Match Reports 2009-2010

Galgate 2-0 OWE (Syndicate Cup Prelim Round)

This was a good game played in the right spirit between two evenly matched teams. Playing downhill in the first half West End started brightly but were unable to threaten the Galgate goal enough. Even with the massive clearances from Tom Lea in goal it was difficult to break down a solid looking Galgate defence. With 18 minutes gone the opposition scored a scrappy goal following a mix up in the West End defence when the ball should really have been cleared. Ten minutes later a controversial decision by the referee led to Galgates second. Although he spotted a Galgate player offside, he did not give it as the assistant on the line didn’t flag. Quite bizarre as the assistant was one of the coaching staff rather than an official!

In the second half West End pulled their game together and created more opportunities. Phil Gore came close on two occasions and with a little luck could have bagged a brace. Galgate failed to seriously threaten and the West End defence coped well. A dominant performance in midfield by Matty Ward and an equally solid one from Phil Carse earned them joint man of the match awards.

There was no shame in this defeat by a higher division team and hopefully the lads can build on this performance.

Man of the Match: Phil Carse & Matty Ward

Eccleston & Heskin 2-1 OWE (League)

This was another impressive display by West End on a good pitch which encouraged passing football. Although unable to earn a point they came close on a number of occasions. Both teams were up for it right from the start and the game was played at a fast pace but without any foul play or dissent, which was great to see. The referee had a relatively easy afternoon as a result. With five minutes gone Eccleston opened the scoring with a great individual goal, with no-one in the West End team at fault. For the rest of the half West End moved the ball around nicely and almost brought the scores level when Phil Gore latched onto a clearance from Tom Lea, but his attempted lob of the keeper was saved. Callum Sealey also went close after he was put through by Matty Ward, but his close range strike brought out a fine save from the Eccleston keeper. Mid-way through the first half Jonny Kirby had to withdraw himself and was replaced by Stuart Nicol. With five minutes to go to half time an Eccleston free kick was headed in at the far post to make the score 2-0. West End were still in the game though, thanks largely to Tom Lea who made a number of great saves with two of them one on ones with the striker.

The second half started with one substitution when Mikey Rogers came on for Andy Reddy. West End started strongly and were almost immediately awarded a penalty when Mikey was brought down in the area. Matty Ward cooly stroked the penalty home and it was game on. For the remainder of the game West End continued to press for the equaliser but it just wouldn’t come. With fatigue taking its toll and no more subs available Eccleston started to create more chances and West End were saved on a number of occasions by Tom Lea and once by the woodwork.

Final score 2-1 but it was the performance that counts. There were pleasing displays by a number of the lads - in particular Andy Lea who is settling in quickly with his new team mates and who brings a certain amount of composure to the defence. Also Andrew Owen had a very good game on the right and worked a number of good moves with Mikey in the second half. Matty Ward once again had a great game in midfield initially but moving to left back where he continued to exert great influence.

Goalscorer: Matty Ward (1)

Man of the Match: Matty Ward & Tom Lea

OWE 2-2 Gregsons Lane (League)

What a terrific game this was and a fantastic advert for Youth football. It also brought West End’s first point of the season but it should have been three. The first half saw West End playing uphill and although both teams were evenly matched, Gregsons long ball tactics proved troublesome to the West End defence and they threatened on numerous occasions. West End actually opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Stu Nicol finished nicely following a neat move, but the referee disallowed it for offside. However thanks largely to Tom Lea in goal and Mark Reid who made at least one goal line clearance, the score remained 0-0 until the 32nd minute when another long ball found the Gregsons striker Gordon unmarked, and he put his chance away. 1-0 at half time. The second half saw Phil Gore replace Stu Nicol and with Stu Love alongside Andy Lea in the centre of defence West End looked more assured. They started to create more chances and had most of the second half play. Then with 72 minutes gone, Mark Reid crossed the ball from the right. It found Callum Sealey who had burst into the box and he volleyed the ball past the keeper and into the corner of the goal. 1-1 and game on. Stuey Love had a great free kick saved by the keeper before Andy Reddy - playing only his second game for the team - struck what looked to be the winning goal with five minutes left. Having been put through on goal he rifled a shot over the head of the keeper and into the net to make the score 2-1. Cue wild celebrations. West End almost then sealed the game when Callum Sealey struck the ball across the face of goal, only to see it strike the crossbar and give Gregsons a reprieve. They took full advantage of their luck when, with only seconds remaining, they pushed all their men forward and with almost their last attack, launched another ball into the West End area. This time the defence failed to deal with it and Entwistle managed to send the ball over the outstretched reach of Tom Lea. Although he got a hand to it, it fell over his head and into the net to make the score 2-2. So disappointing not to win, but it was a point gained. Credit to all the lads who played some great football and who played as a unit.

Goalscorers: Callum Sealey (1); Andy Reddy (1)

Man of the Match: Mark Reid

OWE 3-4 Astley & Buckshaw (League)

This was another cracking game that either side could have won and that went right down to the wire. West End fielded five substitutes such is the desire by all squad members to play. This is making it difficult for team selection as the competition for places increases. All players need to understand though that even by being a non-playing substitute, they’re as much a part of the team as the others and they need to keep their heads up. Making their debuts today were two returning ex-players - Rob Scott and Sean Blackley.

The first half started well with both teams evenly matched. Mark Reid and Andy Lea were at the heart of the West End defence and with Jack Hankin at right back and Jonny Kirby on the left, they held things together well. Not long into the game Stu Love had to be withdrawn due to an achilles injury and he was replaced in the centre of midfield by Rob Scott. He partnered Matty Ward and Andy Reddy in the centre with Callum Sealey on the left and Chris Jarvis on the right. Andrew Owen played the lone strikers role up front.

Then after 37 minutes West End were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Matty Ward stepped up and drove an unstoppable strike past the Astley keeper who hardly moved. Half time came and the score remained 1-0.

But less than a minute into the second half Tom Lea in goal stopped but was unable to hold a fierce shot and the rebound was bundled in by the Astley forward. Fifteen minutes later Astley scored a second followed ten minutes later by a third and things started to look ominous. However, this West End team is learning how to fight and the players realise that they are a much better team than last seasons. Sean Blackley was introduced and immediately made an impact, being put through by a slide rule pass from Rob Scott. His fierce strike was bound for the roof of the net but the Astley keeper somehow managed to make a fantastic one handed save. Within a minute the ball made its way to him on the right once again and although it bounced high, he was able to get another shot in which once again was goal bound, bringing yet another excellent save from the keeper. Astley were well and truly rocking at this point and West End were threatening with each attack. After 77 minutes the break came when a cross from the right found the head of Jack Hankin and with the ball beating the keeper at the far post, Matty Ward was able to make sure by burying the ball in the back of the net. 3-2. But with an equaliser imminent, the West End defence pressed the self-destruct button and gifted their opponents a fourth. 4-2 with four minutes to go. But once again the West End players rallied and with two minutes to go, Matty Ward again found himself through on goal with only the keeper to beat. He lifted the ball over him goal bound but as it was about to drop in, the defender headed the ball clear. It struck the bar and landed at the feet of Sean Blackley who managed to bundle the ball over the line. No further miracles were to occur though and the final whistle sounded to condemn a brave West End side to defeat.

But what a great game of football.

Goalscorers: Matty Ward (2); Sean Blackley (1).

Man of the Match: Matty Ward

OWE 0-7 Ribbleton (League)

This was ultimately a forgettable game but could have been so different. West End were playing top of the table Ribbleton and in the first half matched their opponents all the way. Tom Lea was brought into action a couple of times pulling off some good saves, but all in all the West End defence and midfield coped well. Phil Carse was making his comeback after injury and looked assured in his role alongside Andy Lea in central defence. His pace certainly cut out the danger on a number of occasions. Twice however Ribbleton threatened from corners and the second time the ball was played across low in the 29th minute, it was played into the net by Matty Ward as he struggled to dispossess the Ribbleton forward. But half time came and with the score 1-0 there was everything to play for. However, for the second week running West End conceded within a minute of the re-start and this sparked Ribbleton into life. They dominated play, but were allowed to do so by a strangely subdued West End midfield. Time and again the through balls that had been cut out in the first period found their targets and players went through on goal. Tom Lea pulled off some fantastic one on one saves but could not be expected to do it all the time. Goals went in after 52 minutes, 56 minutes, 69 minutes, 75 minutes and finally 85 minutes. Things weren’t helped when Phil Carse limped out of the action with a foot injury. Substututions were made with Andy Reddy, Mikey Rogers and Rob Scott entering the fray, but ultimately this was a disappointing capitulation after a great start to the season. Not to worry, the players will take stock of the events and will re-group in time for Sundays game away at Blackpool. Encouraging words after the game from the Ribbleton manager will I hope convince the lads that what myself and Steve told them - that one game does NOT make them a bad team. Man of the Match for a solid display was Stuey Love.

Man of the Match: Stuey Love

Blackpool Rangers 2-1 OWE (League)

Yet another close game that West End could so easily have got more from, but yet again one that slipped away. Playing the team 3rd from top they started slowly and allowed Rangers a couple of half chances. But then West End started to pass the ball more and gained confidence. In the 20th minute a flowing move down the left involving Callum and Gorsey resulted in a great opportunity from Callum, but his lob of the keeper went passed the post. Four minutes later it was Phil Gore’s chance when he fired a shot at the keeper. Two minutes after that another chance came Callums way but again he was unable to convert. And again moments later he another another great effort on goal turned over the bar by the keeper who was now under severe pressure. West End were playing some good football and a goal looked inevitable. A minute before half time it came when Callum was played through. He took the ball, rounded the keeper and, with defenders closing in, managed to steer the ball into an unguarded net. 1-0 to West End at half time.

The second half came with Sean Blackley and Andy Owen having been introduced. Rangers came out at full speed determined to equailise but unlike the last two games, West End held firm through the worrying first few minutes. However they couldn’t go beyond 15 and in the 59th minute the Rangers No. 9 who had threatened all afternoon, evaded the defence and whipped the ball into the roof of the net beyond Tom Lea. Two minutes later and all of the first half good work was undone when a Rangers player was left with enough time to receive the ball eight yards out, control it, write his name on it, turn and finally volley it into the net. This could then have been a repeat of last week, but the lads kept their shape reasonably well. Tom Lea was called into action a number of times, but Rangers could not add to their total. With Jonny Kirby on for Phil Gore, he earned a free kick five yards outside the box when he was brought down. Matty Ward stepped up and his curling shot was heading for the top corner but the keeper was well positioned and saved it comfortably. With four minutes to go Andy Owen was fed the ball down the right and delivered a perfect cross to the far post, but Matty Wards shot was saved by the keeper on the line. Final score 2-1.

Goalscorer: Callum Sealey (1)

Man of the Match: Callum Sealey

OWE 1-4 Blackpool Rangers (League)

This was THE most frustrating and disappointing game I’ve been involved in for some time. Played in gale force winds the simple instruction ‘play it on the ground’ seemed to have been carried away on the wind. In a first half played against the wind it was a lottery but the lads did themselves no favours. Going 1-0 down after 6 minutes wasn’t a good start but as usual, they battled on and matched the opposition for long spells. Playing his first game for West End Billy Magill eagerly awaited some service up front but it was all too seldom in coming. After 32 minutes a throw in taken by a Blackpool player whilst standing a good foot on the pitch, somehow caused confusion and the ball dribbled home. 2-0 and all looked bleak. But then Matty Ward pulled one back after 34 minutes and hey, would you believe it, West End woke up and realised that they’re not so bad after all!! For the next 11 minutes it was all West End. Attack after attack was thwarted. Wardy almost scored a second after 36 minutes but the keeper pulled off a great save. Andy Reddy came close three minutes later and should have scored. Billy Magill should have marked his debut with a goal on 40 but fired wide and two minutes from the interval Callum also went agonisingly close. Half time 2-1 and with the wind on their backs in the second half there was everything to play for.

The lads came out in the second half fired up and continued where they left off. In the first minute Billy could have scored but his shot went just over and the pressure continued to mount. It was inevitable that West End would score. After 58 minutes he hit the post when it looked as though he would equalise. Then....just as suddenly as it had all turned round....it all stopped. Blackpool were allowed to reassert themselves and created a couple of chances. The midfield went AWOL and Rangers created chances at will. They eventually scored number three after 70 minutes and finished West End off with a fourth after 83. This was utterly demoralising and an open and honest post mortem was held post match. As usual it wasn’t the result, but the manner of the defeat that hurt. When the dust settles and we all reflect on the events, the lads ran their hearts out and some, particularly Mark Reid, Andy Reddy and Stuey Love came off carrying knocks. Its frustrating to see the same faults, the same mistakes being made through lack of basic footballing skills which undermines all of the great effort.

Goalscorer: Matty Ward (1)

Man of the Match: Stuey Love

Hoole 5-2 OWE (League)

After five weeks of postponed games at last an end to the rain, only for the frost to threaten the fixture. The referee called the pitch fit and so finally the lads had a game. Once again the scoreline did not fairly represent the abilities on show with West End matching their opponents throughout. Playing down the hill in the first half West End had the advantage but fielded a changed team with Mark Reid bravely taking over in goal and Rob Scott playing right back for the first time. What an enthralling and entertaining game this proved to be with both teams going all out with firm but fair tackles all over the pitch. By the end there were a number on both sides nursing injuries. After 8 minutes a mistake gifted Hoole their first goal when their striker was allowed the opportunity of lobbing Mark from the edge of the box. But seven minutes later Phil Gore robbed the Hoole keeper of the ball, rounded him and scored West Ends equaliser. On 22 minutes more defensive frailties allowed a free shot on goal to strike the post but the rebound was put away to make the scoreline 2-1. On 25 minutes Andy Reddy had a great effort saved by the keeper. And then after 38 minutes Phil Gores effort was saved but Andy was unable to convert the rebound. 2-1 it remained at half time. Playing up the considerable hill for the second 45 minutes things were expected to be tough. Only three minutes in and a speculative shot from distance went over Marks head to increase the lead. Then with 56 minutes gone another mistake gave Hoole their fourth. From this moment on West End started to exert more pressure. Rob Scott and Sean Blackley linked up well on the right throughout the game and played some great football. Jonny and Callum on the left did similar good work keeping the game stretched and providing service for Billy Magill and Phil Gore up front. On 59 minutes a great cross from Sean found Phil Gore who stroked home his second. 4-2. One more goal for Hoole came on 74 minutes when a man was left unmarked and the ball was lashed into the top corner. 5-2. For the next 16 minutes West End dominated and I can’t explain how we didn’t score two if not three more goals. After 78 minutes Phil Gore went through on goal and had a great chance for his hat trick but was unable to beat the keeper. With 80 minutes gone a brilliant move on the right involving Stu love ended with Rob Scott this time blasting his shot just over the bar. A minute later with West End going forward in numbers the ball was fired goalbound beating the keeper, but was cleared off the line by a defender. A follow up shot was also going over the line until the same defender made a second goal line clearance. On 82 minutes yet another goalbound shot was cleared off the line. That was how it remained though but not for the want of trying. It was a great effort by the lads who, with a full team, would have seen off this particular opposition. Three of the goals conceded were gifted to the opposition and we should have scored many more than we did. The game certainly gives cause for optimism. Man of the Match is awarded to Rob Scott for a great game as an attacking right back, with many of West Ends best moves starting from him, but credit to a number of others who had an outstanding game, particularly Stu Love at centre back, Sean Blackley on the wing and Jonny Kirby at left back not to mention Phil Gore up front.

Goalscorer: Phil Gore (2)

Man of the Match: Rob Scott

OWE 2-2 Warton Typhoons (League)

This was West Ends opportunity to pull away from the bottom of the league against a team with a mixed record of results. Played on a heavy pitch following the snow and rain it wasn’t easy for either side, but with a full strength team hopes were high. However West End got off to the worst possible start gifting the opposition a goal on four minutes. A through ball held up in the mud and confusion between the defence and keeper allowed the Warton forward to nip in and steal the ball for an easy opener. Worse almost followed ten minutes later when Stueys challenge inside the area was deemed a penalty by the referee who made some strange decisions throughout the game. Tom Lea in goal pulled off a great save to keep the deficit to just one. Having been reprieved West End’s confidence grew and they created more of the chances for the remainder of the half. Matty Ward had a great shot strike the bar with Phil Gore going close on at least a couple of occasions after being put through. But at the other end Tom Lea pulled off another great save and the score at half time remained 1-0.

West End started the second half well with some great flowing football. Matty Ward was influential in the centre and combined well with Rob Scott and Jack Hankin on the right. They used the width of the pitch well and time and again used through balls to Phil and Billy to get behind the Warton defence. The breakthrough came after 49 minutes when the ball fell at the feet of Phil Gore about eight yards out, who turned well and buried the ball in the corner of the goal. It looked like West End would then go on to complete a first victory of the season, but Warton came back at them strongly after this set back and almost took the lead again, when a free kick in a dangerous central position was charged down by the wall. Long balls over the top seemed to cause most problems for West End and on two occasions Tom Lea had to come to the rescue yet again, fully desrving his Man of the Match award. Then after 60 minutes Warton took the lead again with a low shot after the West End defence failed to clear the ball. For the next 30 minutes they knocked on the Warton door but couldn’t score. Billy Magill should have equalised when put clean through but failed to hit the target. Matty Ward, Stu Love and Jonny Kirby all had efforts on goal but none troubled the keeper. Rob Scott, who had an excellent game, almost equalised with five minutes remaining when his fiercely struck shot destined for the bottom corner, was turned around the post by the outstretched hand of the keeper. Even then Warton still counter attacked quickly and a well timed sliding tackle by Jonny Kirby kept West End in the game. Then with time almost up, West End won yet another corner. With Big T abandoning his goal and going up for it, Phil Gore floated the ball in which was met by Billy Magill who forced a thumping header into the roof of the net. A great finish to an exciting game. Anything less than this would have been a travesty, but being honest most of the lads will realise that this was a game that should have been won.

Goalscorers: Phil Gore (1); Billy Magill (1)

Man of the Match: Tom Lea

Ribbleton 3-2 OWE (League)

The history of this engagement began on the 4th October 2009 where West End were made ridicule of when we conceded five goals in one half and completely mislaid all discipline. The match on the 7th February was therefore, bound to be forgettable. As is the Ormskirk West End disposition, the game kicked off and we instantly conceded a goal. This has now become a familiar trait of all West End games and as of yet we have not found the confidence to ever reclaim the lead and win. However, the game picked up pace and West End soon settled down. After only a short while a pair of West End’ers; Matty Ward and Shaun Blackley, brought West End back into the game and level at 1 – 1. An excellent through ball from Matty presented an excellent opportunity for Shaun’s explosive pace to undo the Ribbleton defence and score from a nearly impossible angle.

The half tired away with West End heads everywhere picking up and passing around nicely. The teams looked suitably matched and it would have been impossible to pick a victor between them. This would have remained the case if Ribbleton had not re-taken the lead mere minutes from the half time whistle. The West End confidence took another nose dive and the best I can say about the remaining first half performance is that they hung on.

At half time it was reiterated that they had by no means lost this game. Another half was still to play, where they could prove to be a match for Ribbleton once more. Phil Gore was substituted for the enthusiasm of Mike Rogers.

The second half kicked off and West End’s most frustrating trait was once again underlined as Ribbleton scored yet another goal very early in the game. As per usual the West End heads dropped and for a while Ribbleton may have struggled to acknowledge the existence of the West End team. This was short lived however, as West End soon found their feet in the game and a competitive edge. Chances worth acknowledgement came from Rob Scott, Callum Sealey, Mike Rogers, Billy Magill, Shaun Blackley and a set piece shot from Stuart Love. Mark Reid was substituted on for (a possibly still incapacitated from the night before) Andy Lea. Shortly after Callum Sealeys chance, he was also substituted for Chris Jarvis. Upon this Mark Reid swapped with Rob Scott. Ribbleton still marked an impressive threat throughout the second period and Tom Lea should be acknowledged for his timely arrival and his skills as a keeper. The games final goal was to come from the fevered dreams that became a reality for Phil Carse. An immeasurably good defender and quick on the pace, Phil made a last ditch effort as the game came to a close to take on Ribbleton players and neatly put away the second goal and a confidence boosting consolation prize.

The game was one to be proud of when the clash of the 4th October is considered.

Final score Ribbleton FC 3

Ormskirk West End 2

Man of the Match: Phil Carse for invaluable skills as a defender, and a heart warming world class goal.

Goalscorers: Sean Blackley (1); Phil Carse (1).

Old Blackburnians Lammack 14-1 OWE (Youth Trophy)

The St.Valentines Day massacre took place not in Chicago, Illinois in 1929 but at a small place in East Lancashire called Lammack in 2010!! Al Capone would have been proud of this one. The fixture had been re-arranged six times and should have been played originally in November. How I wish it had been re-arranged a seventh! Fielding a much weakened team with no subs and Stuart Nicol as a stand-in keeper, playing a strong Under 18’s Lammack team was always going to be an uphill task for West End. And so it proved. An abject first half display saw them concede an embarrassing 10 goals and was as much a result of awful marking as it was brilliant football by the opposition. The first goal went in after 4 minutes and within 20 minutes it was 5-0. Most of the goals were scored from no more than 8 yards out and highlight how ineffective the West End defence was which was given no support whatsoever from the midfield. Time and again the opposition simply walked through the defence with ease. The half time team talk was interesting and hopefully inspired a partial revival. The second half was much improved and the thought of being on the receiving end of the worst ever defeat suffered by this team resulted in renewed effort and determination. So much so in fact that in the 53rd minute West End took a second half lead with a fantastic strike from Sean Blackley. It was rightly judged the goal of the match when he struck a rising ball from twenty yards into the top right hand corner beyond the outstretched reach of the Lammack keeper. That was as good as it got. Lammack scored four more but on the whole the way the lads reacted and played for each other was a positive to take away from the game. At least with the cup games out of the way, the lads can now concentrate on the League!!

Goalscorer: Sean Blackley (1)

Man of the Match: Mark Reid

OWE 2-1 Brinscall (League)

First win of the season and a thoroughly well deserved one. West End made things difficult for themselves though and should actually have won the game comfortably. The line up showed Mark, Stu, Phil and Jonny at the back; Phil Gore, Wardy, Rob and Callum in midfield with Sean and Billy up front. In the first half West End were by far the better team creating a number of excellent chances. However they just couldn’t put one away. Billy Magill had a couple of chances, Wardy had a great free kick saved by the keeper and Sean struck a fierce drive which was again saved by the keeper. Then with 25 minutes gone the ball was played through to Billy. His shot was saved by the keeper but he followed up the rebound and knocked it in for 1-0. The only scare of the half came two minutes from half time when Tom Lea pulled off a great save pushing a shot around the post at full stretch. It had been a great first half with an excellent display of passing, orchestrated in the centre of midfield by Matty Ward and Rob Scott, but matched by the whole team. The second half came and West End couldn’t quite recreate that passing football. It was more evenly matched with fewer chances created. Then with twenty minutes to go all of the good work was undone. The ball was played across the West End goal and should have been buried by the Brinscall player, however he missed it completely. That should have been it and the ball cleared. However everyone watched and waited for someone to do something. That someone was the Brinscall forward who nipped in and poked the ball beyond Tom Lea for 1-1. It was an awful goal to concede. This woke the lads up and they started to play again but still couldn’t re-take the lead. Andy Reddy and Andy Lee came on and Stu Love moved up front. With ten minutes remaining this paid off when Stu played the ball across the penalty area to Matty Ward who rifled the ball home from 18 yards. It was a great goal and a great winner. Man of the Match for another solid performance at the back and for setting up the winner was Stu Love.

Goalscorers: Billy Magill (1); Matty Ward (1).

Man of the Match: Stu Love

Warton Typhoons 2-0 OWE (League)wartontyphoonsvowe

This was a disappointing result after last weeks win and it was a game that West End could have won. As it was Warton shaded it on chances and deserved their win on the balance of play. The early exchanges though saw some great football from the away team who threatened with each attack. But the final ball wasn’t there, and when a chance was created it couldn’t be put away. Tom Lea made a couple of great saves to keep West End in with a shout, but two strikes one in each half from the home team decided the game. As the second half progressed West End became more threatening and Stu Love made a big difference moving up into midfield. His great long ball found Phil Gore who, with only the keeper to beat, managed to shoot wide. Had that gone in a come back would have been on the cards. The lads downfall on the day was the ease with which they surrendered possession on too many occasions. Positives though were some strong individual performances from Jonny Kirby, Rob Scott and Stu Love who all played with grit and determination. Tom Lea in goal was excellent as ever and Phil Gore up front, although unable to find the target, ran himself into the ground.

Men of the Match: Jonny Kirby and Rob Scott.

Bolton County Lions 1-3 OWE

Sunday the Fourteenth of March is Mothers Day, and judging by the absence of nearly everybody required to be at this football match, Mothers Day is very close to the hearts and minds of all Mothers in the North West. Our own team started misshapen as we struggled to fill in for absent players.

Whilst we were worrying, our problems were however, nothing compared with Bolton’s. Bolton started with ten men, and the game started without a referee. Bolton’s manager agreed to referee the first half of the game whilst I (Steve), shouted a lot in the first half and refereed the second.

As would be expected of a team outmanned Bolton struggled to take a firm hold of the game, and whilst their play was not without threat, they never looked like challenging a West End team with rising confidence. One or two mistakes were made in the West End defense as they struggled with the pace of the on coming Bolton strikers. These were only a mere thrill to watch and nothing more as Tom Lea was as competent in goal as always. The West End team kept playing the ball around with the extra man on the pitch giving them the time they have needed all season to control the ball and execute an educated pass. The breakthrough was inevitable and finally Mike Rogers enthusiasm in central midfield secured West End the lead. A lobbed ball into the Bolton penalty area was unsuccessfully cleared by an unknown (and now red-faced) Bolton defender, who gave the ball a bad touch which laid down the opportunity for Mike to chase and place the ball in the bottom left hand corner of the net.

With the first half far from over West End had a chance to prove that they will not always be so laissez faire whenever they take the lead. It was by far a better improvement than games in West End history but unfortunately, on an attack by Bolton, all hard work was undone. The Bolton attack looked to be resulting in very little as the West End defense pressed the opposing players away, but unfortunately with the ball heading away from goal and Stuart Love giving chase, their attack attempted to swing the ball back towards the six yard box but it unfortunately caught Stuart’s hand whilst he was inside the penalty area. The Bolton player stepped up and placed it the right hand side of the net after Tom Lea got a minor touch. With the half now in its closing stages and everything to play for I saw something the West End side that I have never seen before: a competitive attitude. Suddenly West End looked like they wanted to win, a perception I hope to keep upon them for games to come. This proves that they can achieve when they set their minds to it, because Phil Gore then retook the lead with his best goal of the season. Andy Lea played a ‘scrumptious’ high ball over to Phil who had beaten all but one defender. A nice bit of skill saw Phil lobbing the ball over himself and his opposing defender before he gave chase and buried it on the half volley.

2-1 up at half time and West End were full of confidence. No changes were immediately necessary as the team was playing well. However, through a mistake on my part, I forgot to tell them not to lose their heads. Therefore, with me refereeing and helpless to coach the team, the second half became a shambles with nobody respecting their positions. Too many jokes were flying around, and there was barely a player on the pitch taking it seriously. I wish that West End would learn from their past embarrassing defeats, I wish that they would learn that other teams never settle until the game is a sure thing. Winning at Two – One is not a sure thing and at the very least West End have a goal difference deficit to resuscitate. Bolton still threatened on numerous occasions, and Matty Ward, who had been brilliant in the midfield, was often finding his position in defense and calling defenders and midfielders alike to join him. West End were lucky in this second half as Bolton had lost a man to injury at half time and were now down to nine men. So yes, West End could afford to take the game less seriously, but they never should. Alas, the game became more comfortable when Phil Gore scored again with a Matty Ward assist into the box, which their keeper fumbled, allowing Phil to place the ball in an open goal. Changes were made in the second half with Andrew Owen coming on for Chris Jarvis. Phil Gore moved back to the right and Andrew played up front. The chances kept coming, but with confidence clouding many of the West End’s minds, many of our players opted for long shots rather than constructed moves leading to more goals. Stuart Love was given a run up front and Andy Lea replaced him in defense. All players played well but it is hard to tell if it was the talent, the confidence, or because they had two extra men on the pitch by the end. I can honestly say that in the first half I saw not one player making a bad move. Everybody was on the top of their game, and I just think it is so disappointing that the second half did not yield better play and more goals. Congratulations on the best win yet, but I hope the first half is all that they remember.

Goalscorers: Phil Gore (2); Mike Rogers (1)

Man of the Match: Matty Ward for an outstanding display of football anywhere on the pitch.

OWE 1-4 Hoole United

Once again a disappointing result on the back of a win last week and although Hoole are 3rd in the League, a closer game was expected. West End lost this game in the space of 6 minutes and for the remaining 84 matched their opponents. As is now customary the visitors were given a headstart with the gift of a goal in the 1st minute with the West End defence still tucked up in their beds. At half time with the score 1-0 there was everything to play for. By the 50th minute it was all over. The second goal came 25 seconds into the second half, the 3rd in the 49th minute and the 4th a minute later. All concentration had gone and the defence was al over the place. As the game progressed West End came more into it and created chances. Andy Owen managed to get on the end of a Phil Gore cross but couldn’t manage to beat the keeper. Phil himself had a fine shot saved by the Hoole keeper in the first half pulling off an acrobatic save. But with five minutes remaining it fell to Stu Love who had been moved up front to head West Ends consolation goal from a Phil Gore corner. Not a good day but certainly not the worst.

Goalscorer: Stu Love (1)

Man of the Match: Stu Love

Gregsons Lane 4-8 OWE (League)

This was a fantastic result and the highest score posted by this team since it started way back in 2004. The opposition were a place above them and the reverse fixture earlier in the season had seen honours shared with a 2-2 score line, which shows just how far the team has come since then.

Played on a pudding of a pitch West End immediately took the initiative. With only five minutes gone Jonny Kirby received the ball midway in the opposition half. He shifted the ball to his right and unleashed a 25 yard shot that beat the keeper and nestled in the top corner of the net. Fantastic start. But things would only get better, and how? After 9 minutes Matty Ward produced an excellent goal beating the keeper with a sublime lob from 20 yards. Less than a minute later Phil Gore made it three when he slid the ball past the helpless keeper. Two minutes after that Stu Love took a free kick which beat everyone including the keeper who allowed his shot to sneak under his body. 4-0. West End then became slack and allowed the opposition a number of chances, one of which they took in the 13th minute through poor marking. It was obvious at this point that Gregsons Lane would only score as a result of West End mistakes. The fifth West End goal came after 17 minutes when the increasingly influential Matty Ward scored his second before completing his hat trick ten minutes later. 6-1. Phil Gore made it seven ten minutes before half time but Gregsons scored their second just before the break. 7-2 at half time.

The second half was a different game with West End unable to assert themselves as much. Gregsons scored a 3rd in the 47th minute and a fourth as a result of a penalty in the 65th minute. 7-4. A few changes were made with Stu Love moving up front and Jack Hankin into central defence. This made a difference with Stu scoring the 8th goal after 81 minutes. In the midst of all the goals Tom Lea made a number of crucial saves to ensure that the opposition didn’t come back into the game. Matty Ward was denied a fourth goal late on when his unbeatable curling free kick which found the top corner was ruled out for a very debatable offside. Final score 8-4 and although the score could have been even higher, credit has to go to the lads for sticking at it and ensuring the victory. Man of the Match for three goals and also for supporting the defence so well, goes to Matty Ward.

Goalscorers: Jonny Kirby (1); Matty Ward (3); Phil Gore (2); Stu Love (2)

Man of the Match: Matty Ward

OWE 1-6 Bolton County Lions (League)

This was another one of those games that West End shouldn’t have lost let alone been soundly beaten 6-1. Things started so well on a sunny spring day with the pitch cut short and freshly marked. Perfect conditions for football. West End bossed the game in the early stages and played with the confidence gained from three wins out of five. There were no signs of the things to come. It was no surprise when West End took the lead after 6 minutes when a clearance by the Bolton keeper fell at the feet of Matty Ward. A full 30 yards out Wardy played sent the ball over the keepers head and into the net. This should have heralded even greater things, but the enforced withdrawal of Phil Carse through illness would prove key, as West Ends lack of pace at the back would be punished. Bolton were allowed to draw level after 26 minutes much against the run of play, but even then alarm bells didn’t ring. Even when they took the lead just before half time through an own goal following a defensive mix up and foul on Tom Lea, the half time team talk was positive with thoughts turning to a comeback. But the second half was only ten minutes old when a calamitous mistake by the normally outstanding Tom Lea gifted Bolton a third goal. West End heads visibly dropped. The midfield went AWOL and failed to support the defence sufficiently and Bolton started to play the long ball over the top to good effect. Three more goals was more a result of the West End defence losing shape and discipline than great play by the opposition.

A really disappointing end to a game filled with such promise. As usual there are learning points for everyone to take from this game. Providing lessons are learned it won’t have been a total waste.

It was difficult to choose a man of the match due to so many below par performances when the whole 90 minutes are considered. However for his efforts on the right of midfield and then up front continuing to chase the game, man of the match goes to Phil Gore.

Goalscorer: Matty Ward (1)

Man of the Match: Phil Gore

OWE 1-4 Leyland (League)

Third game in a week and a third defeat. Once again though the game was closer than the scoreline suggests with the difference between the teams being a number of mistakes, slack marking and losses of concentration. West End started well and really should have been leading by half time. After 12 minutes Matty Ward stepped up to take a free kick and from 25 yards the ball struck the crossbar. It bounced out into a ruck of players and was eventually helped goalwards by Callum Sealey who saw his effort headed off the line. Eight minutes later another Matty Ward free kick almost found the net but brought out a great save from the Leyland keeper. Leyland took the lead against the run of play after 25 minutes from a deflected shot which gave Tom Lea in goal no chance. But West End rallied after this set back and just before half time could have equalised when a floated cross to the far post from Matty Ward found Stu Love, who’s header was clawed away by the keeper. The second half went the same way as many others recently and saw West End unable to continue their good work. With five minutes gone Leyland increased their lead. Then with 70 minutes gone Tom Lea was forced out of his area to intercept a through ball. His clearance went to an opponent who attempted a lob in the empty net from 30 yards, which was on its way until Matty Ward instinctively stretched out an arm, somehow and accidentally managing to steer it around the post!! The referee failed to see the funny side and Wardy faced the long walk. However Tom Lea made amends a moment later by pulling off a tremendous penalty save. Leyland did score a third on 70 minutes but their lead was reduced nine minutes later by a strong and determined Stu Love who single handedly battled his was through the defence to finish off with a great strike. 3-1. Two minutes from time however with West End pushing up looking for another goal, a Leyland counter attack found them four on three and produced a simple fourth goal. Man of the match goes to Tom Lea for dealing with a concentrated aerial bombardment of corners and long throws with assured handling, and for a fine penalty save.

Goalscorer: Stu Love

Man of the Match: Tom Lea

Astley & Buckshaw 3-2 OWE (League)

What a fantastic advert for Youth football this game was, played with the right spirit and attitude - competitive and with controlled aggression but with not a bad challenge from either side. It also demonstrated how far this West End side has come this season as they dominated the first half in their usual manner, but without completely taking control. Time and again chances were created but most of the efforts on goal were off target. Jack Hankin seemed determined to score and from left back took on the opposition single handedly three times, managing one excellent shot which forced the keeper to make a save. Matty Ward produced another stunning free kick which the keeper just managed to get his fingers to which prevented West End from taking the lead. The first half seemed to be heading for 0-0 when Phil Gore who had a tremendous game burst through on 40 minutes, rounded the keeper and slid the ball into the net to make it 1-0 to West End at half time.

The second half started and again the usual script was followed with the opposition immediately making more of an impact. They started to threaten with every attack and it seemed like only a matter of time before a goal came. When it did it did so with an air of controversy when after 65 minutes the West End defence was sprung, Tom Lea in goal was rounded and with no-one to beat the Astley forward managed to fire his shot wide. Unfortunately for West End another Astley forward who was most likely in an offside position, got in the way of the ball and it ricocheted off him and into the back of the net. The linesman missed it (sorry lads!!) and it was 1-1.

Changes were made and Andy Reddy came on for a rare appearance. Within 5 minutes it was he who caused chaos in the box and broke free to fire the ball under the advancing keeper to re-establish the lead. 2-1 West End. But three minutes later Astley equalised for a second time to make the score 2-2. That should have been it and a wiser team might have settled for a point, but rather than protect what they had West End continued to want more producing a real end to end game. Chances came and went for both sides and in the final minute Phil Gore seemed to have won the game for West End when his shot beat the keeper but also the post finding the side netting. There was still time for one last Astley attack and from it they won a corner. When the ball was swung in Tom Lea was barged by a mass of players including the Astley keeper and as the ball fell to the ground, it was fired into the net for a gut wrenching winner. That was the final piece of action with the final whistle blowing as play resumed from the kick off. Absolutely heart breaking and unfair, but that unfortunately is football and that’s why we love it so much!!

There were so many possible Man of the Match performances. Mark Reid at centre back had a tremendous game, as did Jack Hankin particularly in the first half. But after producing his best and most threatening performance yet with tireless running, Man of the Match goes to Sean Blackley.

Goalscorers: Phil Gore (1); Andy Reddy (1).

Man of the Match: Sean Blackley

Leyland 2-0 OWE (League)

This penultimate game of the season saw another hard fought defeat as West End couldn’t get on the score sheet. The first half was very even with both teams canceling each other out. West End once again played their better football and took the lead after 20 minutes when a through ball found Sean Blackley. He drove the ball past the Leyland keeper only for the goal to be ruled offside. Shortly before half time he once again threatened to score when his shot struck the underside of the bar and bounced down onto the line and away to safety. No Swiss linesman here this time!

The second half saw Leyland become more dangerous and Tom lea was called into action on a number of occasions, pulling off a string of fantastic saves. Mid-way through the half Leyland took the lead from a scrappy goal that came as a result of poor defending, to make it 1-0. West End continued to battle though and create chances although they were fortunate not to go two down when a Leyland goal was chalked off for offside. Phil Gore had a good shot that brought a great save from the keeper. Callum Sealey had an even better shot that was heading for the top corner until the keeper athletically and at full stretch managed it turn it over the bar. Callum had another opportunity to equalise which he will be disappointed not to have when a long ball found him one on one with the keeper, but he was unable to bring it under control. Then with the clock ticking Sean Blackley again struck a shot from 25 yards that beat the keeper all ends up but which once again struck the bar. It deserved more. Then with the final kick of the game Leyland were awarded a penalty which finally saw off the West End challenge making the score 2-0. Man of the match for keepung West End in the game goes to Tom Lea in goal.

Man of the Match: Tom Lea