West are through to the next round of the Challenge Cup following victory in this rather bad tempered match. There were few chances early on, but after fifteen minutes a great through ball from George Figg sent Jamie Heaffey clear of the defence. He managed to round the keeper and get in a shot from a tight angle, however the ball just drifted past the far post.

The opening goal arrived after twenty five minutes as Scott Howlett played a good ball for Greg Springall to chase. Greg then did well to outmuscle an Evergreen defender to win the ball and score from close range. Shortly before half time the boys had a chance to extend their lead as Jamie reached a cross to side foot the ball towards goal, however the keeper saved well.

The second half couldn’t have started better, as after just a minute Jamie played a good ball to Scott who ran and struck a great shot from outside the area to make it 2-0 (left). The Evergreen players, who felt Scott was offside when the ball was played to him, started to lose their cool at this stage and the temperature started to rise. This wasn’t helped by some erroneous refereeing, however the West players, led by Captain George Figg, were not letting the atmosphere get to them and affect their play, and at this
point they started taking better control of the match.

Further chances were being created with Greg heading over from a corner, and Scott having a good shot saved; however eighteen minutes into the second half Evergreen clawed a goal back after being awarded a disputed free kick on the edge of the West penalty area. This gave Evergreen a boost, but the West players responded well to create further good scoring opportunities. The first was from Scott, who’s shot at goal was fumbled by the Evergreen keeper, who recovered to grab the ball before it trickled over the line, while Jamie hit the post in another attack. Ten minutes from the end West got their two goal lead back again as Greg created an opening for Jamie who scored comfortably to make it 3-1.

Although there were further scoring opportunities the game ended 3-1, and this was a good solid performance from the boys, who didn’t get intimidated by the bad tempered atmosphere.