Match Report: Westfield Reserves 2-2 Rotherfield FC

Rotherfield FC started their 2026/27 league campaign with a point away from home after a 2-2 draw against Westfield Reserves. Two long-range strikes from Jack Spampanato and Finlay McLeod were two high points in a dramatic affair at the Knight & Davey Community Stadium.

After a positive pre-season campaign, the Greens started the game well finding Tommy Overton’s feet regularly but found the final ball lacking. Enjoying comfortable possession at the back, Rotherfield tried to build their way through the thirds patiently but didn’t manage to test the keeper in the opening

exchanges.

It was the away side though who broke the deadlock after a well-worked set piece found Jack Spampanato on the edge of the box who unleashed a left-footed strike that nestled into the roof of the net.

The opening goal sparked the hosts and Westfield enjoyed their best period of the half. After forcing a number of openings, Westfield found their way back onto level terms. Switching off momentarily, an untracked runner slipped in behind on Rotherfield’s left hand side who found the bottom corner well.

At half-time, the call was for greater tempo and incision in Rotherfield’s play but the second half started in the worst possible fashion. A loose pass inside was pounced upon in midfield as Rotherfield skipper Sam Saunders was obstructed, and the ball worked to the back post where the Westfield attacker finished excellently.

In the aftermath of the goal, Rotherfield were reduced to ten men momentarily as a sin-bin was called after the protests after the goal. The Greens reacted brilliantly to this and not only defended stoutly, but found a number of openings during this period.

Attacking changes brought more opportunities for the away side with Connor Morrow enjoying plenty of joy down the right-hand side. Good defending from the hosts managed to clear a number of crosses into the box when it looked like a goal was beckoning.

As the game progressed, Rotherfield enjoyed the lion share of the ball and continued to push for the equaliser. The hosts were harshly denied a penalty with twenty minutes to go, an incident which left skipper Saunders having to limp off the pitch such was the impact of the tackle. A late water break was called with only ten minutes of the game remaining and the call came for continued patience in

the final third.

That patience was rewarded thanks to excellent play down the left and an inspired substitution from Gaffer, Wayne Clarke. The returning Finlay McLeod found himself in space on the corner of the box and unleashed an amazing curling effort which nestled into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations from the away side.

With a few minutes left on the clock, Rotherfield continued to push for a winner and a number of corners looked threatening but the hosts defended resolutely.

An afternoon of what might have been in many ways, but still a positive first point on the board for Rotherfield as they look forward to travelling to Whyteleafe next weekend to take on the EMC Academy.

Lineup: Gurney; A Cole (Mintrim, 70), Bowen, Ridley, Kerslake; Sinclair, Saunders (Chittenden, 65),

Spampanato (Handford, 80); Gray (Morrow, 60), Overton, McLeod (E Cole, 60)