Team: Howl,
McNab, Hood, Russell, Sinclair, Woodland, Olver
Subs: Lister, Middleton, Price
It’s derby day, the big one against local rivals Droitwich Spa
Wolves, these games mean a lot, this is all about the bragging
rights at school on Monday morning. Full compliment of players for
the coaches to pick from today, and going with the familiar 2 – 3 –
1 formation, with the two wingers of Russell and Olver encouraged to
get forward. Westbury got things underway, on paper these two teams
are very similar, and so the supporters are expecting an
entertaining game.
Straight from the off Westbury started to play some of the flowing
football the supporters had seen in the previous games. Olver and
Sinclair have a lovely 1-2 down the left that cut the Droitwich
defence apart, the cross was well taken by the Droitwich keeper.
Droitwich press down the right but McNab, is as solid as ever and
booted the attempted through ball into row Z, what every defender
should do! Russell on the wing is not giving the Droitwich player
any time on the ball and his constant pressure forces the mistake,
Westbury corner, excellent determination.
With nothing coming from the corner, the keepers shot went straight
to Russell and another flowing, almost one touch football, between
Russell, Olver and Sinclair, the resulting shot from Russell, who
started the move was just over, but what a move it was like watching
it on the telly! Olver is enjoying himself on the wing he easily
has the making of his opposite number, as he flew off down the wing,
shrugs off a couple of attempted tackles, fires the ball into the
box, all it needed was a foot, but it was just too far ahead of
Sinclair and Russell.
McNab and Woodland are looking solid as usual at the back, and both
are seeing a bit more action as Droitwich are trying to force
themselves into the game, as so far it has been all Westbury. A
resulting Droitwich corner was fired high into the box and the
Droitwich striker, managed to break free from his defender, 1 – 0,
completely against the run of play.
Woodland who had picked up a knock just before the goal was subbed,
Price on in his place. Previously we would have seen heads drop, but
not any more, Westbury are straight on the attack, pressing for an
equaliser, but Droitwich buoyed by the goal are looking to add to
the score line.
Hood who was having another solid game broke down the attack,
slipped it to Sinclair, out to Olver, back to Sinclair through to
Russell, 1-1, what a move, this really was superb, one minute
defending, the next the ball is in the back of the net, counter
attacking at its best.
The supporters knew this was going to be a good match, and again,
after some smart defending from Price, Westbury went on the counter
again, Price slipped it to Hood, quick pass to Russell to Sinclair,
out wide to Olver, back in to Sinclair who was in some great space,
and fired it off 1 – 2, again the supporters, could look on in
amazement, another wonderful move that cut the opposition apart.
A quick change Lister on for Russell, which meant a swap round for
Olver to the other side, Price was called upon but with McNab, they
easily weathered the storm. Another quick change Sinclair off
Middleton on, straight away the 2 newcomers, are in the action,
Lister down the line easily past 2 Droitwich players, and sent the
cross into the box, just had too much on for Middleton who was
trying his best to get on the end of it.
Droitwich pressed using the flanks, the player was free in the box,
just about to fire when Lister who had tracked back slid in stole
the ball and slipped it to Hood. This is what typifies the team at
the moment; they are all working just as hard defending as they are
attacking. With the half drawing to a close Olver won a corner,
that was sent in superbly by Hood, who found Lister in space, who
shot on the volley, would have been a wonder goal, but was just wide
of the right corner. Olver Had the final shot of the half just wide
of the post.
Half Time 1 - 2
Change for the second half, Woodland on for McNab, Middleton won a
free kick early on in the second half, after being knocked off the
ball, Hood sent it out wide to Lister who was working well with
Middleton, but this time couldn’t find him in the box.
Hood again brought the ball down sent a great cross but again no one
was able to get on the end of it, a good passage of play though. Olver
who like the first half was having great success down the flank and
was sending cross after cross into the box, pinning the Droitwich
players in their own half.
Lister was pressing on the other wing and close to the Droitwich box
won a free kick; he’s making a habit of this twice in 2 games, keep
it up! Hood stepped up and with what looked like a congested
penalty box, it was fired in. Olver found himself unmarked and in
space, he didn’t even need to move as he headed the ball past the
keeper, who was rooted to the spot, 1 - 3, an excellent goal,
delivery and finish.
Westbury hadn’t finished though, almost straight away from the kick
off, Middleton stole the ball passed to Olver, who was running in
space down the line, a perfect cross, was met by Hood, and slotted
home 1 – 4, Westbury are running riot now, full of confidence, and
nothing short of deserved.
Sinclair was back on for Lister, and was straight away putting
pressure on the Droitwich defence. Droitwich are changing tack and
are putting people up the field, hoping for a counter, but Price has
it easily covered, and calmly intercepted a through ball, and played
the ball out of defence to Sinclair and the counter was on again a
quick pass to Russell, sent the cross in, but was intercepted.
Woodland was making his presence known to the attackers, and like
Price calmly played the ball out of defence to Hood, who sent a
cross in by the corner flag, and Middleton headed it home 1 – 5, two
headed goals unbelievable, very well taken goal under pressure as
well.
Droitwich are trying the shoot on sight tactic, and are firing shots
from long range at Howl, who really has had very little to do, but
when called upon he was excellent and parried away a couple of on
target and powerful shots, well done Howl. Final change, Olver off
Lister back on. With the ref checking his watch Russell and Lister
kept the pressure on the Droitwich defence, both looking for an
opening, but time got the better of them as the ref blew.
Full Time: 1 - 5
MOTM: Olver, 100% deserved, was excellent today down the line he
seemed to have a magnet on his foot as the ball always seamed to
head to his feet. He was terrorising the Droitwich defence with his
strength and crossing, well done.
Superb display from the team this morning, again the football
especially in the first half was nothing short of breathtaking,
flowing moves, 1-2’s positions, tracking back, everything you like
to see, but not very often all in the same game. Westbury dominated,
in fact the Droitwich goal was against the run of play. The result
bodes well for next weeks cup match, but only if the lads play as
well as today.
Managers' Comments
What a breath taking performance, the passing and movement
especially in the first half was outstanding, though we let in a
sloppy goal because we weren't all concentrating, I am pleased that
you didn't drop your heads and it didn't affect your performance.
A special mention to the midfielders today; Hood, Russell, Olver,
Lister and Sinclair, you gave a dominating performance, with
clinical passing and movement that would have destroyed any team.
Keep it up!
Man of the Match this week could have been given to any of the
players as you all put in a good performance, however, one player
put on a fantastic display with his committed tackling and sublime
dribbling, well done Olver, you deserved it.
Remember, if you keep putting in that kind of effort and
performance, you will find it easy to beat any team. |
|
