Recap

Westfields 0

Coventry United 1 – Cole O’Sullivan

WESTFIELDS BOW OUT OF THE FA CUP

Westfields were pipped 1-0 at home on Saturday in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup when visiting Coventry United scored the solitary goal to put them through against a hard-working Westfields side.

Westfields suffered a pre-match blow when twin strikers Aidan Thomas and Richard Greaves were both ruled out with injuries but new signing Josh Hunt from Evesham United along with Harrison Summers both worked hard in the front line for Westfields but could not score a vital goal.

In an even first half both sides worked hard but it was Westfields who had perhaps the better of the opening stages with a couple of gilt-edged chances which fell to Josh Hunt and then to Dan Stoneman who fired inches wide of the upright after a dazzling run.

Coventry United, currently top of the East Midlands League, looked lively and twice Ian Havard dealt with difficult situations in the Westfields goal but the sides changed round at the interval goal-less.

In the second half again there was little to choose between the 2 sides but early on Coventry United broke the deadlock when Riley O’Sullivan struck home a superb shot from the edge of the penalty area, which gave Ian Havard no chance in the home goal, to put the visitors ahead.

Westfields came back into the game and worked hard down the flanks with both Stoneman and Harrison Summers working well but they could not break down a strong Coventry rear guard.

The game swung from end-to-end but Westfields’ defence was also in top form, particularly skipper Kane Kahaki with Paul Hurrell and Joe Davies alongside him.

In the final 10 minutes Westfields threw everything forward and Stoneman put over a superb cross which Westfields could not get on the end of and then in a late flurry Westfields forced 3 corners in an effort to force a replay but on each occasion Coventry managed to scramble the ball clear and hold out for a 1-0 away win and a place in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Cup.

Westfields now face a busy weekend when on Saturday 28^th August they travel to Somerset for an away Hellenic League Premier Division match against Westbury United and on August Bank Holiday Monday they face neighbours Hereford Lads Club at the County Ground, kick-off 3pm, again in an Hellenic League Premier Division game.