West lost to second placed Herons Youth as their recent poor run continued, although at times they dominated possession without seeing any reward for their efforts.

The boys started brightly, and although Herons were passing the ball well, West created half chances for Greg Springall and Jamie Heaffey up front, although clear scoring opportunities were limited. Herons soon showed why they are having such a good season, and after twenty minutes they took the lead as West failed to clear a corner, while Alex Cobb in goal made a good safe soon after to prevent another goal. West were still creating opportunities themselves, the best being a powerful shot from Greg that was saved. Jamie looked to have levelled it just before half time when an excellent Elliott Jay through ball set him away, but the keeper made a great save from a tight angle.

The second half saw West have their best spell of the game and dominate the early period, as they improved greatly on their first half performance. Good work from Elliott and Jamie provided an opportunity for Ross Whinnett, and the resulting lob had the keeper well beaten but it went just over, while not long after Ross had another excellent shot that hit the crossbar before going over. West’s passing also improved, with Adam Thornhill and Elliott linking up well down the right-wing, while Jamie was a constant threat up front.

 

Against the run of play though, Herons scored a second, and this knocked the West boys who then lost some of their momentum. Despite further good saves by Alex, Herons pushed forward again, and soon after grabbed a third goal. Late on, Carl Biggs had a good shot saved for what would have only been a consolation goal.

 

The 3-0 score line was a little hard on the boys, and they were unlucky at times, however Herons were a good side who passed the ball very well. If West had brought the score back to 2-1 with the shot that hit the crossbar there might have been a different outcome, but overall Herons deserved their win.