West faced a tough opener to the new league campaign against a Nascott side who were new to the division having been relegated last season. The game started evenly, however Martin Robinson in goal was given a taster of what was to come early on as Nascott played a dangerous high ball into the area, however he caught it very well under pressure. After ten minutes though, Nascott took the lead, and soon after could have doubled it but for another good piece of goalkeeping by Martin.

 

Nascott were now seeing more of the ball and West were struggling to get going as their passing not up to the usual high standards. Martin was soon tested again, as a good defence splitting pass played a Nascott striker though on goal, but he advanced quickly and pressured the striker into rushing the shot, which went wide.

 

West did create openings of their own, with Stuart Cole combining well with Greg Springall on one occasion before Greg hit a good shot that went just wide, while Carl Biggs also got into a good position in another attack, however his shot also went just wide. Unfortunately Nascott took the chances that came their way, and in the ten minutes leading up to half-time they scored twice more to lead 3-0 at the break.

 

West came out much brighter in the second half, and were determined to get back into the game. They forced a number of corners, while a strong shot from Greg was saved by a good Nascott keeper. As in the first half though, Nascott took more from the opportunities that came their way, and ten minutes into the half they scored again to make it 4-0.

The West boys, led by captain George Figg, didn’t let their heads drop though, and they continued to battle away and look for a goal; the most audacious attempt being Charlie Craigen’s impression of Xabi Alonso, as having seen the Nascott keeper on the edge of his area he shot from the half way line, however it went just wide with the keeper struggling to get back.

 

West continued to press hard for at least a consolation goal, and in the last minute a good move involving Myles Smith, Greg and Chris Welch resulted in a shot from Chris being cleared for a corner, from which Stuart had a good header, however it glanced off the bar and went over.

 

The final 4-0 score line was a disappointing start to a league campaign where there are strong hopes of challenging for the title. This performance was a little flat, with the team losing too many 50/50 balls, however the opposition were a good side, there is a long way to go, and the West team will know they can play better.