This was a game of two halves without a doubt. West started this pre-season friendly rather nervously, possibly because their opponents are three divisions above them, and after five minutes conceded the opening goal after failing to clear a London Road (LR) attack. Unfortunately after ten minutes West lost their keeper Alex Kobb to illness, to be replaced by the striker Ross Whinnett, and soon after despite parrying a strong shot, LR scored a second, while a few minutes later they grabbed a third from a corner.

West were struggling to hold onto the ball and pass it well, however they did create some chances, the best of which was a great George Figg free kick which went just over the crossbar. Soon after West won another free kick in a dangerous area which Tom Weaver played to George, however his shot was charged down by the advancing wall, and from the resulting play Greg Springall’s shot was saved. Unfortunately, just before half time LR headed in a fourth from a free-kick.

Following a good half time team talk, West began the second half much brighter and despite trailing by four goals they made a real go of it, with Jamie Heaffey and George linking well to give Greg a shot on goal which was saved. A few minutes later though, a good through ball by Elliott Jay sent Jamie away on goal and after a great run he shot from the edge of the area to beat the LR keeper and make it 4-1. West continued to press forward and create chances, the best of which saw Greg play the ball to Jamie who made a good run down the right wing before crossing for Scott Howlett, however the keeper just beat Scott to the ball before he could tap it in.

Following another change in West’s keeper LR scored again as their striker beat the defence to score and make it 5-1. West though kept their heads up and through some good midfield work from amongst others Ryan Rickard, Tom, Matt Peckham and Carl Biggs, chances were being created for Greg and Scott up front. Five minutes from time West were rewarded for their efforts after Carl played a great ball to Matt who was unmarked on the edge of the penalty area, and he placed a superb shot into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.

The game ended 5-2, but the boys can take a lot of positives from the match. Although only a pre-season game, the opposition was a very strong side, and if West had played throughout with the confidence they had shown in the second half, they could have done much better. Regardless of the result though, they can look forward to the season ahead with confidence.