So Good They Named Him Twice!!!

Westfield battled back from a two goal deficit to win 4-3 against a very good Little Common side in a top of the table clash at Bexhill College.

Westfield started the game well and their high press was forcing Common to turnover possession but the Westies couldn’t fashion any clear cut chances. Around half way through the first half Common took the lead from a free kick which stand in keeper Jason Bone could possibly have done more to keep out. Just five minutes later Common doubled their lead when tricky winger Attilio Field raced away down the left wing before cutting inside Leon Mende and firing home. Jack Whiteman was sin binned shortly after for dissent and had to spend ten minutes on the sidelines.

Common started to keep the ball much better after taking a two goal lead and Westfield were struggling to lay a glove on them. Fortunately JJ Blanche was like a prime Fabio Cannavaro at the back in his first on field appearance and he prevented the Common attack from creating any decent chances. Then with five minutes of the half left an Isaac Miller free kick was whipped into the box and the Common keeper spilt the ball to the grateful Cameron Woodley who tucked home his fifth goal of the season. 2-1 and half time.

Westfield came out in the second half with a renewed vigour and really started to take the game to Common. Just 7 minutes had been played when Miller let fly with a speculative effort from around 35 yards out and the ball swerved all over the place to beat the flummoxed Common keeper and level the scores.

Common were then reduced to ten men when Lee Paine was racing clear only to be tugged back by the Common centre half. Westfield seized on the opportunity and took the lead after Steff Davies picked up a Paine pass and struck home a delightful 25 yard effort into the bottom corner. 3-2.

With Whiteman, Paine and Jacob Shelton perfectly winning the ball back high up the pitch Common couldn’t get out of their half and Westfield increased their lead after Bavon Abala was fouled at the back post following a Steff Davies cross. The experienced Alan Johnson confidently rolled home the penalty sending the keeper the wrong way.

The drama wasn’t over yet however as Whiteman was given his marching orders following another case of dissent. With Common coming at the Westfield back four Mende picked up two yellow cards for a couple of robust challenges to leave Westfield with just 9 men.

Common did manage to score another goal with five minutes remaining but Westfield held out to secure another impressive away victory and keep themselves in with a chance of challenging for the league title.

Next week Westfield welcome division 1 high flyers Bexhill AAC to the Parish Field in the cup. ????