he bundled the ball past the keeper and into the net to give us a half-time lead.

That was just what we needed and I thought we were good value for our one goal lead at the break which probably should have been more. Surely now we could go on and take all three points ?

We started the second half well enough when Leo Hayward cut the ball back to Phil Wells on the edge of the box but his shot went tamely past the post. From that point on things began to go downhill for Sports. Passes started to go astray and the legs began to look a bit heavy. Weymouth began to take control and soon had Westlands pinned in their own half. In the 57^th minute a

Weymouth free kick flew just over the bar as they continued to press. Szymon Matuszewski was replaced by Nick Wilton as Sports looked to bolster the defences but we just couldn’t keep the ball when we won it. In the 70^th minute Sports keeper Sam

Watts pulled off a diving save to preserve our lead. With 15 minutes to go our opponents were reduced to 10 men when one of their players deliberately stamped on Louis Irwin as he lay on the ground. This gave Westlands a bit of impetus and Josh Payne had a couple of shots but failed to hit the target with either attempt. It was only a temporary respite however and we were soon on the back foot again as the 10 men, with nothing to lose, pushed everyone forward. In the 85^th minute they took advantage of

our generosity with the equaliser. A break down the left ended with the ball crossed to the far post where it was smashed into the roof of the net. Some poor passing in our own half led to the goal with the ball being given away in a dangerous position. With a minute left to play we had one last scare to endure. The Weymouth centre forward got in behind Sports defence and set off for goal with Stu Smith in hot pursuit. Stu managed to get a tackle in bringing the lad down on the edge of the box and Sam Watts had to pull off a good save to preserve our point, tipping the shot over the bar. That was the last of the action and it ended with honours even in a 1-1 draw.

This was definitely a game of 2 halves with Westlands on top in the first half but failing to take our chances which cost us in the end. In the second half Weymouth were on top and in the end probably deserved their share of the points. But from a Westlands viewpoint it still seems like 2 points dropped when you are 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go playing against 10 men. There are ways to close out a game and continually giving away possession is not one of them. Never mind, it’s still a good point against one of the better sides and perhaps it’s an indication of the progress we have made that we now expect to beat these teams.

Man of the Match: for the second week in a row its LOUIS IRWIN who gets the vote. Another hard-working performance in midfield and another important goal.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.L.Howchin, 3.P.Wells, 4.M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Gibbs 7.S.Matuszewski 8.L.Irwin 9.J.Payne 10.S.Carney, 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.D.Beats 14. N.Wilton.

Saturday 18th October 2014, Dorset Premier League Cup Rnd 1

WESTLAND SPORTS 1 HAMWORTHY RECREATION 2 (AET)

With no game last week, what better than a DPL Cup match against the holders to get us back in action. With Rob Wheeler now out of action for several weeks with his knee injury and Nick Wilton unavailable, Matt Watson and Sam Carney were restored to the starting line-up. Once again we had a two man bench, with Sam Beard and Wes Gullin the men in reserve.

Hamworthy were fast out the blocks and were soon dominating with an early effort being fired over the top. Then a spell of sustained pressure by the visitors saw a flurry of corners scrambled away by the Sports defence. One was kicked off the line and one was headed off the line but the Westlands defence rebuffed all Ham Recs efforts and took the lead in the thirtieth minute. Leo Hayward took a free kick on the left side and flighted it into the box with a bit of pace. The Hamworthy centre half made a poor defensive header which fell to LOUIS IRWIN and he drilled the ball into the corner of the net. That was the opening goal we wanted but unfortunately we were unable to stay ahead for long. Three minutes, to be exact, before a fast Hamworthy break down the right saw the ball crossed at pace to the far post where it was met on the half-volley and ripped into the top corner. Sports had a good chance a minute later when the Rec goalkeeper raced out to the corner flag to contest a ball down the line. Szymon Matuszewski beat him to it and with the goal unguarded had a go but the angle was too acute and the ball hit the side net. Hamworthy stormed back into the attack and Sam Watts, whose handling looked impressive all day, had to make a good save. Next a Hamworthy attacker had a good shot which went just over the top. Back came Westlands and carved out a couple of good chances. Louis Irwin got clean through the Rec defence but the keeper managed to block his shot, then just before half time, Leo Hayward beat his man and squared to Szymon Matuszewski but his shot was too high.

A half-time scoreline of 1-1 perhaps flattered Sports slightly but although under pressure at times, we always looked dangerous going forward so it was anyone's game.

The second half was a bit scrappy and as the tension rose there were lots of niggly fouls to break up any passing moves that got going. Hamworthy made the better chances, on the hour mark a good shot went just wide and five minutes later a long ball over the top put their striker clear but he screwed his shot past the far post. Going into the last ten minutes and with both Sports subs now on, we had to scramble away another two corners which caused a bit of danger but we survived with some desperate, but good, defending. Just before the end player-manager Stu Smith got himself a yellow card for a clumsy tackle.

And so we went into extra-time and within a few minutes disaster struck for Westlands. Stu Smith picked up another yellow card for what I think was a high boot, and of course as he had already been booked he was off. Sports were really up against it now with ten men but the lads kept battling and the Ham Rec keeper had to be on his toes to tip a Leo Hayward shot over the bar. Into the second period of extra time and after 5 minutes came the deciding moment of the game. Sports keeper Sam Watts went to ground as a Hamworthy attacker chased a pass. The attacker went over and the ref pointed to the spot. A rash challenge I guess as it was well out from goal and to one side of the box, in fact the referee ran across to check that it was inside the area before pointing to the spot. Hamworthy drilled in the kick and that was that. Westlands kept trying and the last chance fell to Leo Hayward whose shot from a free kick was saved.

After the furore had died down we were able to reflect on what had been an absorbing cup tie. Hamworthy had most possession and created the greater number of chances but Westlands were always in the game and made a real fight of it. In the end it was a bit cruel to lose out the way we did but with only ten men for the last 25 minutes the lads can be justly proud of their efforts. The match had threatened to boil over at times and the referee struggled to keep control on occasions. We paid the price for our indescretions and from that moment on it was always going to be an uphill battle.

PS: Nice to meet a couple of guys who had come up from Totnes in Devon to watch the match, hope you enjoyed the game lads !

Man of the Match: LOUIS IRWIN - not just for his goal but a hard-working performance in midfield as well.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.L.Howchin, 3.P.Wells, 4.M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Gibbs 7.S.Matuszewski 8.L.Irwin 9.J.Payne 10.S.Carney, 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.S.Beard 14.W.Gullin.

Louis Irwin (centre) scores against Ham Rec.

Saturday 4th October 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 3 POOLE BOROUGH 1

After a good point last week against second top Merley Cobham we didn't want to slip up this week against second bottom Poole Borough. It was a familiar looking lineup with only one change from last week, Leo Hayward returning in place of Will Ireland who has departed for the colonies. Strangely, there were only two subs on the bench, Matt Watson and Sam Carney.

The match started fairly low key with both sides trying to pass the ball but finding their accuracy a bit out and subsequently nobody could really carve out a goalscoring chance. As we moved past the 20 minute mark Sports began to get going a bit more fluently and Szymon Matuszewski had a sighter but put it over the top. Shortly after Leo Hayward had an opening but he too blasted over the top. However, Westlands were beginning to turn the screw and in the 25th minute Rob Wheeler burst through the visitor's defence but saw his shot saved by the advancing keeper who then also managed to block the follow up shot. On the half hour Sports continued to pepper the Poole goal with Szymon M again finding the bushes with his shot. In the 33rd minute we took the lead. A good passing move ended with SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI turning and thumping a left foot shot into the back of the net from 20 yards. Five minutes later we made it 2-0. A defence splitting pass from Josh Payne put LEO HAYWARD in the clear and he coolly rounded the keeper and stroked the ball into the empty net. A couple of minutes later Poole had their best chance so far but their player headed over from a good position. Just before the break Rob Wheeler had the ball in the net for Westlands but was flagged offside.

Two nil at half time looked a fairly comfortable position for Westlands and the general opinion was that we should go on and take the three points. Sports made a substitution at half time with Matt Watson replacing Nick Whitney who had taken a knock in the warm-up !!

Poole had nothing to lose so came out in determined mood but unfortunately it looked as if Westlands thought the game was won and took their foot off the gas. So now we had a different game with the visitors pushing forward and Sports on the back foot. Poole had a couple of shots at goal but were just wide of the target on both occasions. Sports made another change with Sam Carney replacing Szymon Matuszewski in an attempt to beef up the midfield. Still Poole kept coming and Sam Watts the Westlands keeper had to make a good save to keep them out. In the 65th minute, however, we hit them with a hammer blow. Picking the ball up just inside the opponent's half, LEO HAYWARD took off for goal leaving his marker trailing in his wake. The Poole keeper saved his first attempt but Leo picked up the rebound and walked the ball into the empty net. That was that really, but Poole kept us on our toes when their centre forward whacked one in from outside the box to make it 3-1 in the 75th minute. With 10 minutes to go Rob Wheeler landed awkwardly twisting his knee and had to be helped from the field. This put Sports in a dodgy position as we had used both our subs and would have to play out the remainder of the game with 10 men. Funnily enough, knowing they had to keep possession and play out time, we played some of the best football of the game during this period. Poole must have thought they had a sniff when we went down to 10 but the lads denied them possession with some excellent passing and the match ended with Sports back in control and Sam Carney ballooning a shot over the bar for good measure.

In the end Sports deserved the win but we made it difficult for ourselves with a poor second half and some poor shooting. Nevertheless, an excellent three points which takes us up to 6th in the league ! Happy days !

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.L.Howchin, 3.P.Wells, 4.N.Wilton 5.S.Smith 6.S.Gibbs 7.R.Wheeler 8.J.Payne 9.L.Irwin 10.L.Hayward, 11.S.Matuszewski. Subs: 12.M.Watson 14.S.Carney

Saturday 27th September 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 3 MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 3

The visit of Merley Cobham gave Westlands the opportunity to test themselves against one of the top sides in the league and we stood up well to the challenge. There was one change from last week with Nick Wilton restored to the starting line-up at the expense of Matt Watson who took a place on the bench with Leo Hayward and Sam Carney. The quality of these players on the subs bench shows there is good competition for places in the first team these days.

In the opening minutes it was the visitors who took charge pushing Westlands on to the back foot with some fast attacks. The pressure paid off with the opening goal in the 8th minute. A poor clearance went straight to a Merley player on the edge of the box and his shot eluded Sports keeper Sam Watts and finished in the bottom corner of the net. Sports were up against it now but we kept our heads up and gradually began to make some inroads into the opposition half. Nevertheless it wasn't until the 20th minute that we got an effort on target when a Will Ireland header from a free kick was saved. Westlands were gaining some confidence now and after half an hour Szymon Matuszewski whacked a shot goalwards from 25 yards which thumped off the crossbar and back into play. A few minutes later a Merley player was put clean through but Sam Watts managed to block the shot with his legs. Back came Westlands and Josh Payne headed a free kick back across the goalmouth but unfortunately there was nobody on hand to get on the end of it. It was end to end now and Sports keeper Sam Watts caused a moment of panic by missing a corner kick but luckily the final shot went over the top. In the 40th minute we equalised. A corner from the left caused a bit of indecision in the visitor's defence and as the keeper came for the ball WILL IRELAND beat him to the jump and headed into the net. The final action of the half saw Sam Watts make a diving save to turn the ball away for a corner which was cleared.

It had been a good first half with the visitors dominant early on but Westlands coming into it more and more as the half wore on. The 1-1 scoreline seemed a pretty fair reflection of the first half action.

Merley Cobham had the first attempt of the second half with a dipping shot which hit the bar and bounced out, but Sports hit back a couple minutes later by taking the lead in the 55th minute. Josh Payne made a quick break down the right and crossed for SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI to score with a diving header. This provoked a response from Merley and for the next 10 or 15 minutes Westlands had to work hard as they pushed men forward in search of the equaliser. A couple of substitutions, Sam Carney and Leo Hayward were introduced and this almost paid immediate dividends when Leo put over a lovely cross which Josh Payne met with his head on the run but once again the ball crashed off the crossbar and was cleared. In the 72nd minute the pressure told when Merley equalised. We were a bit slow to react when they took a short corner and when the ball came over their number 11 headed in. What a game this was and only three minutes later we had another dramatic twist when Westlands took the lead again. A long ball out of defence by Stu Smith caught the Merley defence flat-footed and LEO HAYWARD raced through to coolly lift the ball over the onrushing keeper into the net to make it 3-2 Westlands ! Merley Cobham had nothing to lose now and pushed their big centre half up front in an effort to get back into the game. In the 82nd minute they made it 3-3 when the number 11 turned on the edge of the box and fired a shot into the far corner. That set things up for an edgy finish as the visitors went looking for a winner. Matt Watson was brought on to help a tiring defence and his height proved an asset as a number of crosses were put into our box. I must admit I was quite glad to hear the final whistle which secured a good point for Sports. It had been a cracking match and Westlands had made a real fight of it so I reckon we deserved our point. Good football on offer from both sides and a real bargain for the spectators at only £2 admission fee !

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.L.Howchin, 3.P.Wells, 4.N.Wilton 5.S.Smith 6.S.Gibbs 7.R.Wheeler 8.J.Payne 9.L.Irwin 10.W.Ireland 11.S.Matuszewski. Subs: 12.L.Hayward, 14.M.Watson 15.S.Carney

Saturday 20th September, Dorset Premier League

CRANBORNE 1 WESTLAND SPORTS 2

Our see-saw form of 'win one lose one' continued on saturday with this victory at Cranborne. Again it was shirt-sleeve weather as Sports lined up with only one change from the previous week, Sam Carney being replaced by Josh Payne. Nick Wilton and Leo Hayward returned to the bench after suspension. The match started fairly low key but Sports enjoyed some good early possession which seemed to settle the pattern of the game. The first attempt on goal came in the 6th minute with an effort from Rob Wheeler which missed the target. Then on the ten minute mark we were shocked when the home side took the lead with their first real attack and their first shot at goal of the game. The ball was hit across the box from out wide on the right and as the Sports defence stood still the ball went all the way to their left winger who hit a first time shot which went low into the corner of the net. Bit of a soft one to lose and it took Sports a few minutes to settle down again after the shock. In the 20th minute Szymon Matuszewski drove into the box but was crowded out before he could get his shot away. A couple of minutes later we were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box but ballooned the shot over the top. Cranborne showed their teeth and Sam Watts had to pull off a good save to keep the deficit to one goal. On the half hour Josh Payne squared to Louis Irwin in the box but again the defenders blocked the effort. Nevertheless, 5 minutes later, we equalized. Louis Irwin turned the Cranborne defence inside out before squaring the ball across the goalmouth for JOSH PAYNE to prod in. That was no more than Sports deserved and for the remaining ten minutes of the half we kept it tight. Cranborne were playing long diagonal balls out of defence, mainly to their number 7 who had a bit of pace and delivered a good ball but long balls tend to suit Sports tall defenders so we were under no real pressure from the home side. Half-time 1-1 and from what we had seen the expectation was for Sports to come out and win this one.

The home side came out on the front foot, fired up as you would expect during the break, and put a good shot just wide of the target. But within a few minutes it was Westlands pressing again and after a corner kick Josh Payne made a good turn and put the ball across the face of the goal where Matt Watson just failed to connect. In the 50th minute we brought on Leo Hayward for Rob Wheeler and with 4 players up front now (Szymon, Louis, Josh, & Leo) we really went for it. The chances came thick and fast now and Leo had a shot blocked when Josh set him up. The Cranborne keeper was having one of those days when every shot seemed to be attracted to him and he made several good reaction saves. The Cranborne defenders were also defending well in numbers but the pressure was beginning to tell. In the 60th minute Szymon shot just past the post but a minute later we scored. It was a lovely passing move with the ball being worked across from right to left where the final delivery by Phil Wells picked out JOSH PAYNE at the near post and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. A cracking goal and a worthy matchwinner as it turned out. A minute later and Leo was clean through but the keeper deflected the ball for a corner. In the 68th minute Nick Wilton replaced Matt Watson as Sports continued to press. 70 minutes and Szymon Matuszewski had a shot saved by the keeper then Josh Payne shot past the post. In 79 minutes Szymon had another effort saved after Josh had set him up with a good run. In the 83rd minute Josh hit a good drive which the keeper saved. In the dying seconds we had a nasty fright when a Cranborne player was given a free header in the box but put his effort over the bar. Had we lost 2 points at that stage of the game it would have been a disaster but we got away with it and in the end thoroughly deserved our victory, but it just shows you need to take your chances when you get them or you may live to regret it.

This was another welcome win for Sports but we had to work hard for our three points and took a bit of a gamble by pushing 4 men forward in the second half. Great credit to the two lads, Sam Gibbs and Will Ireland, who remained in the midfield and worked their socks off in the second half to make it possible. With no more suspensions and hopefully no injuries for a bit we look forward to some exciting matches ahead.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.L.Howchin, 3.P.Wells, 4.M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.S.Gibbs 7.R.Wheeler 8.J.Payne 9.L.Irwin 10.W.Ireland 11.S.Matuszewski. Subs: 12.L.Hayward, 14.N.Wilton

Saturday 13th September, Dorset Premier League

STURMINSTER MARSHALL 4 WESTLAND SPORTS 2

Another bad day for Westlands as we slumped to our fourth 4-2 defeat of the season. After last week's good win there was only one change with Nick Wilton suspended and his place taken by Sam Gibbs. Josh Payne was back from holiday and took his place on the bench. Yet it all started so well for Sports as, after a couple of early attempts went wide we opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. A nice 1-2 between Will Ireland and SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI put Szymon through on goal and he drew the keeper and slotted the ball into the net to give us the lead. We were reasonably comfortable after this and created a couple of good chances but crucially they were missed. The home side were battling hard however and in the 40th minute they got the break they needed to get back into the game. A corner from the left struck Stu Smith's hand and was then cleared. The ref waved play on then changed his mind on the assistants say so. The same referee had done the same thing to us when we played Hamworthy Rec recently so it was a bit tough to take. Anyway they scored the penalty to make it 1-1 at the break.

The general opinion at half time was that Westlands had failed to take their chances and could have been a couple of goals ahead.

Both keepers were called into action in the opening 10 minutes of the second half. First the Stur keeper did well to save a Sam Carney free kick and then Sports keeper Sam Watts pulled off a good save from a close range header. After 60 minutes we got careless. A soft free kick was given away about 15 yards into our half, the free kick was pumped in and missed by our keepr giving an unmarked Stur player an empty goal to head into. Poor stuff from Sports but worse was to come with another big decision going against us. Szymon Matuszewski burst into the penalty area and was hacked down from behind. The referee then brandished the yellow card when many people assumed it would be red. Never mind, we had the penalty to come, or so we thought as the referee then astounded everyone by giving a free kick on the edge of the box. Double whammy there against Sports and our day went downhill from then on. In the 80 minute we gave the ball away in our own half and got punished with a ball in behind which their striker tucked away well. In the 86th minute it was 4-1 when a cross evaded everyone and was tapped in at the far post. Sports kept trying and in the last minute Sam Gibbs showed the right spirit by chasing a lost cause to the byeline and hooking the ball back for SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI to thump in and make the scoreline a bit more respectable.

This was a game we just need to put behind us, it wasn't our day, we didn't play particularly well especially in the second half when we got a bit sloppy. We also had a couple of decisions go against us so we just need to look forward to next week now and a trip to Cranborne.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.L.Howchin, 3.P.Wells, 4.M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.R.Wheeler 7.S.Gibbs 8.W.Ireland, 9.S.Carney 10.L.Irwin 11.S.Matuszewski. Subs: 12.J.Payne, 14.W.Gullin

Saturday 6th September, Dorset Premier League

SHAFTESBURY 0 WESTLAND SPORTS 2

Another good win on the road for Westlands against a side who have been going well this season. There were changes as usual, with Leo Hayward still suspended and Josh Payne on holiday Will Ireland and Sam Carney returned to the starting line-up. Louis Irwin stepped forward to make a new striking partnership with Szymon Matuszewski as we kicked off on a glorious sunny afternoon. Westlands looked composed early on and a good move saw Szymon M bring a good save from the Shaftesbury keeper in the 3rd minute. A minute later Szymon had another attempt on goal saved by the keeper and then Nick Wilton blazed one over the top as Sports kept the pressure on. In the 10th minute Shaftesbury created their first chance of the afternoon when Kimber cut inside from the left wing and shot just past the post. Two minutes later Sports went 1-0 up. Some good build up play down the left involving Phil Wells and Rob Wheeler saw Szymon Matuszewski get to the byeline and cut the ball back to Louis Irwin. His shot was blocked by the keeper but SAM CARNEY was following up to sidefoot into the net. 5 minutes later Szymon Matuszewski was clean through but blasted the ball over the bar. A second goal was on the cards and came in the 22nd minute with another well worked goal. Nick Wilton put a lovely ball inside the fullback for Will Ireland to run on to. Will cut the ball inside to LOUIS IRWIN who turned inside and with his left foot curled a beauty round the keeper into the far corner. The opposition heads were down now and with some composure in front of goal we could have gone further ahead. Szymon Matuszewski had a couple of chances and Phil Wells had one but we couldn't hit the target with our shots and so the half-time score was 2-0.

It had been a good half for Westlands as we had looked good going forward and had not really been troubled by the home attack

In the second half, as you would imagine, the home side came out with nothing to lose and put us under a bit of pressure. But we were still dangerous in attack and Szymon Matuszewski had the ball in the net in the 53rd minute but was flagged offside. Shaftesbury took the initiative and in the 57th minute we rode our luck when a good shot came back off our post with Sports keeper beaten. Another Shaftesbury shot then flew just wide before Westlands stemmed the tide a bit by forcing a corner which Matt Watson headed past the post. With 10 minutes to go Sports keeper Sam Watts made a good diving save from a Shaftesbury forward who was clean through. That put the lid on it really and we were able to play out time with the final action coming from Szymon Matuszewski who had a low drive saved by the home keeper.

This was a good performance from Westlands, with a good workrate and shape throughout the game, lets hope we can keep it going.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.P.Wells, 3.L.Howchin, 4.M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.R.Wheeler 7.N.Wilton 8.W.Ireland, 9.S.Carney 10.L.Irwin 11.S.Matuszewski. Subs: 12.S.Flynn, 14.S.Gibbs.

Saturday 30th August, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 1 HAMWORTHY RECREATION 4

It's groundhog day again, another home game - another four goals shipped ! To be fair, what looks like a comfortable victory for Hamworthy was not quite as easy as the scoreline suggests, for a while anyway. After the good win in midweek it was disappointing to see Sports had to make numerous changes for this match. Sam Gibbs, Will Ireland and Sam King all dropped out and were replaced by Matt Watson, Nick Wilton and Pete Lauchlan. Leo Hayward was suspended so Szymon Matuszewski took his place. Hamworthy had the first attack and forced an early corner which their lad headed over the bar. A few minutes later Westlands had a corner and did the same. over the top. In the 7th minute Ham Rec had a free kick in a dangerous position just on the edge of the box in a central position but once again it was put over the top ! Sports were competing well but on 20 minutes a Hamworthy forward looked to have an open goal but Sam Watts, the Sports keeper blocked his shot. Five minutes later Sam Watts had to look sharp to get down to a low header that was sneaking in at the post, turning it round for a corner. In the 30th minute Westlands had a great chance to take the lead. Stu Smith was barged over as he went for a corner kick and the ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Szymon Matuszewski stepped up to take it and to the astonishment of the home supporters he scuffed his kick past the post. I think everyone in the ground knew this was a costly miss. Against the top sides you have to take your chances when they come and to miss a penalty was a real blow. Nevertheless Sports kept going and Matt Watson got a shot away after a corner but scooped it over. Then in the final minutes of the half Szymon Matuszewski burst through the visitor's defence but the keeper rushed out to block his shot.

No score at half time was a decent result for Sports but we felt we should have at least scored one. From Hamworthy's point of view, I would say that perhaps they looked the more composed side and had certainly put the pressure on Sports at times during the first 45. Most people felt if we were going to win this one we would have to score first.

And only 2 minutes into the second half we almost did. The Rec keeper dropped a cross but Szymon Matuszewski's shot hit the post and came out. Two minutes later and another gilt-edged chance came Westland's way. Josh Payne drove down the right and squared the ball to Rob Wheeler who, with the goal at his mercy, blazed over the top. Only 7 minutes later we were made to pay when we handed them the lead. Matt Watson went to ground in the box and normally when you do that there is only one result - penalty ! The ref actually waved play on but the young linesman called him over and convinced him it was a penalty. Inevitably Ham Rec stuck the spot kick in the corner and we were 1-0 down. As often happens, once one goes in another soon follows and within four minutes Sports found themselves 2 down. We gave away possession in our own half from our own throw-in, the ball was moved inside and their lad smacked it low and hard into the back of the net from 20 yards. Sports didn't give up and in the 72nd minute we pulled one back to give ourselves a lifeline. A corner was headed clear but fell to ANT HERRIN at the edge of the box and he whacked it into the far corner. Right, 2-1, could Sports consolidate now and maybe sneak something late in the game. No was the answer as three minutes later we really shot ourselves in the foot. Nick Wilton dived into a crazy tackle in the box and not only gave away another penalty but got himself a straight red card. Ham Rec again tucked the kick away with their usual clinical efficiency and the game was all over. In the 80th minute with Westlands in disarray their centre forward ran through and slotted the ball coolly into the far corner of the net to end the scoring.

In the end a deserved victory for Hamworthy who looked a very efficient side, they kept the ball well, made good decisions and were clinical when the chances came. Sports put up a plucky fight but too many errors are still costing us dearly, and those penalties.........?

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.P.Wells, 3.L.Howchin, 4.M.Watson 5.S.Smith 6.R.Wheeler 7.N.Wilton 8.P.Lauchlan, 9.J.Payne 10.L.Irwin 11.S.Matuszewski. Subs: 12.S.Flynn (replaced 4), 14.A.Herrin (replaced 8), 15.Sam Plumley (replaced 3).

Thursday 27th August 2014, Dorset Premier League

SHERBORNE TOWN RES 1 WESTLAND SPORTS 4

Another local derby and Sports were hoping to repeat the victory at Tintinhull with the same at Sherborne. Manager Stu Smith kept faith with the team who had started against Parley for, although we lost, he was pleased with some aspects of the performance. We had a strong bench of Nick Wilton, Sam Carney, Matt Watson & Szymon Matuszewski as back up. The home team were eager in the early minutes, getting some possession and pumping a few balls into the Sports box which didn't really trouble us too much. The first real chance fell to Westlands. A long free kick was hung up to beyond the far post where Josh Payne got up well to head back to Sam King but unfortunately he sliced his shot wide. Sam Watts the Westlands keeper was then called into action with a couple of efforts that he pushed round for corners. Sherborne had the territorial advantage and on the half hour another high cross eluded the Sports defence and a home attacker got in at the far post but the angle was too acute and his shot hit the outside of the post and went behind. Sports had shown they were dangerous on the break and in the 36th minute Leo Hayward burst through the home defence and shot for goal. The keeper did well to block the shot but the ball spun into the air and when Leo headed it towards the empty net the post came to Sherborne's rescue and the ball bounced out and was cleared. Sherborne immediately got the ball up the other end but once again Westlands broke at pace. Again LEO HAYWARD was put clean through and this time he made no mistake, slotting the ball past the advancing keeper into the net. With less than 10 minutes until half-time Westlands were content just to keep it tight for the remainder of the half and turn round 1-0 up.

A good half by Westlands limiting the home side to a couple of half chances and looking dangerous on the break.

The second half began with Sports taking the initiative and the Sherborne keeper had to look sharp to save a Will Ireland shot. It didn't take long for the second goal to come. In the 52nd minute a deep cross to the far post eluded the Town keeper and as a couple of defenders desperately tried to clear, LOUIS IRWIN nipped in to prod the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0. Sherborne heads went down now and Westland's took control. Five minutes after the goal a glancing header from Josh Payne slipped past the post but on 60 minutes it was all over. SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI, who had replaced Leo Hayward, sprinted through the heart of the Sherborne defence and slipped the ball past the advancing goalie. Unfortunately the ball hit the post but Szymon was first to the rebound tucked the ball into the back of the net. Sherborne then took advantage of some sloppy Westlands defending to get themselves on the scoresheet. A corner from the left was only half cleared and was returned into the box where it fell to a home player who thumped it into the back of the net through a crowd of players. This was only a temperary lapse by Westlands and, as the Sherborne defence began to tire, we began to run them ragged. Szymon M got through but the keeper stopped his shot, then Josh Payne ran through but shot straight at the keeper. It looked odds on another goal was coming but we had to wait until the last moment for the icing on the cake. SZYMON MATUSZEWSKI picked the ball up 20 yards out and thumped a beauty past the startled home keeper. A fitting end to a good night for Sports and a welcome three points after the disappointment of saturday.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.P.Wells, 3.L.Howchin, 4.S.King 5.S.Smith 6.R.Wheeler 7.S.Gibbs 8.W.Ireland, 9.J.Payne 10.L.Irwin 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.S.Matuszewski (replaced 11), 14.N.Wilton (replaced 3), 15.Sam Carney (replaced 6).

Saturday 23rd August 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 2 PARLEY SPORTS 4

This was our third home defeat of the season and they have all been at home and all by the same score 4-2. Our generosity on our own ground will soon make us the most popular away day in the DPL. Sports had to make more changes with three players, Will Ireland, Sam Watts and Sam King, making their first start of the season. Nevertheless we started really well, hustling Parley out of their stride and mounting some early pressure on the visitors goal. After 5 minutes Josh Payne had the first good chance but his header failed to find the target. This was good stuff from Westlands and in the 12th minute we took the lead. JOSH PAYNE picked the ball up about 20 yards out, turned and whacked in a shot which whizzed over the keeper's head into the back of the net. Three minutes later we made it 2-0. A free kick from LEO HAYWARD curled over the wall and the goalkeeper, hit the far post and ended up in the back of the net. What a start for Sports but Parley rallied a bit and a good move from them saw a shot fly just over the bar. The remainder of the half was fairly even with neither side able to create a clearcut opportunity.

Two nil up at the break was a great result for Westlands as Parley are one of the top sides and we had come out on top in that first half. They would surely up their game now so what did Westlands have to do to hold on to this lead ?

Not give away soft goals would have been plan A but unfortunately we were unable to do that and in the end folded badly. We started with an attack and Rob Wheeler shot past the post but Parley soon showed they had nothing to lose and were going to make a fight of it. From a corner a Parley player got a free header but he put his effort past the post. In the 57th minute they got the goal they needed to get back into the game. Sam King got too close to an attacker from behind, there was contact and the result was inevitable - penalty ! The lad stuck it away and Westlands heads dropped. There were three crucial incidents in this game, the first was the crucial penalty we gave away to let them back into the game. The next happened shortly after when Josh Payne, who had caused the Parley defence problems all afternoon, was cynically hacked down knee high and was unable to take any further part in the game. As Josh is helped from the field their lad gets a yellow card and its job done as far as he's concerned. Not very just in my book ! Anyway Ant Herrin came on and he was part of the third crucial incident. This occurred just after Parley had equalised in the 70th minute with a shot from the edge of the box. Westlands mounted an attack down the left with the ball being played down to Louis Irwin. He cut the ball back to Ant Herrin who drilled a shot into the back of the net from the edge of the box. Unfortunately the linesman on the far side had seen an offside that no one else had seen and the goal was disallowed. Had this goal stood it would have put Westlands back in front and could have changed the game considerably. As it was it was a further hammer blow and three minutes later they made it 3-2. A long ball caught the Westlands defence a bit flat-footed and the centre forward ran through, went round the keeper, and slotted in from an acute angle. Five minutes later, in the 80th minute, we blew any chance we had of getting something from the game by giving away a fourth goal. Ant Herrin, in an unaccustomed defensive position, tried to play a pass straight across the edge of our own penalty box. The ball went straight to a Parley player who took one touch and banged it low and hard into the net. It was all over now and the visitors just had to play out time to take the points that had looked beyond them at half time. A poor second half from Westlands and a bit worrying that we seem to find it difficult to maintain concentration for 90 minutes. We showed we can do it in the Tintinhull game so thats the example we need to follow.

Westlands line up: 1.S.Watts, 2.P.Wells, 3.L.Howchin, 4.S.King 5.S.Smith 6.R.Wheeler 7.S.Gibbs 8.W.Ireland, 9.J.Payne 10.L.Irwin 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12. N.Carney (replaced 6), 14.A.Herrin (replaced 9), 15. M.Rousell (not used), 16.M.Watson (replaced 4).

Tuesday 19th August 2014, Dorset Premier League

TINTINHULL 0 WESTLAND SPORTS 1

After the doom and gloom of my two previous reports it is nice to be able to report another win for Westlands in our first away game of the season. The fact it was a local derby gave the result an extra edge so the victory was very welcome. Lets not get carried away, it was a pretty scrappy match but Sports put in a solid display and deserved the win. The home side had the early possession but once Westlands settled we began to put on the pressure and although not creating any clearcut chances looked the more likely side. Tintinhull had a half chance when Joe Smith had a clear header at goal, but he put it well over the top. Josh Payne & Leo Hayward, backed up by Mike Rousell & Rob Wheeler, were beginning to test the home defence and in the 41st minute the breakthrough came. LEO HAYWARD picked the ball up out on the right wing and ran at the defenders. Cutting inside on to his left foot he then smashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. A superb individual effort and a goal worthy of winning any match. 1-0 at half-time was just about deserved but neither keeper had really been troubled except of course for the goal.

Early in the second half Sports had a golden chance to put the game to bed when Josh Payne got behind the defence and squared the ball to Rob Wheeler who blasted over the bar with the goal at his mercy. The match then developed into a pattern which suited Sports quite well. Tintinhull were piling on the pressure but the final ball was usually a high punt into the goalmouth which Stu Smith and Nick Wilton dealt with fairly comfortably. When we did break we always looked dangerous and Leo Hayward's pace was always a problem for the home side. In the 72nd minute a Mike Rousell free kick from the edge of the box brought a great save from the home keeper who dived to tip the ball over the bar. Westlands held on for the win and a welcome three points on the road. The most pleasing thing was the general shape was much better than for the previous two games. Much of this was due to the return of Sam Gibbs to the midfield which he anchored superbly. Also our first clean sheet of the season was a bonus and was a reminder of last season when they were commonplace.

Westland's line up: 1.L.Silcox 2.L.Howchin 3.P.Wells 4.N.Wilton 5.S.Smith 6.S.Gibbs 7.R.Wheeler 8.M.Rousell 9.J.Payne 10.S.Carney 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.L.Irwin (replaced 7) 14.N.Carney (replaced 10).

Saturday 16th August 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 2 WAREHAM 4

Another bad day at the office for Sports and another home defeat. Three changes from Tuesday's lineup with Sam Gibbs, Sam Carney and Louis Irwin being replaced by Stu Smith, Wes Gullin and Mike Rousell. Sports were struggling from the start and after a couple of minutes a good ball into our box caused mayhem. Luke Silcox started to come for it, Wes Gullin decided he had better deal with it and the result was Wes's header looped over Luke's head, rebounded off the crossbar and in the scramble that followed, Wes's attempted block saw the ball strike his arm and the ref blew for a penalty ! All this and only less than three minutes gone ! Luckily for us the Wareham lad made a hash of the penalty, missing the target completely. In the 15th minute a Wareham corner caused a bit of panic in the Westland's defence but the ball was eventually cleared. Five minutes later Sports had a chance when Leo Hayward got a clear sight at goal, but unfortunately he scuffed his shot straight at the keeper. Next some sloppy defending by the home defence let an attacker run through but Luke Silcox somehow managed to scramble the ball away. On the half hour it was Wareham who still had the upper hand and their centre forward blasted a good chance over the top. Westlands then had a free kick on the edge and an attempt to tee Leo Hayward up with a short pass ended with a rushed shot which trundled past the far post. After 38 minutes Nick Wilton got his head to a corner kick but his effort went just wide of the post. Just as we thought we had done a good job by getting through to half-time on level terms we shot ourselves in the foot. Stu Smith lunged into a tackle mid-way inside our own half. The punishment was severe, a yellow card and the loss of the first goal. The free kick was delivered into the box and with all the Sports defenders drawn to the ball, the centre forward flicked it on to the far post where any one of three unmarked attackers could have turned it in.

One nil down at half time, could sports turn it round in the second half ?

Well it looked promising as Sports quickly created a few chances. Josh Payne fired a ball across the face of the goal but no-onre could get a touch. Then Leo squared to Mike Rousell but the keeper saved his shot. On 65 minutes the equaliser came when a snapshot from 18 yards by JOSH PAYNE caught the keeper off-guard and flew into the net. It was anyone's game now and a good shot on the run by Leo was saved before Nick Wilton got back to clear off the line after our keeper had been lobbed. In the 71st minute we lost that crucial second goal. Mike Rousell tried to beat a man in his own half, lost possession and a Wareham player ran forward and drove the ball low and hard into the bottom corner. Sports kept plugging away and in the 80th minute we got level again. This time a good passing movement ended with LEO HAYWARD firing in. unfortunately within 2 minutes we conceded again. We failed to clear the ball from a corner, it was returned into the box where everyone missed it and the ball was eventually knocked in from close range. With Sports now deflated and losing the plot it was no real surprise when Wareham made sure with a fourth goal late on. Just to finish things off, Nick Wilton talked himself into the book and Leo Hayward saw red for a dangerous tackle right at the death. The last few minutes showed a worrying lack of composure by some Westland's players and its something that will have to be sorted before we go into a couple of tasty local derbies.

Westlands team: 1.L.Silcox, 2.Phil Wells, 3.L.Howchin, 4.S.Smith, 5.M.Rousell, 6.S.Beard, 7.N.Wilton, 8.N.Carney, 9.J.Payne, 10.W.Gullin, 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.R.Wheeler (replaced 8), 14.J.Green (replaced 6), 15.P.Lauchlan (replaced 10)

Tuesday 16th August 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 2 MERE TOWN 4

After our good win first time out on saturday this result was a bit of a shock to the system. Our last defeat was when Berrow knocked us out of the Somerset Senior Cup in a penalty shoot-out last november so we are not accustomed to losing ! There was only one change in the lineup, Nat Carney replacing Matt Watson who was on holiday. Two familiar faces from days of yore, Mike Rousell and Dean Corden, have returned to the club and took their places on the bench. Mere started on the front foot and soon had us pinned in our own half. We were losing the 50-50 challenges and giving the ball straight back with too many touches when we did get it. It was no great surprise when the visitors took the lead after 15 minutes. A simple goal really, ball crossed from the left and a Mere player given time to control it and bang it into the net. Sports had a chance with a free kick on the edge of the box but Leo Hayward's shot flew just past the post. On the half hour mark we went 2 down. The young Mere centre forward waltzed past a couple of weak tackles and squared the ball to his team-mate who sidefooted it into the net. Things were looking black for Sports but we managed to pull one back within a minute. A long ball from the left found JOSH PAYNE at the far post and his header seemed to squirm through the keeper's hands before ending up in the back of the net. Sports were encouraged by this goal and the Mere keeper made a good save from a Rob Wheeler shot as we pressed for the equaliser. The last chance of the half fell to Louis Irwin who unfortunately blasted over the top.

A good end to the half for Westlands so there was some optimism at half-time that we could turn this match around.

Mere had different ideas however, and within 5 minutes of the break had restored their two goal lead. Again a simple goal, ball crossed in from a corner and a free runner bangs his header in. These goals were too easy but as in the first half Sports struck straight back. This time it was a Westlands corner from the left which JOSH PAYNE slammed in for his second goal of the match. Ok, 3-2, surely we could go on and get something out the game with over half an hour left. Next chance was created by Mere and Luke Silcox tipped a goal-bound shot over the bar. On the hour mark Josh Payne thumped in a fierce drive which was well saved by the Mere keeper. We then shot ourselves in the foot by giving away a silly free kick in our own half and failing to defend the kick when it came in. The Mere striker was the first man, and with no defender in front of him, he was allowed to put in a looping header which deceived the keeper and ended up in the back of the net. This goal restored Mere's two goal advantage and really took the wind out of Westland's sails. We huffed and puffed but couldn't really make much impression on a steady Mere defence. Near the end it was Sports keeper who had to make a good save to keep the score respectable.

So it ended 4-2 to the visitors and we can have no complaints about the scoreline. It was a disappointing performance from Westlands and all the players need to ask themselves if they did enough. Plenty then for the manager to ponder but not much time to do it before we play Wareham on saturday.

Westlands team: 1.L.Silcox, 2.Phil Wells, 3.L.Howchin, 4.S.Gibbs, 5.N.Carney, 6.S.Beard, 7.L.Irwin, 8.R.Wheeler, 9.J.Payne, 10.S.Carney, 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.M.Rousell (replaced 4), 14.S.Plumley (replaced 3), 15.D.Corden (replaced 8), 16.S.Smith (not used)

Saturday 9th August 2014, Dorset Premier League

WESTLAND SPORTS 4 HAMWORTHY UTD RESERVES 1

The first match of the season and the first in the Dorset Premier League for three seasons saw a decent crowd enjoy a sunny day at Alvington Lane. Sports line-up for the match showed a few changes from last season with new signings Lewis Howchin, Rob Wheeler, Sam Beard and Sam Plumley all making their debuts for the senior side. For the first 20 minutes, though, things didn't look too good for Sports as they looked a bit shell-shocked and allowed the visitors to control the match. Westland's keeper Luke Silcox had to be on his toes on a couple of occasions to keep us on level terms but in the 22nd minute Hamworthy took the lead. A corner from the left was whipped in to the near post where it was squeezed past the defender on the line into the net with a deft flick. Westlands had managed a couple of breaks with Leo Hayward looking the main danger foraging down the left wing and it was Leo who stung the keeper's hands with a good run and shot in the 24th minute. Shortly after, Josh Payne created a chance but had his shot blocked but in the 37th minute Sports equalised. Leo Hayward was the creator, getting to the byeline and firing over a low cross which LOUIS IRWIN slotted in from 10 yards. Sports were looking stronger now and the half ended at 1-1 with Westlands beginning to get a foothold in the game.

The second half was only 2 minutes old when Leo Hayward burst clean through but his finish was straight at the keeper. Three minutes later Leo blasted over from a good position as Westlands began to turn the screw. In the 65th minute we got our noses in front for the first time. That man LEO HAYWARD, who was proving a real problem for the Hamworthy defenders, ran on to a bouncing through ball and as the defenders hesitated, he knocked it past the advancing keeper to make it 2-1. Westlands were in full flow now and 5 minutes later we scored again. This time it was JOSH PAYNE who ran through and as the goalkeeper and a defender converged on him he managed to squeeze the ball in at the second attempt. 3-1 to Westlands, surely the points were in the bag. In the 75th minute Sam Beard got his head to a corner and his effort just grazed the crossbar. In the 85th minute we made certain with a 4th goal. A Hamworthy defender saved a goalbound shot with his hand and got the inevitable result, a penalty and a red card ! LEO HAYWARD stepped up for the spot kick and banged it in to make it 4-1 to Sports. There was still time for some late drama in the last minute when Hamworthy were awarded a penalty for a clumsy challenge in the box. Sports keeper Luke Silcox, who saved a penalty in the last match of last season, made it two in a row, diving low to his right to make the save. An excellent end to the match for Sports young keeper who had looked very assured throughout. Also a fine start to the season for Westlands on their return to the DPL. After a sticky start we settled down and in the second half began to play some good football.

Westlands team: 1.L.Silcox, 2.Phil Wells, 3.L.Howchin, 4.S.Gibbs, 5.M.Watson, 6.S.Beard, 7.L.Irwin, 8.R.Wheeler, 9.J.Payne, 10.S.Carney, 11.L.Hayward. Subs: 12.N.Carney(replaced 8), 14.S.Plumley (replaced 3), 15.W.Gullin (replaced 5), 16.S.Smith (not used)