By Dom Smith, a member of The FA Young Reporters' Club. Dom’s blog englandfootball.org has attracted viewers from every continent and led to interviews with England players and BBC Sport Presenters. He currently studies PPE at the University of York.
Helped by a stunning Aaron Watson volley, Westfield FC knocked Basingstoke Town out of the Emirates FA Cup with an impressive 2-0 away win.
This Emirates FA Cup preliminary round tie between Basingstoke and Westfield was held on somewhat neutral territory at the Simplyhealth City Ground, home of Winchester City. It is Basingstoke’s temporary home as their move away from the Ark Cancer Charity Stadium takes shape.
Kick off was delayed at the very last moment due to a kit clash – Winchester City FC organised some makeshift kits for the visitors. Yellows versus yellows would have certainly made for some challenging viewing.
Eventually, after a twenty-minute delay, play was underway on a sweltering August afternoon.
Westfield created more of the early chances, left-winger Aaron Watson in particular rose to the occasion. His 12th minute shot, which scraped wide of the post, was the first clear opening of the game.
Not ten minutes later, Westfield were firing wide of the post again, this time from a direct free-kick struck by fullback Jack Dean. Basingstoke Town were eager to reply and came close just four minutes later. Again, it was a fullback with the final shot – Andrew Charsley driving the ball just over the bar from outside the box.
After a much-appreciated drinks break, Westfield were at it again, starting fast and coming close to breaking the deadlock. Defender Harry Carter called goalkeeper Chris Rackley into action, the keeper required to tip over a goal-bound free-kick at full stretch.
Basingstoke Town’s No10 Reece Rusher had the half’s final chance, stinging the gloves of Westfield goalkeeper and captain Gary Ross with a low strike.
The second half started in dramatic fashion, with a stunning quickfire goal putting Westfield into the lead at the 47th minute. Aaron Watson was the man on the scoresheet, volleying into the top corner from range with unerring technique.
For the next 25 minutes, the match became a tactical affair. A string of substitutions for both sides interrupted the rhythm of proceedings and chances at either end were hard to come by.
Just as the fixture seemed to have died out, Westfield converted again from a swift counter-attack. They did need some help though – Basingstoke centre-back Ben Cook slicing an attempted clearance over his own goalkeeper and into the net.
It was a nightmare moment for the hosts, but Westfield had deservedly put daylight between themselves and Basingstoke.
Harry Carter and Dylan Cascoe missed chances late in the game while the visitors looked for a third.
The final chance of the game fell to Basingstoke Town. Andrew Charsley’s shot was gathered by Westfield’s goalkeeper Gary Ross. It was a fluid move from the home side, countering from their own box thanks to composed play by 16-year-old substitute Lloyd Snell.
Referee Peter Lowe drew the contest to a close, confirming Westfield’s progression to the Emirates FA Cup first round qualifying.
