Westfield II – 2

 South Coast Athletico – 1

South Coast Athletico was back in league action at the weekend against a Westfield II side that has started to find some form in Division 2.

A slow start by the Chopbacks led to Westfield taking an early lead in the sixth minute when their number ten managed to wriggle his way through the Chopbacks’ defence and fire home.

Ten minutes later a set piece led to the ball falling outside the Chopbacks’ box to an unmarked player to fire home a second for Westfield.

Finally South Coast seemed to switch on and started to try and get a foothold in the game with some intricate passing moves leading to various shooting chances for both Jack Bloomfield and Connor Easton.

In the 42nd minute Easton gambled on a lose ball chipped over an onrushing keeper, thinking he had pulled one back only for the ball to rattle the crossbar.

The halftime team talk by Sam Cook was brutal and much deserved. He reminded the players exactly what standards they had set themselves in the past and what was required in the second half.

There was almost an instant response and in the 48th minute Easton rifled a shot that found its way to Brad Owens to finish and bring the Chopbacks back into the game.

A change in shape brought on Harry Jackson and Connor Smith in an attempt to try and find that illusive equaliser.

Again the Chopbacks had chance after chance forcing the Westfield keeper to make some impressive saves.

Easton found himself clean through on the left wing baring down on goal but the angle proved too narrow for him to find a way past the keeper.

Westfield to their credit went into game management mode and concentrated on being organised and compact in the middle of the field reducing the time and space for the Chopbacks midfield to play their game.

Despite all efforts the Chopbacks failed to find an equaliser and the game finished 2-1 to Westfield who will be delighted to have ended a second undefeated record from another team in Division 2.

Much work is needed by the Chopbacks who didn’t look or play like themselves during this game and they will be keen to put this setback behind them and get back to winning ways.

Next week sees the visit of St Leonards Social II.

Man of the Match was Harry Jackson.