Saturday 29th Oct, DPL :BOURNEMOUTH SPORTS 2  WESTLAND SPORTS 1

Sports winning run came to an end with a narrow defeat at Chapel Gate. After the 4-0 win at Wareham, Westlands shuffled the pack for this match. The return of Olly Wake to the starting lineup at centre half saw Jamie Green pushed forward into midfield with Phil Ormrod pushed up front. Steve Ormrod was moved to the right wing to accommodate this. At the back Max Rowswell came in at right back with Sam Plumley moving over to left back to replace the unavailable Dan Ewens. A lot of changes which perhaps contributed to Westlands rather slow start which allowed the home team to get a foot in the game and build some early confidence. Their #10 showed some early pace out on the left with a couple of early runs and a few free kicks went into the box but didn’t really trouble Mark Cuff in Westland’s goal. In the 15^th minute Bournemouth had a decent chance when a good cross to the far post was put just wide. After absorbing this early pressure Westlands began to grow into the game and a deflected Malik Kamal shot gave us our first corner of the match. Luca Martin then had a shot that the keeper gathered at the second attempt and a Steve Ormrod header from an Olly Wake free kick bounced off the bar and over. In the 36^th minute Malik Kamal was put clean through when a Bournemouth player lost possession. Malik raced into the Bournemouth half and, with two defenders hot on his heels, he took his shot early from 20 yards out but the ball cannoned off the post and went behind. However two minutes later PHIL ORMROD cut in from the left and drilled in a shot that beat the keeper at his near post and put Westlands 1-0 up. Bournemouth tried to respond but their superior possession was not being translated into goalscoring chances. Phil Ormrod went close again with a shot over the top and the half ended with a header from a Bournemouth player going just past the post.

Half time, 1-0 to Westlands but the game was still far from won as the home side had edged the first half on pressure.

Bournemouth came out playing with confidence and Westlands were soon on the back foot. In the 57^th minute the dangerous #10 burst through and smashed a shot into the roof of the net to make it 1-1. A minute later a Bournemouth player fired in a shot that hit the bar and went over. Westlands were struggling at this point and the home side took advantage. In the 65^th minute a free kick was crossed in and Bournemouth’s #2 rose to head in from close range. So in 20 minutes they had turned the game around and were 2-1 up. Westlands couldn’t really put any passes together and were reduced to pumping long balls forward hoping to get a break. In the 75th minute Westlands introduced 2 subs with Josh Payne and Josh John replacing Jamie Green and Luca Martin, with Phil Ormrod dropping back into midfield. Soon afterwards Max Rowswell was replaced by Nat Carney which meant Adam Barratt dropping in to left back. All this had little effect on the game as Bournemouth were in control now and happy to keep things tight. No more chances, final result 2-1 Bournemouth. Not a good day for Westlands who lost to a strong Bournemouth team and looked a tired side by the end. The unbeaten run had to end sometime and it took a good team to do it so we move on to next week.

Man of the match was Olly Wake who showed real composure at the heart of Westland’s defence.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.M.Rowswell, 3.S.Plumley, 4.O.Wake, 5.S.Smith, 6.A.Barratt, 7.S.Ormrod, 8.J.Green, 9.P.Ormrod, 10.M.Kamal, 11.L.Martin. 12.J.John, 14.N.Carney, 15.J.Payne.

Saturday 21st Oct, DPL : WAREHAM RANGERS 0 WESTLAND SPORTS 4

Another away game for Sports this time at bottom of the league Wareham. The first impression of the pitch was not positive as the surface looked more suited to rugby than football and would be a bit of a leveller. Sports made three changes to the midweek lineup at Bridport, skipper Adam Barratt, Steve Ormrod and Malik Kamal all restored to the starting eleven in place of Olly Wake, Freddy Chorley and Sam Fuller.

The home side, as expected, came out eager to have a go and for the first ten minutes or so it was an even match although neither keeper was tested. Westlands gradually began to gain control and after 15 minutes the Wareham keeper pulled off an excellent double save. First he made a brilliant one handed save from a Phil Ormrod shot and then he got down again to stop Luca Martin from netting the rebound. A couple of minutes later Luca made a good run inside but he dragged his shot wide of the target. In the 24th minute Westlands took the lead with an excellent goal. Malik Kamal laid the ball out to Dan Ewens on the left and he swung over a perfect curling cross that STEVE ORMROD met on the run at the far post, smashing the ball into the roof of the net from close range. A minute later it was 2-0. Josh John made a good run into a crowded box, the ball broke to PHIL ORMROD who took a touch and curled a lovely shot into the top corner. Another excellent goal and with the two goal cushion Westlands began to knock the ball around with confidence. After half an hour Phil Ormrod fired in a shot that just flew wide of the far post. In the 40th minute Luca Martin had a good shot well saved by the Wareham keeper, and the last chance of the half fell to Josh John who ran from the halfway line leaving 3 defenders for dead before cutting inside and delivering a rather weak shot that the keeper saved. Half time 0-2 and a fairly comfortable position for Sports as the home side hadn't really threatened much in the first 45.

As the second half got under way Westlands conceded a silly free kick 18 yards out and keeper Mark Cuff had to make a good save down to his left. From then on Sports were in complete control and more goals looked to be on the cards. A lovely move down the left saw Malik Kamal set up Steve Ormrod but he missed the target with his shot. Then Phil Ormrod set up brother Steve but again he shot wide. A couple of subs were intruduced then, Connor Linham and Max Rowswell replacing Sam Plumley and Josh John. In the 75th minute came the third goal as Malik Kamal clipped a corner kick into the front post where JAMIE GREEN was waiting to head in unchallenged. Two minutes later it was four. STEVE ORMROD rose to meet a cross from the left and planted a header into the top corner. With ten minutes remaining Westlands final substitution saw Joe Boon replace Phil Ormrod as Sports closed out the game. Final score 0-4. On a day when some players were guilty of having an extra touch or trying to play killer passes the Man of the Match award goes to Dan Ewens who kept things simple and moved the ball quickly.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.D.Ewens, 4.J.Green, 5.S.Smith, 6.A.Barratt, 7.J.John, 8.M.Kamal, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.P.Ormrod, 11.L.Martin. 12.J.Boon, 14.C.Linham, 15.M.Rowswell.

Tuesday 18th Oct, DPL :BRIDPORT RES 0  WESTLAND SPORTS 2

A midweek match away to a reserve team is always a potential banana skin so we were expecting a tough match and that is what we got. Two key players injured and a couple unavailable meant starts for Freddy Chorley, Sam Fuller, Josh John and Luca Martin in the Sports line up. The first big chance fell to Bridport after 5 minutes when a rash tackle gave them a free kick right on the edge of the box. Luckily for Westlands keeper Mark Cuff was on his toes and he dived to smother the low shot. A few miP.Ormrodnutes later Bridport had a golden opportunity to open the scoring when Freddy Chorley presented the ball to their player who was clean through but managed to put his shot over the bar. Westlands were trying to get the ball down and make some passes but were guilty of giving the ball away which invited pressure. They were indebted again to Mark Cuff who made a good save in the 20^th minute to deny the home team. Gradually Sports began to get their passing going and in the 20^th minute a mazy run and cross from Josh John was headed just wide by Phil Ormrod. Westlands were beginning to cause Bridport problems down the wings and in the 37^th minute Luca Martin cut inside and fizzed a shot past the post. The home team were still dangerous on the break and Mark Cuff was again called into action with a good save just before the interval. Half-time 0-0.

The second half continued much the same as the first with Westlands pushing forward but finding it hard to break down a packed Bridport defence. Josh John was still terrorising the opposition who were now giving away numerous free kicks in their attempts to stop him. In the 65^th minute a clash of heads saw Freddy Chorley go off with a cut head, Malik Kamal coming on to replace him. In the 75^th minute Westlands at last made the breakthrough. A corner on the left was crossed deep to the far post where DAN EWENS stooped to plant a header in the back of the net. Westlands immediately made a substitution, Connor Linham replacing Sam Fuller. A couple of minutes later a Bridport free kick into the Westlands box was bundled into the net but the linesman’s flag was up as soon as the kick was taken so no goal. In the 81^st minute a corner on the right taken by Malik Kamal was met on the run by JAMIE GREEN who hooked the ball into the net to make it 2-0. Big celebrations for this goal as it virtually secured the three points for Westlands. A few minutes later Josh John was substituted by Max Rowswell and he left the field to a great round of applause from the Westlands contingent..That was that and although Bridport tried hard to get back into the game it was noticeable that Westlands keeper Mark Cuff hadn’t had a save to make in the second half. Full-time 0-2. It had been a tough physical match and Sports were pleased to take the three points in the first of three away games in a row. Man of the match was Josh John whose pace had the Bridport defence in trouble all night.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.D.Ewens, 4.F.Chorley, 5.O.Wake, 6.S.Smith, 7.J.John, 8.J.Green, 9.P.Ormrod, 10.S.Fuller, 11.L.Martin. 12.M.Kamal, 14.C.Linham, 15.M.Rowswell.

Saturday 15th Oct, DPL Cup, Rnd 1 :  WESTLAND SPORTS 3  MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 1

A much anticipated clash of two of the leading sides in the DPL made this an intriguing cup tie. Sports had a strong looking line-up with Olly Wake returning in a new look back three. Sam Plumley returned as one of the wing backs and Lewis Morgan returned up front in a 3-4-3 formation. The first half hour was a bit cagy as both sides probed to find an opening and the first real action came in the 32^nd minute as Merley’s #10 burst through and stuck the ball in the net but the linesman’s flag was up for offside. A few minutes later Lewis Morgan headed a cross back across goal to Phil Ormrod whose header shaved the far post. Just before the break Sports #1 Mark Cuff made a great save to prevent the visitors from taking the lead, tipping a shot that was headed for the top corner over the bar. That basically brought the curtain down on the first half so we turned round with the game delicately poised at 0-0. It had been a fairly even half with the cup tie just simmering so we were looking forward to the second 45 when both teams would surely be upping their game and going for a win.

Westlands were on the front foot as the half opened and a Lewis Morgan header from a right wing cross was inches wide. Westlands skipper Adam Barratt was then helped off with a hip injury and was replaced by Luca Martin in the 51^st minute. And what a substitution this turned out to be a couple of minutes later when Steve Ormrod galloped down the right wing and fired over a low cross which LUCA MARTIN smashed into the net at the far post. The opening goal was always going to be crucial and Westlands had their tails up now and were putting the pressure on. On the hour mark some neat passing out on the right ended with Sam Plumley putting over a lovely cross which Steve Ormrod headed just over the top. In the 63^rd minute Westlands again attacked down the right wing and this time it was Steve Ormrod who put over a good cross into the box. Lewis Morgan dived to head the ball goalwards but the keeper saved with his legs. Next a tremendous double save by the Merley keeper kept the score at 1-0 with a tremendous double save as the shots rained in from Sports forwards who were running riot now. However, in the 69^th minute all these heroics were undone when the Merley #4 passed the ball straight to PHIL ORMROD who accepted the gift, racing through and thumping the ball into the net. Merley looked in a state of shock now and two minutes later Sports struck again to make it 3-0. It was Phil Ormrod who made ground down the right this time and his cross to the far post was planted into the net by LUCA MARTIN. At 3-0 it looked like game over but with nearly 20 minutes to go there was still plenty of time so Westlands couldn’t afford to lose concentration. Lewis Morgan was then replaced by Josh John to add some fresh legs to the attack. With nothing to lose Merley pushed men forward but the Sports defensive three of Sam Smith, Olly Wake and Jake Smeeton were looking solid so Mark Cuff in the Westlands goal was not really troubled. Merley’s best moments came from long throws and in the 86^th minute Merley’s #10 escaped his marker for once and hooked one into the net from about 12 yards. That turned out to be a consolation goal as Westlands played out time fairly comfortably. One last bizarre incident occurred just before the end when a when a Merley player dashed into the home dugout to grab a match ball and was tripped by Westlands sub Tim Trevett who received a red card !  Silly ending to what was a good game from a Westlands viewpoint, the team looking strong in all departments. A difficult hurdle overcome so hopefully a good cup run this season. The Man of the match was presented to Sports defender Sam Smith who was strong at the back, winning his tackles and headers.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.J.Smeeton, 4.S.Smith, 5.O.Wake, 6.A.Barratt, 7.D.Ewens, 8.J.Green, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.P.Ormrod, 11.L.Morgan. 12.L.Martin, 14.T.Trevett, 15.J.John.

Saturday 1st Oct, Somerset Senior Cup, Rnd 2 :  WESTLAND SPORTS 3  CONGRESBURY 2

Always nice to have a county cup tie as it gives us the chance to play different opponents and visit different venues. And, of course, it gives us the chance to perhaps win a prestigious trophy, our last success being ten years ago. In Sports line-up Mark Cuff returned in goal, and with Sam Plumley, Tommy Frampton and Jamie Green all unavailable there were starting spots for Joe Boon, Dan Ewens and Phil Ormrod. The return of Ollie Wake along with Luca Martin, Sam Fuller and Freddy Chorley gave us a strong bench.

The opposition were a bit of an unknown quantity, and although they played in a lower league, they had an impressive record of played 6 won 6 this season so were obviously a team to be respected.

And they visitors quickly showed they were here to win in the 2^nd minute when a 20 yard shot came off the Westland’s post with keeper Mark Cuff beaten. Gradually Sports began to get a grip and took the lead in the 9^th minute. ADAM BARRATT ran on to a Phil Ormrod pass and just managed to flick the ball past the advancing keeper into the net. Westlands next chance came in the 20^th minute when a Steve Ormrod shot was deflected onto the post. However a couple of minutes later some sloppy defending let the visitors back into the game. Sam Smith was robbed by a Congresbury attacker who ran on and blasted the ball into the net from 18 yards to make it 1-1. Westlands then created a couple more chances, a Connor Linham shot going just wide and a Steve Ormrod header from a corner going just past the post. The away side were still having their moments and in the 42^nd minute a cracking cross from the right wing was belted in to give Congresbury a half time lead, 1-2.

Obviously it hadn’t been a great half for Westlands whose all round play had been a bit ragged and lethargic. We would now need to buck up in the second half to turn things around.

Four minutes into the second half Sports made their first substitution Luca Martin replacing Josh John. Westlands looked a bit more determined now and the equalise came in the 52^nd minute. A ball into the crowded visitor’s box was turned in by PHIL ORMROD at close range. Sports had definitely upped a gear now and were dominating the game. In 57minutes Luca Martin missed a sitter when he ran through onto a Steve Ormrod headflick and with the goal at his mercy, managed to put the ball over the bar. Five minutes later Connor Linham also put his shot over the top after being set up by Adam Barratt. In the 65^th minute Steve Ormrod was put through and as the keeper came out he screwed his shot wide of the far post.

Another sub for Sports after 70 minutes saw Connor Linham replaced by Sam Fuller. It was one way traffic now and the Congresbury keeper made a good save, blocking a Malik Kamal shot. Luca Martin picked up the loose ball and crossed to the far post where Malik headed just past the post. In the 76^th minute Malik Kamal had a shot blocked by the keeper’s legs but eventually after 80 minutes the pressure finally paid off. A good cross from the right wing was headed goalwards by SAM FULLER. The ball was deflected off a defender past the keeper and crossed the line before Luca Martin smashed it into the roof of the net just to make sure. Another good chance for Westlands came a couple of minutes later when Phil Ormrod burst through but he just had to stretch to get his shot away and lifted it over the bar. With a few minutes to go Olly Wake made a welcome return, coming on for Phil Ormrod. Westlands just played out time now and the match finished 3-2. Again we made heavy weather of the match but we are in the next round draw which is the main thing. Man-of-the match was awarded to Phil Ormrod by the match sponsor Ben Ford.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.J.Boon, 3.D.Ewens, 4.J.Smeeton, 5.S.Smith, 6.A.Barratt, 7.C.Linham, 8.M.Kamal, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.P.Ormrod, 11.J.John, 12.O.Wake, 14.S.Fuller, 15.L.Martin, F.Chorley.

Saturday 24th Sept, DPL :  WESTLAND SPORTS  3  WIMBORNE TOWN RES  2

With regular keeper Mark Cuff on holiday, Owen Male made his first appearance of the season in goal. At the back Tommy Frampton returned at left back with Jake Smeeton moving to centre back in place of Tim Trevett. Up front Steve Ormrod returned after suspension to replace Mike Rousell.

In the opening couple of minutes Wimborne had the ball in the Westlands net from a free kick but the “goal” was ruled out for offside. Westlands responded and in the 7^th minute JOSH JOHN cut in from the left, stepped inside a defender and smashed a right foot shot into the top corner of the net. A couple of minutes later Steve Ormrod laid the ball off to Connor Linham and his curling shot just cleared the bar and dropped on the roof of the net. Westlands were carving open the visitor’s defence at will and a Josh John effort came off the post and was cleared. In the 13^th minute STEVE ORMROD made it 2-0 when he ran on to a through ball, held off a defender, and drilled a low shot into the far corner. Connor Linham then made a good run into the box but his shot was deflected for a corner. Sports had scored two lovely goals and perhaps it could have been more. However, Wimborne rallied a bit after these early shocks and began to play some nice football that had Westlands on the defensive. Keeper Owen Male made a good save from a low shot and just before the break he was beaten by a lob that landed on the roof of the net. Half-time 2-0 and a good half for Westlands.

Five minutes into the second half, Jake Smeeton gave away a soft free kick on the edge of the box and Wimborne took full advantage, their #9 driving a low shot into the corner of the net. Two minutes later the Wimborne team were cock-a-hoop and stunned the home crowd with the equaliser ! Sam Smith dallied on the ball and conceded possession to the Wimborne #9 who pounced, running through to lob the keeper and make it 2-2 !  A disastrous spell for Westlands who had conceded two soft goals and were now back to square one. Going into the last half hour both teams made changes looking to swing the game their way.For Sports Josh John was replaced by Dan Ewens and shortly after Luca Martin came on for Connor Linham. Luca Martin quickly made his mark with good run down the right wing, beating his man and firing over a low cross that Steve Ormrod blazed over the bar from close range. Luca then had another good run and shot that went just wide of the far post. In the 72^nd minute Westlands made a bold substitution, taking off midfielder Jamie Green and bringing on a second centre forward Niall Woollard and with 4 up front now they began to pile on the pressure. The Wimborne keeper made a magnificent save from an Adam Barratt header to keep the scores level and Malik Kamal had a shot that flew wide. The temperature was beginning to rise now and when a Westland player appeared to be hauled to the ground at a corner kick the Sports manager Jake Coombes copped a yellow for his appeals but no penalty given. Wimborne were always dangerous on the break with several strong runs down their right wing but the final pass was just letting them down. Then in the 90^th minute Malik swung a corner kick deep to the far post that found DAN EWENS about 5 yards out and he planted a diving header into the net. Big celebrations from the Westlands players who thought the game was won but they were nearly embarrassed when Wimborne put together a good passing move deep into injury time that ended with the ball in the net. Thankfully the linesman’s flag cut short their celebrations and Westlands breathed a sigh of relief. Final score 3-2 and a cracking match for the spectators with a finale that threatened to boil over at times but great entertainment.

Line-up :1. O.Male, 2.S.Plumley, 3.T.Frampton, 4.J.Smeeton, 5.S.Smith, 6.A.Barratt, 7.C.Linham, 8.J.Green, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.M.Kamal, 11.J.John, 12.D.Ewens, 14.H.Foster, 15.L.Martin, N.Woollard.

Saturday 17th Sept, DPL :  WESTLAND SPORTS  2  HOLT UTD  0

There’s a saying in football that sometimes you have to “grind out” a result when you are not playing at your best. Well, that is exactly what Westlands did on Saturday when they beat Holt 2-0 at Alvington.

There were 3 changes to the starting line up from last week, out - Frampton, Morgan and Martin, in- Smith, Green and Rousell. With the recent passing of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth, a minutes silence was held in respect of her memory.

The young Holt side soon had us under pressure and Sports keeper Mark Cuff was soon in action, saving a free kick in the 2nd minute. Despite being on the back foot, Sports took the in the 11^th minute, JOSH JOHN volleying a loose ball into the bottom corner of the net from 15 yards.The remainder of the first half saw Holt dominate possession but their shooting was a bit wayward and anything on target was confidently dealt with by Sports keeper Mark Cuff. So a mainly defensive half for Westlands but they went in at half-time leading 1-0.

A half time substitution for Westlands saw Phil Ormrod replace Mike Rousell.

After the break Westlands were a bit more positive and the game was quite even for a bit. Jamie Green made a good run through but his shot went well wide. In the 70th minute Sports conceded a needless free kick on the edge of the box and the kick flew dangerously right across goal with no-one getting a touch. Holt who were still carving out the better chances but their final efforts on goal were way off target. Westlands defence, although under pressure for much of the time were a solid unit, and with keeper Mark Cuff in good form, were proving a tough nut to crack. After 75 minutes Westlands introduced their 2nd sub with Dan Chislett replacing Josh John.  With 10 minutes to go another Holt free kick was ballooned over the bar and a minute later they were made to pay for their wastefulness. Malik Kamal battled for the ball out on the right and played it inside to CONNOR LINHAM who cut in and from 20 yards drilled a low left footed shot into the corner of the net. A good finish that put the lid on a smash and grab performance from Westlands who managed to get three points with some solid defending, good goalkeeping and clinical finishing when their chances came. A disappointing afternoon for Holt but their day will come.

Man-of the match was Mark Cuff who made several good saves to frustrate the visitors and maintain his clean sheet, his 4th in 7 games this season.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.J.Smeeton, 4.S.Smith, 5.T.Trevett, 6.A.Barratt, 7.C.Linham, 8.J.Green, 9.M.Rousell, 10.M.Kamal, 11.J.John 12.J.Boon, 14.P.Ormrod, 15.M.Rowswell, 16. D.Chislett

Saturday 3rd Sept, DPL Cup 1^st Rnd :  WESTLAND SPORTS  1  POOLE BOROUGH 1 (AET)

(Westlands won 5-4 on penalties)

As usual 6 changes from last week with Lewis Morgan making his season debut and new signing Connor Linham up front. Considering it was a cup tie this match started at a fairly leisurely pace, both teams knocking the ball about but neither team making much headway. Lots of passing but with the final pass invariably going astray meant neither team were able to create a decent goalscoring chance. Westlands were forced into making an early sub when Josh John went off ill after the midway drinks break. He was replaced by Dan Chislett. The first real action to get the crowd excited came when the visitors opened the scoring in the 35^th minute. Westlands failed to clear a corner kick allowing the ball to drop and Poole’s little #9, who had caused us problems in the league match 2 weeks ago, stepped in to smash the ball into the roof of the net. An opportunist goal and a couple of minutes later Borough had a good chance to increase their lead when a player burst through but Sports keeper Mark Cuff pulled off a good save to deny him. Westlands best chance was when Connor Linham broke hrough but his shot was a bit tame and went straight at the keeper. Just before half time Westlands got the break they needed to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty. Dan Chislett broke through the Poole back line but was brought down by the visitor's keeper who charged off his line to make the tackle. I remember he conceded a similar penalty in the league game when he upended Steve Ormrod. None of the Westland players seemed too keen to take the kick but LUCA MARTIN stepped up and although the keeper got two hands to his shot, it found the back of the net.

Half-time 1-1.

During the break Westlands made their second substitution of the match, Malik Kamal being replaced by Joe Boon.

A couple of minutes into the second half  Connor Linham was clean through for Sports but his shot once again went straight to the Poole keeper. Ten minutes later the same player had a shot turned round the post as Westlands put on a bit of pressure. As the half progressed however it was the visitors who began to put on the pressure and a good shot just shaved the far post. Connor Linham then made it a tricky last ten minutes for Sports by getting himself sinbinned in the 81st minute for giving the linesman abuse.The final chance in the 90 minutes came to Westlands as Dan Chislett dribbled through the Poole defence but then blasted his shot over the bar when he could have squared to Lewis Morgan who had a tap in in front of goal. Full time (90 mins) 1-1.

In the first period of extra time Poole had a couple of chances when the #9 had a good run and shot which went wide and a few minutes later Sports keeper Mark Cuff made a good save to keep the score level. Westlands then made their final substitution, Tommy Frampton replaced by Freddy Chorley. XT H/T still 1-1.

In the final 15 minutes of extra time Westlands at last began to pile the pressure on with a string of chances created. Connor Linham went through and lobbed the keeper but his effort went just over the bar. Then Lewis Morgan turned and smashed in a shot that rebounded back off the crossbar and was cleared. Next Dan Chislett had a header that brought a great save from the Poole keeper, and finally a Lewis Morgan glancing header went just wide of the far post.

XT Full-time 1-1 and onto the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

Poole Borough went first and #9 showed how it should be done by blasting the ball into the top corner. LEWIS MORGAN then equalised for Westlands burying his shot in the bottom corner. The visitor's #12 then put Poole ahead but LUCA MARTIN netted his second spot kick of the afternoon to make it 2-2. Borough's #8 took their next kick and although his shot was on target Westlands keeper Mark Cuff dived to his left to block the shot with his legs. TIM TREVETT then calmly slotted his kick to put Sports ahead 3-2. Next Poole's #10 coolly sidefooted in his kick and FREDDY CHORLEY did the same for Sports to make the score 4-3 to Westlands going into the final pair. Poole’s #2 confidently stuck his kick away and it was left to JAKE SMEETON to win the tie for Westlands with a god low shot into the corner. Ten good penalties, all on target and just the one excellent save from Westlands hero Mark Cuff that was enough to put Sports through to the next round. Not a great day for Westlands and we managed to get the result in the end but a bit of composure in front of goal could have made things a lot easier.

Man of the match goes to Mark Cuff, not only for the penalty save but he made several good saves during the match which were crucial.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.T.Frampton, 4.J.Smeeton, 5.T.Trevett, 6.A.Barratt, 7.J.John, 8.M.Kamal, 9.C.Linham, 10.L.Morgan, 11.L.Martin, 12.J.Boon, 14.D.Chislett, 15.F.Chorley.

Saturday 28th August:  WESTLAND SPORTS  3  BLANDFORD UTD 3

Undoubtedly the story of this match was the final 10 minutes with a remarkable Blandford comeback from 3 goals down to snatch a point with a 94^th minute equaliser. Sports started the day with problems as 6 of the starting 11 from their midweek win were unavailable. New season, new management, but it would seem the same old problems exist. Fair play to the lads who did play, they played exceptionally well to go 3 up against a good Blandford team but just couldn't hold on in the end.

The first half was 8 minutes in before we had the first real chance. Sports gave away the ball in midfield and were nearly punished, a Blandford player shooting just wide. Five minutes later another good Blandford move ended with a shot going just wide. Westlands were struggling to gain some possession and Jake Smeeton picked up a yellow for a robust challenge. After 20 minutes a blunder in midfield saw a Blandford player run clean through. He went round Sports keeper Mark Cuff but in doing so he was pushed wide and he was unable to get his final shot on target from an acute angle.Westlands then began to settle into the game and Dan Chislett had a decent effort deflected wide and a few minutes later a lovely passing move from Sports gave Malik Kamal a chance but his shot went straight into the Blandford keeper's arms. Nevertheless better stuff from Westlands and in the 40th minute Mike Rousell was slipped in with a nice through ball and he drove it past the keeper into the back of the net. Unfortunately our celebrations were silenced at the sight of the linesman's flag going up. Blandford had one more shot that went wide and that finished the first 45, score 0-0. A half time substitution for Westlands saw Tommy Frampton retire with illness and he was replaced by Craig Michie.

An early goal for Westlands set the scene for a dramatic second half with six goals shared between the teams.

In the 49^th minute a nice through pass by Jake Smeeton put JOE BOON away down the left, he cut in and his low shot found the back of the net off the Blandford keeper at the near post. Blandford were a bit shocked by this setback but in the 55th minute they threatened with a shot that brought a good save from Sports keeper Mark Cuff. Sports second substitution then saw Mike Rousell retire injured and he was replaced by Harrison Foster.

With an hour gone Westlands made it 2-0 when DAN CHISLETT raced on to a lovely pass over the top and with the Blandford defence all at sea, he smashed the ball into the net with a first time shot that went in off the far post. Westlands were on top now and another good pass from Jake Smeeton gave Joe Boon another chance but he rushed his shot and skied it over the bar. After 76 minutes it was 3-0 when Malik Kamal drilled in a shot that rebounded off the Blandford keeper into the air and HARRISON FOSTER was on the spot to lob the ball over the keeper's head into the back of the net. A nice 3 goal cushion for Sports but Blandford had looked a slick outfit throughout and were always dangerous when going forward. Sports had taken advantage of some gaps at the back to go 3 goals up but the game was far from over as was subsequently proved. The fight back started in the 85^th minute when Blandford #9 was first to a cross at the near post and he prodded the ball into the net. Westlands had lost their shape now and a bit of panic began to set in. In the 88^th minute a Blandford corner from the left was bulleted into the top corner of the net by the Blandford #6 with no challenge from a Westlands player. At 3-2 it was just a matter of Sports hanging on to their fragile lead.  Malik Kamal then picked up a yellow for booting the ball away when a free kick was awarded. As time dragged on and Blandford piled on the pressure the inevitable happened in the 94^th minute. A disputed free kick was pumped into a crowded box and a bit of pinball ended with a Blandford player bundling the ball into the net at the far post. There was just time for Westlands to make a last gasp attempt to snatch the points but Harrison Foster put his shot over the top.As frustration set in, Sam Smith was yellow carded for some verbals. The final whistle saw celebrations from the Blandford players for an unlikely point but great credit to them for a magnificent fignt back. Disappointing from Westlands in the way they capitulated late on with a lack of composure costing us dearly. Some obvious time wasting by Westlands possibly came back to bite us with the equalising goal scored so deep into extra time. However we maintain our unbeaten record so not all gloom and doom.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.T.Frampton, 4.F.Chorley, 5.S.Smith (c), 6.J.Smeeton, 7.D.Chislett, 8.J.Green, 9.M.Rousell, 10.M.Kamal, 11.J.Boon, 12.H.Foster, 14.C.Michie, 15.J.David.

Tuesday 23rd August:  WESTLAND SPORTS  2  STURMINSTER NEWTON 0

A good crowd turned up on a fine evening at Alvington to watch this clash of two unbeaten sides. Sturminster Newton had won all 3 of their matches, scoring 20 goals in the process, while Westlands had picked up 7 points from their 3 so a close game was on tJ.Boonhe cards. Sports madeC.Michie 2 changes to the starting 11 from last saturday's match with Sam Smith and Dan Ewens replacing Freddie Chorley and Josh John. Jake Smeeton made his first appearance of the season on the bench.

After a cagey opening 10 minutes the visitors had the first effort on target, a header that was easily saved by keeper Mark Cuff. Westlands then mounted 3 attacks which all ended with shots blasted over the crossbar, Luca Martin, Steve Ormrod and Phil Ormrod all failing to get their shots on target however it was promising that Sports were creating chances. The visitors replied with a shot on goal, again easily saved by Cuffy. It was a fairly even match, both teams working hard to deny their opponents space and time. Sports had a good spell about half an hour in when they forced a couple of corners in quick succession but were unable to capitalise on the pressure. Nearest effort came when Phil Ormrod headed an Olly Wake free kick wide in the 35^th minute.. Half-time 0-0.

Westlands started the second half with a bang, opening the scoring in the 47^th minute. Luca Martin cut in from the right and played a nice pass to Phil Ormrod whose scuffed shot looked to be heading wide of the far post until Stur full back Joe Smeeton ran in and deflected the ball into his own net for an OG. A bit of luck for Sports there perhaps but the build up had been good and had opened up the Stur defence so perhaps justice done. The first goal was always going to be crucial in a tight match like this and the breakthrough gave Westlands added confidence and put a bit of pressure on the Sturminster Newton players. As the half progressed both teams were finding it hard to break down the opposition defences and we had a bit of a stalemate for a while. Westlands were getting the ball out wide and trying to deliver crosses into the box whereas Stur seemed to prefer a more direct route with long balls down the middle. In the 65th minute Luca Martin made a great run down the right and fired over a low cross but nobody was able to get a touch. We then had our first substitution Josh John replacing Dan Ewens. Moving into the last 20 minutes Steve Ormrod headed a free kick just wide for Westlands as they looked to increase their lead and 5 minutes later Steve had a shot on target but easily saved. Two more subs in quick succession now with Jake Smeeton and Joe Boon replacing Jamie Green and skipper Adam Barratt. In the 82^nd minute a long pass over the top put Steve Ormrod in behind the Stur defence and their big keeper came charging off his line to try and win the ball. Steve got there first and was wiped out by the goalkeeper on the edge of the box. There followed a conversation between the referee and his linesman which resulted in a penalty for Westlands and a yellow card for the Stur keeper. STEVE ORMROD stepped up and stroked the spot kick into the corner of the net to put Sports 2 up. One final chance for Sports came in the last minute when Jake Smeeton drilled a low shot just wide of the post. 

Man of the match was Phil Ormrod whose workrate and general play in the midfield was outstanding.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.S.Smith, 4.O.Wake, 5.T.Frampton, 6.A.Barratt, 7.L.Martin, 8.J.Green, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.P.Ormrod, 11.D.Ewens, 12.J.John, 14.J.Smeeton, 15.J.Boon.

Saturday 20th August:  WESTLAND SPORTS  6  POOLE BOROUGH 1

With a win and a draw so far this season Sports were looking for another 3 points from another home game. Sports had numerous changes after the game at Sherborne. Olly Wake, Freddy Chorley and Sam Plumley were re-instated in the back four, Phil Ormrod came into the midfield for his first game of the season and Luca Martin was back on the right wing. The players to drop out were Sam Smith, Josh Payne & Max Rowswell (all injured) plus Malik Kamal and Dan Ewens (both unavailable).

Five minutes into the match Steve Ormrod had the first real chance of the game when he burst through the Poole defence but his final shot was weak and went wide. As they settled into the game Poole began to enjoy some good possession and shocked the home team by taking the lead in the 14^th minute. Their small centre forward showed his pace as he raced onto a through ball and gave Westlands keeper Mark Cuff no chance with a low shot. This stung Westlands into action and only a minute after going behind they scored to pull level. LUCA MARTIN controlled a through ball, turned inside a defender and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. But Borough’s #9 was proving a constant threat to the Westlands defence with his pace and a few minutes later he raced through again but this time keeper Mark Cuff got down to make the save. In the 19^th minute the Poole #9 muscled past Freddy Chorley out on the right wing and cut in but again Cuffy saved his shot. A couple of minutes later Westlands took the lead slightly against the run of play. Steve Ormrod made ground down the right and put over a nice cross that brother PHIL ORMROD headed powerfully into the net from close range. It was end to end stuff now, Phil Ormrod had a good low shot saved by the Borough keeper and at the other end a Borough free kick was headed off the line by Sports Sam Plumley. In the dying seconds of the half Westlands opened up a two goal cushion with the third goal. A long ball from full back Sam Plumley picked out Steve Ormrod who ran in and squared to JOSH JOHN who netted from close range. Half time 3-1.

Although two goals adrift Borough were not out of this game and a good chance fell to their skipper Carl Preston in the 55^th minute. He made a great run through, beating two defenders but then skied his shot over the bar. In the 67^th minute came the goal that really finished the match as a contest. A long throw into the Poole penalty area was flicked on by Steve Ormrod to PHIL ORMROD who controlled the ball and coolly drove it into the far corner. Sports immediately made two substitutions, Tim Trevett and Dan Chislett replacing Josh John and Jamie Green.

The Poole heads began to drop now and In the 76^th minute Sports made it five. Dan Chislett made a strong run into the Borough half past two defenders and slipped in STEVE ORMROD who drilled his shot under the keeper into the net. The 3rd and final substitution was made then with Jamie David replacing LucaMartin. Finally in the 87^th minute a good ball over the top put Steve Ormrod in the clear and he unselfishly squared the ball to TIM TREVETT who had a tap in at the far post. Final score 6-1. A nice return to Alvington for Sports after a difficult away game in midweek. Although possession-wise the game was probably a bit closer than the score suggests Westlands were pretty clinical in attack where they showed their class.

Man of the match was Steve Ormrod who laid on 4 goals for his team-mates and notched one himself to complete a fine afternoon’s work.

Line-up :1. M.Cuff, 2.S.Plumley, 3.F.Chorley, 4.O.Wake, 5.T.Frampton, 6.A.Barratt, 7.J.John, 8.J.Green, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.P.Ormrod, 11.L.Martin, 12.D.Chislett, 14.J.David, 15.T.Trevett.

Wednesday 17th August:  WESTLAND SPORTS  0  SHERBORNE TOWN RES  0

As usual a hard fought match but with goals at a premium, the last 3 matches between these two sides having produced only 2 goals, one of which was a penalty. Sherborne had been heavily defeated in their first match so were determined not to lose this one, especially to local rivals so no quarter was given right from the start. Sports were forced into a re-shuffled defence with neither of Saturday’s central pairing able to start so a makeshift central defence of 2 midfield players, Sam Smith and Jamie Green lined up. This led to some uncertainty in the Westlands defence in the early minutes with some long throws into the box causing problems. However, with the help of a couple of saves from keeper Mark Cuff and a couple of near misses Sports got through their early jitters and began to settle but found it difficult to build attacks due to constant fouls and stoppages. After about 15 minutes, things began to boil over with Sherborne’s Hodges picking up a yellow for hacking down Sports defender Sam Smith. The players then squared up and had to be separated but the agenda had been set and the match then became a constant repetition of free kicks as the temperature rose. Westlands were exerting some pressure but couldn’t find a telling final pass while Sherborne created the clearer openings but couldn’t cash in on their opportunities. Half time 0-0 and the game in the balance.

Westlands opened the second half on the front foot and began to put the home side under some pressure. A moment of controversy came when Steve Ormrod muscled past his marker out on the right wing and put over a low cross that was slotted into the net by Josh John at the far post. The referee unfortunately disallowed the goal after the lino flagged for a foul by Steve. Considering some of the previous challenges that had gone unpunished that was a harsh call. Shortly after Josh Payne got clobbered out on the touchline and hobbled off with what looked like a groin injury. Luca Martin was brought on and immediately looked sharp when he beat his man and fired in a good shot that flashed just wide. Sherborne were also having some joy setting up a couple of good chances that were blazed over the bar into the trees. The game boiled over about an hour in when a huge melee took place over on the far side from my vantage point. Sherborne’s Hodges was involved with Sports Steve Ormrod but with all the other players and the management and subs from the benches all running to get involved it became a rather ugly spectacle that brought no credit to either club. After some time and a few more skirmishes the referee sent off the original two players involved and order was restored. With both teams down to 10 men a few substitutions followed as the managers tried to re-balance their line ups. Freddie Chorley replaced Malik Kamal for Sports and with Freddie slotting in at the back it allowed Jamie Green to push forward into midfield where he looked much more comfortable. Joe Boon replaced Max Rowswell who had picked up an injury and he slotted into the midfield with Dan Ewens dropping into the fullback position where he too looked more at ease. With the team shape looking better Westlands had a good penalty shout when Jamie Green was felled in the box following a corner. It looked a clear penalty to me with his boot being ripped from his foot by the challenge. I think the referee’s view may have been blocked but the nearside linesman had a clear view from about 12 yards away and kept his flag down ! Subsequent video evidence has been posted on twitter which I think confirms my view !  Another good Westlands attack saw Joe Boon swivel in the box and put a shot just past the far post. Sherborne then mounted a strong finish to try and grab the points and a corner kick caused a bit of panic in Westlands defence before the ball was eventually hacked away. Then another close shave for Westlands when a goalbound shot suddenly appeared in goalkeeper Mark Cuff’s arms. With my view of the far end partially obscured by a pylon I don’t really know how the ball got there, I think it may have come off the post and bounced straight into his arms ! Whatever it was a let-off for Sports. Just at the death a long ball over the top from Westlands put Luca Martin in behind with a clear run on goal. As he controlled the ball the referee blew for time up ! Some precision timing there in a match that had numerous stoppages.

Man-of-the-match goes to Mark Cuff who didn’t put a foot wrong and kept us in the game during those rocky early minutes in the first half.

Line-up : 1.M.Cuff, 2.M.Rowswell, 3.T.Frampton, 4.J.Green, 5.S.Smith, 6.A.Barratt ©, 7.J.Payne, 8.D.Ewens, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.M.Kamal, 11.J.John. Subs: 12.L.Martin, 14.F.Chorley, 15.J.Boon.

Saturday 13th August:  WESTLAND SPORTS 1  SWANAGE TOWN  0

Westlands opened the season with three points but they made hard work of what could have been a more comfortable win if chances had been taken. Both teams were a bit cagy early on, not wishing to exert themselves too much in the blistering sun. Westlands however soon began to mount some dangerous attacks and both Josh John and Malik Kamal had attempts well saved by the Swanage keeper. In the 32^nd minute Sports broke the deadlock. Adam Barratt fired in a low free kick to the near post where JOSH PAYNE turned the ball into the net off the keeper. Swanage tried to hit back and a low shot forced Westlands keeper Mark Cuff to his knees. Westlands continued to spurn chances and could have been made to pay when Swanage were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. A Swanage player curled a low shot round the wall but it lacked pace and Mark Cuff saved fairly easily. Half-time 1-0.

The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with Westlands failing to take their chances to put the game to bed. Josh John, Steve Ormrod and sub Mike Rousell all had clear chances but found the Swanage keeper a hard man to beat. Mike Rousell went close with a lob that landed on the roof of the net and following a corner Steve Ormrod tried an acrobatic overhead kick which smacked off the bar and was booted clear. For the last 10 minutes or so Westlands were reduced to 10 men when Mike Rousell hobbled off and all the subs had already been used. Not ideal going a man down in these conditions and Swanage tried hard to snatch a point with a couple of late corner kicks. Not to be however and the final whistle wrapped up a 1-0 win for the home side.

Man of the match was skipper Adam Barratt, looked quality throughout.

Line-up : 1. M.Cuff, 2.M.Rowswell, 3.S.Plumley, 4.F.Chorley, 5.O.Wake, 6.A.Barratt (c), 7.J.John, 8.S.Smith, 9.S.Ormrod, 10.M.Kamal, 11.J.Payne.  Subs: 12.M.Rousell, 14.L.Martin, 15.T.Trevett, 16.J.Boon, 17.J.David