CITY OFF THE MARK

Wakefield City 3 Westbrook 2

City picked up their first win of the new season after a tough encounter against a solid Westbrook side. Following the previous weeks disappointment City went out all guns blazing determined to put things right. It was quite simply a fantastic opening 20 minutes with the hosts playing some of the best football seen at Walton Lane for many years. Right from the very first whistle City went on the attack with Ollie Rawson and Ryan Southward causing endless problems for the Westbrook back line. Conor Glavin and Paul Scott were completely dominating the midfield battle which allowed City's fullbacks Ben Fisher and Stevie Walton to push forward to join the attack. With only 3 minutes on the clock, Aaron Hurst's header was cleared off the line and just moments later a second header from the same player was again cleared off the line following a great cross from Rawson. It wouldn't be long until the deadlock was broken when another superb move from the back found Rawson out wide. His inch perfect cross found an unmarked Hurst who powered his header into the far corner to give City a much deserved lead. Westbrook simply didn't know what had hit them and only minutes later the lead was doubled when Hurst collected the ball on the edge of the area and slotted past the diving keeper. City continued to play fantastic football and on 23 minutes Hurst picked up his hat trick. Again it was good work down the left channel by Rawson who picked out Hurst. With his back to goal he showed great strength to shrug off his maker before firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. More chances were to follow in an action packed first half with central defender Andy McManus going close with a header and striker Rob Bloomfield firing inches wide. Westbrook were desperate for the half time interval and were more than happy to be just 3 down after 45 minutes in which the scoreline could easily have been nearer double figures.

Half Time: Wakefield City 3 Westbrook 0

Despite the score line, Westbrook came out on the attack right from the referees whistle. City were now forced to defend and did so well with skipper Jay Hall marshalling his troops at the back. City stopper Dan Hancock was called upon twice in a lively opening 5 minutes but pulled off good saves on both occasions. The game started to settle down and chances became fewer as City were happy to soak up the 'brook pressure and look to hit them on the break. On 58 minutes Rawson broke into the visiting area only to be cut down by a reckless challenge. Bloomfield stepped up but couldn't convert the spot kick, crashing the ball against the post. Just moments later Bloomfield created an opening for himself with great feet on the edge of the area but again failed to hit the target and the same player went one on one seconds later but lifted the ball over the crossbar. City were now starting to dominate again as the visitors gambled with numbers piling forward. On 72 minutes Hurst was put clean through but the keeper read the situation well and smothered the ball denying Hurst his and City's fourth. To Brooks credit they continued to work extremely hard and were rewarded for the effort when a mistake at the back for City allowed their centre forward to nip in and fire home and just 5 minutes later they were in again. A number of missed tackles allowed Westbrook to break down the right flank. The same centre forward received the ball about 30 yards from goal, waltzed past two City challenges and found the bottom corner with a delightful finish. All of a sudden nerves were beginning to creep in for the hosts who in reality could of and should have been well out of sight. Luckily the visitors were unable to find the equaliser and City closed the game out for a well needed 3 points. The hosts, although very happy with the win, we're left to reflect on missed chances and lapses at the back which could of cost them on another day.

In a very entertaining game of football, Aaron Hurst picked up the City man of the match award.

Full Time: Wakefield City 3 Westbrook 2

City: Hancock, Fisher, Hall(c), McManus, Walton, Rawson, Scott, Glavin, Southward, Bloomfield, Hurst. Subs: Wilson, Shaw, Darley