Report

Playing in sunny weather and in front of a crowd of just over 100, including ground hoppers from London, Nottingham, Birmingham, Blackpool, Stafford [and even Stockport!] the home club were looking to impress .

The West management team started with the backbone of the squad of players who have been with the club during their Manchester League days, strengthened with some recent signings with NWCFL experience.

Unfortunately it was Formby who set the early pace and went ahead after 28 minutes when centre back White crashed home a rebound from a corner kick after the ball had been headed against the bar. Then on the stroke of half time Formby increased their advantage when a hopeful punt forward fell to Hamid who was unmarked to beat Mellor from the edge of the box to make it 2-0 at the interval. This was harsh on West who had two good efforts hooked off the line midway through the half when the Formby keeper O’Connell was beaten.

After the break it was a different story as West fought back with Liam Beckford, returning to the club after some years at Maine Road, opening the club's account in the NWCFL on 52 minutes. Formby then had the chance to restore a 2 goal advantage from the penalty spot but this time White blazed high over the bar. West were determined to get back on level terms and began to keep possession much better and create momentum. Substitute Willis went close when he cut in from the left on 75 minutes to crack a great effort against the post and then on 85 minutes long serving target man Tommy Walsh brought score back to 2-2. West then had a great chance  to go ahead for the first time when Walsh broke away again on the right to play in Willis who had strayed offside with only the keeper to beat.

Sadly for West this miss, combined with the sending off of full back Jones for a second yellow offence on 88 minutes, was to prove very costly as , in the 5^th minute of added time, Formby snatched a late winner and all 3 points when centre back White was again on hand to turn home a free kick from 6 yards.

The game overall highlighted what West need to compete at this level in taking chances clinically and eliminating the mistakes that will be harshly
punished.                                                                                  

Simon O'Neill

Photos

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