Report

Reality check for West as third placed Hindsford put them to the sword

Hindsford came in to the game on a high after winning the Atherton Charity Cup in midweek against Vodkat League side Ashton Town. There could’ve been some tired legs for West’ opponents following a tough cup final that went into extra time but Hindsford showed no signs of this as they came out fast and furious and played some very direct football.

Ten minutes in to the game, a mis-placed pass from the back was intercepted by Hindsford right winger ‘Battsy’ who struck it straight past Steve Mellor in goal.

West responded positively keeping the ball well but Hindsford were defending resolutely… The returning Lee Shillito was brought down in the box on 35’ but the ref deemed it a good challenge and waved play on.

Half time: West 0-1 Hindsford

West keeper Steve Mellor dislocated his finger in the warm up and was playing through the pain in the first half. Defender Dave Kilbride replaced him in the sticks at half time as he could no longer continue.

Andy Nelson’s men started the second half very well, with Paul Lewis spraying the ball in to the wide areas for crosses to come in. Scott Jones went close after a clever one two with Matt Eckersley but for a great challenge from the Hindsford fullback.

On 60’ the linesman flagged for a foul on Matt Eckersley in the centre of the park but the ref never saw it;  West players stopped… This resulted in a hopeful lob forward and their frontman smashing home a left foot half-volley in off the post. It was a great finish from the forward but he must have thought Christmas came early as he ran through un-marked.

Minutes later a hopeful clearance – as Hindsford looked to clear their lines – was defended poorly. This landed to Hindsford attacker Bancroft who slipped his winger through and he smashed it from close range in to the upright… Stand in stopper Kilbride was helpless.

West pushed to get back in the game, but unfortunately the damage was done. Scott Jones – playing further forward towards the end – was brought down by former West defender Wes Crompton as he tried to latch on to a through ball but the ref didn’t see it. And Matt Eckersley was tackled by the last man as he dribbled his way past two players in to the penalty box.

Hindsford countered towards the end but Bancroft hit his shot just wide.

All in all, a fair result on the day’s events and it’s back to the drawing board for West Didsbury after a very good month ended with a bad result.

West 0-3 Hindsford

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