MATCH REPORT: WESTFIELD FC

Rotherfield were always going to be in a tough fixture away to promotion hopefuls Westfield and today was no exception.

Rotherfield, in all white, had an early scare when Max Carbune went down within the first opening minutes and looking to be in some distress. After assessment, Max was able to continue without further problems.

Towards the end of the opening 15 minutes, Westfield's Corey Wheeler, played a ball into the box which illuded new goal keeper James Gurney and nestled into the net. 1-0 to the hosts.

Rotherfield seemed unsettled and struggled to get a foothold on the game. However, Westfield didn't properly trouble the visitors goal until 40th minute when Patteson Riugaimae hit the post from a powerful half volley.

Just before halftime, Rotherfield came close to equalising. A foul on veteran John Sinclair, allowed Sam Saunders to deliver a freekick which Max Carbune headed over the bar.

The visitors emerged from the dressing room after the break with more intent and retained possession more effectively. Ten minutes into the second half, Rotherfield were awarded a throw in. Debutant Fraser Kent, tossed in a long throw which was nodded on across the box by Mike Peevor, which allowed for Sinclair to hit a shot just over the bar.

This was a match with clear chances few and far between but with 15 minutes of normal time remaining, Westfield had a powerful effort from a wide right position, hit across goal, which looked destined to double the hosts lead until Gurney got across the goal to save with a strong left hand.

Then in the last remaining minutes, Archie Russell, who had an outstanding performance at right back, defended well and prevented a low cross from connecting with a Westfield forward, but he was on the receiving end of a firm challenge which led to the ball being turned over and resulting shot ricocheted off Callum Ridley for a corner. 

Then deep into the six minutes of stoppage time, Rotherfield were awarded a corner, leaving Callum Ridley and keeper Gurney back. Westfield managed to breakaway. Ridley proved calm under pressure and jockeyed Riugaimae as he advanced towards goal. He played a ball square, by which time Gurney had come off is line and saved with his body. The loose ball from the save was blasted over.

Squad: Gurney, Russell, Carbune, Ridley, Kerslake, Peevor, Sinclair, Saunders, Kent, Morrow, Coleman

Bench: Ridley (Bobbie), Bristow, Parsons, Dunn

RFC Man Of The Match: Archie Russell

Next Up:

Home vs Polegate Town

23 August, KO2pm.