After 6 consecutive cup matches, Leamington Hibs returned to league action against Westlea Reserves in the hunt for 3 points to close the gap on league leaders Murphy’s.

Hibs got off to a great start going 1-0 up on 15 minutes. A powerful kick from goalkeeper Ryan Mason split the Westlea centre halves. Ashley kitchen picked up the ball and dinked a delicate chip over Michael Moreton in goal.

The second goal for Hibs started at the back with good build up play from Rhys Pugh and Carl Smedley. The ball made its way to Craig Wallsgrove who slid through to Dave Sweet. Dave motored into the box with a powerful run and slotted past the advancing Moreton.

Hibs defended well for the remainder of the half limiting Westlea to a few chances. However, Westlea were handed a lifeline when Tom Friend was taken down in the box. Hibs had goalkeeper Ryan Mason to thank when he made an excellent penalty save from the usually reliant Craig Watkin 5 minutes before half time.

Westlea changed things around at halftime, bringing on Dan Ward and Andy Mckinley. Although Westlea came out stronger they struggled to create any clear cut chances. This was mainly down to excellent defending from Carl Smedley, MOTM Rhys Pugh and converted centre half for the day Lance Clarke.

Hibs scored again on 55 minutes when Graham Bickerdike slid a pinpoint ball through to Craig Wallsgrove who neatly finished past Dan Ward. 3-0.

Wallsgrove scored his second goal of the game on 65 minutes, heading in from inside the box from a pinpoint cross from Ashley Kitchen.

To Westlea’s credit, they continued to push forward and scored a consolation goal on 70 minutes when Lewis Scott slammed home an unstoppable shot from 25 yards following a Jon Blunsom assist.

Steve Lockley, Stephen Brandl and former westlea player Luke Ransley came on for Hibs to give them fresh legs to see out the game.

A special mention to Matty Houghton for Hibs who transferred across from Whitnash in midweek. Working tirelessly in midfield alongside Graham Bickerdike and Joe Cure, he was rewarded with a goal on his debut. Scott O’Loughlin won a great header in the centre of midfield to put the pressure back on Westlea. Houghton then intercepted Mckinley, before calmly rounding Dan Ward to slot home for Hibs final goal of the game.

Hibs could have made it 6, but Westlea keeper, Ward, pulled off a great penalty save from Wallsgrove with the last kick of the game. This followed a ‘smash’ in the box from Westlea player manager Tom Lawrence.

Leamington Hibernian

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