Match Report   01/03/08.

Rotherfield United 0 v Westwood Wanderers 1.

The last game of the season threw us up against the mighty Rotherfield in what was a title decider between the two front runners in the division one race. 

Conditions were dry with the sun trying to break through the over head cloud cover, albeit there was quite strong wind blowing across the pitch. The Westwood support had come out in numbers this week with parents, grandparents and uncles and aunts dominating one side of the touch line.

The ref got the game started and it was clear from the opening exchanges that both sides were up for the match. As in recent weeks the green and white hoops were the more attacking team and set about the Rotherfield goal looking for an early break through. A ball through from Nathan set Ben clear in the Rotherfield half only to be tripped from behind. He dusted himself down and made them pay with a stunning free kick that whistled into the top corner. This was soon followed by another great effort after good work by Joe and Adam released Ben who smashed one against the bar. Rotherfield clearly shaken by this early onslaught started finding their way and it wasn't long before they were causing problems down the other end. A succession of corners and throw-ins had to be smartly dealt with by George and Nathan, with safe hands Matthew behind mopping everything else up. One lucky escape did come our way when a Rotherfield player broke free of his marker to strike a fine shot against the foot of our post, and then the danger was quickly averted by Matthew who pounced on the loose ball.

Halt time 0-1.

The second half was as frantic as the first with neither side giving an inch; Nat was causing problems with his pace, but just couldn't break free of a well organised Rotherfield defence. At the other end more defending had to be done by Callum, Josh and Joe meeting everything that the Rotherfield side threw at them. When play quickly switched down the other end Adam, Reece and Nat were working hard to force a second goal, but the Rotherfield back line held firm. Ben was now dropping deeper to help smother the Rotherfield attacks and with the play switching so frantically nobody seemed to hear the final whistle that brought the curtain down on a fabulous game of football.

Man of the match this week went to Joe for an outstanding all round display, but in truth all ten deserved the award this week.   

Me and Simon would like to say a massive well done to all ten boys for a fantastic first season in the Hicks Development League, progressing from Division 2 to compete with the big guns in Division 1 and prevailing as top dogs. Also a big thank you to all the parents and relatives for their continued support throughout the season which has really helped the boys on their way.

Match Report - February 23rd.

Westwood Wanderers 6 v Meadway Youth 0.

Due to the half term holidays my side kick Simon was away body surfing down on the west coast, last spotted by an oil tanker going the wrong way across the English Channel; let’s hope he makes it back for training Monday. This meant no Nathan and with both Reece and Nat being struck down by sickness we were down to the bare 7.

The team lined up with Callum between the sticks, Nathan and George marshalling the defence, Joe, Ben and Adam controlling midfield with Matthew (aka Robbie Fowler) patrolling the front line.

The first half saw us kicking up the hill and into quite a stiff breeze, this did not faze the boys as we were soon pushing forward looking for the opening goal, which came about after lovely linking play between Joe and Matthew, who then pierced the Meadway defence to send Adam clean through to smartly finish beyond the keeper. You could sense the second goal was not far away, as the team drove on in search of doubling their lead. George found Ben down the left wing who tried his luck from a long way out to see his shot nestle firmly in the bottom corner.

Half time 2-0.

Adam now took on the gloves for the second half with Callum slotting into the right wing role. With the wind firmly behind us and the slope in our favour the boys kept up the intensity of the first half and were soon rewarded with a third goal after a splendid run by Joe sent him past two Meadway defenders to calmly dispatch the ball in the Meadway net. As the boys now sensed more goals the midfield trio momentarily forgot their defensive duties, but with the reliable Josh and George at the back any threats on our goal were calmly dealt with. We then broke down the other end and a fine cross by Callum was met by both Matthew and a Meadway defender sliding in on goal, with the momentum taking the ball across the line, Matthew assures me his was the final touch as all good strikers would! We were now looking dangerous every time we attacked and from a corner, Ben floated one over the defence to Matthew at the far post who rose like a salmon to CHEST the ball home. Another corner followed shortly after with Callum knocking it short to Ben, who smashed it first time in off the bar to wrap up a 6-0 victory.

Well played to the Meadway team who never gave up, but they caught us on a good day in front of goal with most efforts ending up in the back of the net.

Man of the match this week goes to my fox in the box Matthew who when asked to play up front always has a knack of finding the back of the net and also linked up play well with other team members

Match Report February 9^th 2008

Reading Rangers 0 v Westwood Wanderers 2.

As last week the sun was shining brightly, but temperatures were certainly not the same as the cold winter chill had set in. What we needed now was a performance from the boys to warm everyone up and we were not disappointed.

In our first match against them, Reading Rangers had held us to a draw, so the boys new they had to be up for this game and signs from the first whistle were very promising as we were soon on the front foot. With only a few minutes on the clock Joe found Ben in space in the opposition half, only one thing on his mind, the right foot went back, the trigger pulled, the ball flew into the Reading goal 0-1. Reading soon started coming into the game and looked dangerous on the counter attack, but as in previous weeks, the defence was being well marshalled by George and Nathan, with Matthew in goal behind looking more than comfortable. Play soon switched down the other end and with the ball at his feet Ben bamboozled three Reading players to send Nat clear, only to put the ball the wrong side of the post and hit the side netting.

Half time 0-1.

Westwood again started the second half strongly, with strong runs by both Adam and Nat, only being stopped by last ditch Reading tackles. Callum and Josh who had now been introduced into the fold were both soon in the thick of the action with tackles being made and linking play up well with the other green and white stripes. Breaking out of defence Ben released Nat on the half way line, no one was going to catch him as he bore down on goal, and this time the finish was measured as he gave the keeper no chance. Reading Rangers now threw everything at us including the kitchen sink, only to be denied by goal line clearances and one almighty scramble finished with Matthew just clawing the ball back before it crossed the line. With the Rangers team committing to all out attack this did leave them open at the back and only fine goalkeeping prevented Adam and Callum adding to the score line.

Full time 0-2.  

Both Simon and I would like to congratulate all the boys for a fine team performance against a very talented Reading Rangers side who boast some very skilful players. Keep playing like this and we shall have to call up Steve Coppell, as he needs all the help he can get at the moment.

 Match Report February 9^th 2008

Westwood Wanderers 2 v Woodley Hammers Black 1.

Conditions were more fitting for spring considering that we were still only in early February as the sun shone brightly down on the Woodford Park venue. This was our second reverse fixture of the season against a Woodley Hammers side that had given us one of our toughest matches first time around and this game proved to be no different.  

At last the boys listened to Simons pre-match team talk and were on the front foot from the first whistle.  Adam and Joe caused havoc down both wings whilst Nat’s pace up front created all sorts of panic in the Woodley defence.  After five minutes, Adam found himself clean through, only to strike the post and then five minutes later, he again was denied a fantastic goal, when a strike cannoned back off the crossbar.  Woodley slowly came into the game and started putting our defensive duo of George and Callum under pressure, but with Nathan our last line of defence in goal, we were coped admirably with everything that they threw at us.

As the half time was drawing to a close, Ben took a throw-in from the left wing, which Joe met with a glancing header, the bounce seemed to deceive the keeper and Matthew was on hand to force the ball over the line.

Half time, 1 - 0

Woodley came out second half with all guns blazing and it wasn’t long before they drew level with a very well taken goal from a free kick, that was converted at the near post giving Joe no chance in goal.  This spurred Woodley on and gave them confidence to try and secure a second goal but after weathering the storm Westwood were soon pressing for the winner in the Woodley half, which came in the way of a free kick which Ben converted via a slight deflection off a Woodley head, which gave the keeper no chance.  Callum then found himself clean through only to be denied by a good save from the keeper.

Full time. 2 - 1 

Man of the match this week goes to George Clark for again being Mr Consistent and ably coping in defence with all that Woodley had to throw at us.

Match report Saturday 2nd February.

Caversham Trents 0 v Westwood Wanderers 1.

 We ran out 4-0 victors when we first played Caversham in our opening game when promoted to Division one, however this was always going to be much tougher against a much improved Caversham side.

The game started off very tightly with both midfields cancelling each other out, however it was Caversham who had the first chance, when a direct free kick was powerfully struck, but was well saved by Ben.

Joe and Callums probing in midfield slowly picked up our game and it almost paid off when a vicious strike from Callum narrowly missed the target. Nathan and George were now looking more comfortable in defence and a long ball out from Nathan found Nat through on goal, only some good covering from a Caversham defender averted the danger. We were suddenly caught napping in the middle and a Caversham striker burst through our ranks, Ben was quickly off his line to just get to the ball first and clear it into touch.

Half time 0-0.

The second half started much like the first with Caversham in the ascendancy and Josh pulled off a fine save in goal to keep the scores level. Another scramble in our box saw Matthew clear our lines and again avoid any danger of a Caversham lead. As the half pressed on we started to get a grip of the game and a fine ball through by Adam sent rocket man Nat clear on goal, a fine finish and we were 1-0 up. The midfield was now beginning to dominate with Reece, Ben and Joe pulling the strings. Nat was soon sent racing clear again, surely the same outcome, the Caversham keeper had other ideas and pulled off a fine save. As the referee blew the final whistle Adam struck from long range and saw the ball fly into the net, unfortunately for him it was a millie second to late as the game had ended, speaking to his dad yesterday it took him almost an hour to convince Adam that the goal had not stood. Never mind Adam you can save that one for another week.

Man of the match this week went to Nathan for a solid display in defence and for also turning many defensive positions into attacking ones with his distribution out from the back. 

Match Report Saturday 26th January.

Westwood Wanderers 3 v Wrightchoice 2.

After a two week break due to the rain we were back against a very physical Wrightchoice side.

Absentee for the day was Joe.

We started the game very positively with Ben marshalling the midfield and with Callum and Adam raiding down both flanks. Adam was enjoying his new role out wide and soon found himself attacking the rightwing before cutting inside to fire home to put us 1-0 up. Wrightchoice attacked from the re-start and George found himself one on one with their striker, before putting in the tackle of the year and averting any danger. The play soon switched to the other end and Adam again found space after good work from Nat to fire home his second goal. A double substitution saw Reece and Josh entering the fray and they soon found themselves both bearing down on goal, only to be denied by a last gasp tackle.

Half time 2-0.

The second half started with Wrightchoice trying to force the play and they soon pegged a goal back when from a corner the ball cannoned off Ben and flew past Nathan into the goal. This spurred Wrightchoice on who came looking for the equaliser and were soon back on level terms after a good finish from their striker.

Instead of panicking this spurred our boys on with both Matthew and Ben tacking like tigers in the middle of the pitch against some very determined play from the Wrightchoice team. Nat was released by Matthew only to cannon the ball against the post, but he wasn't to be denied when a ball by Ben sent him racing clear to fire home and secure a 3-2 victory.

Well done boys for grinding out a result against a powerful Wrightchoice side, man of the match this week went to Adam for adapting so well to the right wing role and scoring two fine goals. 

Match Report Saturday 5th January.

Maidenhead 2 v Westwood Wanderers 3.

Our first game back in the New Year saw us take on a very strong Maidenhead side. Absentees for the day were Callum who was still partying into the new year and Reece who was at Panto, oh no he wasn't, oh yes he was! Sorry but could not resist.

On with the match report.

It looked like the boys had taken mine and Simons advice and stayed clear of all the parents alcohol that would have been lying around their houses as they started the game very strongly and were soon attacking Maidenhead down both flanks with both Joe and Adam causing problems with their pace. After good work from Nat the first chance fell to Joe, but the pace of the ball just beat his outstretched left foot. Maidenhead slowly came into the game and started pressing our defence that was well marshalled by both Nathan and Matthew, however after a slight lapse in concentration we found ourselves 1-0 down when Maidenhead fired home. This almost became 2-0 within seconds only for George to come flying out of his goal to dive bravely at the Maidenheads player’s feet to avert the danger. As the half time whistle approached Westwood surged forward one more time on the Maidenhead goal and after good work between Adam and Nat, Joe found himself in on goal and brought us level to go in at the break 1-1.

A reshuffle at half time saw us go back to our normal 2, 2, 2 formation which soon paid dividends as a big throw from Ben on the right reached Joe in the box who smashed the ball home. This almost became 3 when Josh fired in from the right only to narrowly miss the target. Soon we were on the back foot as Maidenhead came in search of an equaliser and after an almighty scramble in our penalty box the ball was forced home. A draw looked on the cards, but our boys had other ideas, as Ben picked up a loose ball in midfield and released Matthew through one on one with the keeper, as we all held our breath he tucked it to the keepers right and gleefully spun away as the ball nestled in the bottom right hand corner of the net to seal a 3-2 victory. It must be said that Maidenhead have some very talented boys that will give others teams some very tough games and it was good to see the football played between to even sides and also the spirit in which it was played.

This week’s man of the match was very close as all the boys put in plenty of effort, but for a great double strike and tireless running this week Joe takes the honours.

December 1^st Match Report

Westwood Wanderers 1 v Woodley Saints 2

Our first defeat of the season brought us back down to earth and has given us food for thought over the Christmas period.

The game had barely got going when we found ourselves 1-0 down. A long range shot from a Woodley Saints player bounced over Callums head and into the roof of the net, even one of our tallest players would have struggled to reach it, so Callum had no chance. With the wind firmly behind them Woodley Saints were looking the stronger, but Nathan and George were resolute in defence and Callum in goal was very comfortable with anything that came his way. Slowly we started to get into the game and found ourselves level when Ben smartly tucked away the equaliser. Half time looked like it was going to be all square, however we committed the cardinal sin and allowed Woodley a second goal with almost the last kick of the half.

Time to re-group and a half time pep talk from me and Simon and let the oranges do their trick!

With the wind firmly behind us we started the second half strongly and were soon testing the Woodley defence, but you just sensed it was going to be one of those days as we found the Woodley keeper in stirling form. Nat, Matthew, Joe and Ben all saw efforts saved or go narrowly wide and when Woodley did counter attack Josh, Reece and Adam in goal looked very comfortable. The clock was ticking down and still the boys were trying to find a way through, but the red and white stripes of Woodley had been well drilled and refused to give up their lead. The ref blew the final whistle and our unbeaten run had been ended, but I can’t fault the boys effort.

Man of the match this week goes to Ben, who’s all round work rate could not be questioned and for driving the team on until the final whistle.    

Match Report Nov 24^th

Westwood Wanderers 6 v AFC Whitchurch 2

The game today was a lot closer than the score line suggests and only a 5 minute purple patch in the second half saw us home.

We started off strongly and got our noses in front when Nat put us 1-0 up. A couple more chances fell to both Matthew and Joe but the Whitchurch keeper did well to save both. Nathan in goal was called upon to make a couple of saves, but could do nothing to stop Whitchurch equalising and take the score into halftime at 1-1.

The second half started slowly but then suddenly after 5 minutes Westwood sprang into life with goals coming in quick succession from Joe 2, Ben 2 and Matthew 1 that put us 6-1 up. Reece now playing up front went on a couple of mazy runs and was only stopped by some good Whitchurch defending. Whitchurch however never gave up and only a fine diving save from Josh denied a quick response. A second goal did come Whitchurchs’ way just before full time which was just rewards for their fighting display.

Man of the match this week went to Reece for his continued effort wherever he is asked to play on the pitch.

John.   

Match Report 17^th November

Westwood Wanderers 1 – Reading Rangers 1

Without doubt the toughest game we have had to date.  The game kicked off at a frantic pace with both teams trying to stamp their authority on the game early on.  However, the break through came when a through ball by Ben found Nat who raced clear and smacked an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Our lead was almost extended when Adam found himself clear on goal but narrowly missed the target.  It was not long before we found ourselves under pressure and Reading Rangers equalised with a splendid finish that gave Matthew no chance.  The half time whistle went with evens honoured and everybody trying to catch their breath.

The second half started and our defensive duo of Nathan and George were put under immense pressure by the Reading attack but coped admirably with everything that was thrown at them.  Westwood soon found themselves more in possession as the half went on, with Callum and Josh both trying to get forward to help the front two of Adam and Joe.  However, with chances still falling at both ends the game ended all square which on reflection was a fair result.   

Man of the match this week goes to Nathan for a splendid display at the back.

Match Report: Saturday 10th September.

Westwood 2 V Woodley Hammers Black 1.

Autumn had finally set in with conditions being ever so windy, which made the temperature seem even colder than it probably was.

The game kicked off and straight away it became apparent that this was going to be our toughest game to date as Woodley Hammers were quickly on the attack. Our defence stood resolute with George and Josh both tackling like tigers to keep Woodley at bay. We soon came into the game as an attacking force and it wasn't long before both Adam and Matthew were trying their luck in front of goal. Our first goal came via root one, with a goal kick from Ben clearing the half way line and all the Woodley defenders for Adam to race onto and smash a fine shot into the roof of the net.

Half time 1-0.

The second half saw us having to cope with the wind in our faces, but we were straight on the front foot, as a throw from Ben released Joe down the left wing who beat a couple of players and then cut the ball back for Ben to finish off a lovely move. Reece was soon released with a pass out from the back by Nathan and was closing in on goal, before two Woodley defenders got back and closed him down.

Woodley started pressing for a goal to get back in the game and only a fine diving save from Matthew kept them out. However they were not to be denied and scored with a couple of minutes to go after a scramble in our box. The final whistle came just in time as we were holding out for victory against a determined Woodley side.

Well done lads for your gritty display and the award this week for man of the match was given to Adam for a brilliant strike and continued hard work in leading the attack. 

John.

Fixture diary for 2007.

November 17th Reading Rangers.

November 24th AFC Whitchurch.

December 1st Shinfield Royals.

Match Report 3/11/07

Match Report 13/10/07

Match Report 06/10/07

Match Report 30th September

This weeks Man of the Match went to Callum for his continued effort wherever he plays and for producing some lovely skills.

Burghfield Blues 0 - Westwood Wanderers 11