Wed 8th Mar: Dorset Premier League: STURMINSTER NEWTON 4  WESTLAND SPORTS 1

It was a miserable wet night in Sturminster Newton, and with the pitch wet and soggy not ideal conditions for Westlands who like to pass the ball around. With Olly Wake missing from the defence and skipper Adam Barratt failing a fitness test Sports were forced into a couple of changes, Tim Trevett and Duncan McCabe stepping in.

The home side, who had several tall players in their team, showed their hand early on, pumping long balls forward and hoping to battle for possession and maybe win a set piece. Unfortunately, Westlands seemed to get drawn into the same tactic and it made for grim viewing for the first 10 minutes. At last, in the 14^th minute, Sports managed to string a few passes together and create a chance with a Jamie Thompson shot being turned round the post. That corner was pumped in high but easily defended by the Stur defence. Two minutes later the home team showed how it should be done. They won a corner out on the right and when the ball came over, their big #5, Nick Hewlett, rose highest to head in. Hewlett had been drafted in from Shepton Mallett for this match and it had proved an astute dual signing after only 16 minutes. Sturminster were giving the Westlands defence some problems from set pieces and in the 22^nd minute Sports keeper Mark Cuff made an outstanding double save to deny Stur a 2 goal lead. And on the half hour a free kick into the box caused more problems and a header was turned round the post by Cuffie who was again in action from the resulting corner tipping a shot over the bar. In between these incidents Westlands had looked a bit better going forward, putting a few passes together but not creating any clear chances. In the 32^nd minute disaster struck with the second goal for the home side. Mark Cuff, who had been superb for Westlands, scuffed a goal kick straight to the Stur #9 who evaded a couple of lunging tackles and belted the ball in to make it 2-0. For the remainder of the half Sports dominated but were unable to make their possession count. Half-time 2-0.

Surprisingly no changes for Westlands at half time as one or two players had looked off the pace. The game settled down to the pattern set before the break with Westlands having decent possession but going nowhere and Sturminster looking more dangerous with their more direct approach. Westlands then killed any hopes they might have had of getting back into the game when Jamie Thompson was red carded on the hour mark. Confusing incident as the referee seemed to wave a yellow card and then quickly whipped out the red. This prompted a sub for Westlands, Duncan McCabe off and Calum Gundry on. However things only got worse for 10 man Sports a few minutes later with the third goal for the home team. The ball was given away in midfield and quikly moved forward to an unmarked Sturminster player and he scored with a low shot. Another sub now came on for Sports Luca Martin replacing Josh Payne. This had some effect as five minutes later when the Stur defence failed to clear a corner LUCA MARTIN tucked the ball into the far corner of the net to make it 3-1. Any hope of a stirring fightback for the 10 men was soon quashed as a minute after we scored Phil Ormrod got himself sin-binned for dissent. Down to 9 men now Sports were struggling and in the 82^nd Sturminster made it 4-1 when a high dipping shot found the far corner of the net. Just when we thought Westlands night couldn’t get any worse it did, Sam Plumley being red carded for foul play. Not sure if it was a second yellow or a straight red, either way it left Westlands down to 8 men !  Luckily Phil Ormrod was soon restored from the sin-bin so with 9 men for the rest of the game Sports managed to hold out without conceding, even putting in a couple of attacks. Final score 4-1.

Westlands will want to forget this performance, getting it wrong on all aspects of the game and the poor discipline may come back to haunt them with suspensions etc.

Man of the match was Dan Ewens, who worked hard down the left.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.D.Ewens 4.T.Trevett 5.S.Smith (c) 6.D.McCabe 7.J.Thompson 8.J.Green 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.J.Payne 12.L.Martin 14.M.Kamal 15.C.Gundry

Sat 25th Feb: Dorset Premier League: WESTLAND SPORTS 6  HAMWORTHY UTD RES 1

Two changes for Sports after last week’s win, Jamie Green and Josh Payne restored to the team at the expense of Jamie Thompson and Ollie Hebbard . The weather was fine and the pitch was in great condition for the time of year so all set for a good game against a young side who have made a good impression this season, sitting in the top half of the table.

After an opening flurry from the visitors Sports soon took control and a Josh Payne shot was turned round the post by the visitor’s keeper. From the corner Steve Ormrod headed well wide. In the 10^th minute Westlands took the lead, PHIL ORMROD drove into the box, held off a defender and scored with a low shot. Two minutes later Steve Ormrod cut in from the right, beat a defender and smashed a shot off the near post. Things looked bad for Hamworthy at this point but they soon hit back with an equaliser in the 17^th minute.  Some good play opened up the Sports defence and the ball was driven into the far corner from 15 yards out to put Hamworthy on level terms. Westlands hit back and laid siege to the visitor’s goal. A good passing move gave Steve Ormrod a chance but his shot was palmed round the post by the keeper for a corner. From the kick Josh Payne’s header was deflected over the bar and from the 3^rd corner Jamie Green fired over the top. Finally in the 25^th minute Westlands regained the lead. A perfect Josh Payne pass put PHIL ORMROD through and he thumped the ball into the net for his second goal of the game. After 33 minutes it was 3-1 when STEVE ORMROD banged in a penalty after Duncan McCabe was brought down on the edge of the box.. Half time 3-1.

After the break Hamworthy rallied a bit and things were quite even with Sports best chance being a Josh Payne shot that was blocked by the keeper who was having a good game. Hamworthy had some neat build up play but were unable to test Sports keeper Mark Cuff.  On the hour mark came the first substitution for Westlands with Adam Barratt retiring injured being replaced by Malik Kamal. In the 70^th minute Phil Ormrod raced down the right wing and played a lovely ball back across goal where MALIK KAMAL drilled it low and hard into the net from 15 yards out. Five minutes later came the second sub for Westlands, Luca Martin replacing Duncan McCabe. The fifth goal followed in the 83^rd minute, Phil Ormrod ran onto a long ball down the left and crossed for brother STEVE ORMROD to smash the ball in from close range. Another long pass then gave Steve Ormrod a chance for his hat-trick but his shot rattled off the post. With 5 minutes to go Sports final substitution saw Josh Payne replaced by Harrison Foster who almost got his name on the score sheet two minutes later. A Phil Ormrod shot was turned round the post for a corner and when the kick came over Harrison rose highest but put his header over the bar.The final goal came in the 94^th minute, Phil Ormrod turned in the box and squared the ball to LUCA MARTIN who scored with an nice sidefoot finish.

Final score 6-1 and a satisfying performance from Westlands who have been a bit up and down recently.

The man-of-the-Match was shared this week by Steve and Phil Ormrod whose power and pace was too much for the Hamworthy defence.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.D.Ewens 4.O.Wake 5.S.Smith 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.D.McCabe 8.J.Green 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.J.Payne 12.L.Martin 14.M.Kamal 15.H.Foster

Sat 18th Feb: Dorset Premier League: POOLE BOROUGH 1  WESTLAND SPORTS 2

Back on league business and the squad was back to almost full strength for what is usually a difficult ground for us, I seem to remember losing here last season. The pitch was not great, had decent grass cover, but soft and very bumpy.

Westlands were quick out the traps and soon had Poole on the defensive. An early corner in the 4^th minute saw a Sam Smith header from a corner cleared off the line. Five minutes later, from another Sports corner, a Phil Ormrod shot was well saved by the Poole keeper. The home side were limited to the odd counter attack and in the 32^nd minute, opened the scoring against the run of play. Olly Wake tried to step inside an opponent just inside his own half and slipped over conceding possession. That left Sam Smith against two opponents and a pass inside was followed by their attacker almost walking the ball into the net. Sports almost, and maybe should have, equalised a few minutes later when Phil Ormrod netted only for the goal to be ruled out by the club linesman for handball. As the ball came into the crowded box there was definitely a handball in there but I couldn’t be sure who the guilty party was. In the 43rd minute Sports eventually got a deserved equaliser. Duncan McCabe fired over a free kick with a bit of pace on it and a Poole defender turned it into his own net for an OG. Just before half time Sports almost went in front when a Phil Ormrod header from a corner was again cleared off the line, showing the value of having men on the posts. Half-time 1-1.

Into the second half and Westlands were back on the attack. A Phil Ormrod shot was tipped round the post for a corner and from the kick Jamie Thompson blasted a shot over the top. In the 55^th minute Ollie Hebbard made a great run and played a perfect through ball to Duncan McCabe who was clean through but his shot was saved by the onrushing keeper who was having a great game. He was again in action five minutes later, parrying an Ollie Hebbard shot. But he was beaten in the 61^st minute when Sports took the lead. Jamie Thompson beat a couple of men out on the right and cut inside along the byeline before delivering a perfect low cross across the front of the goal which PHIL ORMROD sidefooted in from a yard out. No more than Sports deserved really and they continued to press looking for a third goal to kill off the game. In the 66^th minute a scramble in the Poole box ended with Phil Ormrod firing over the bar. In the 75^th minute Jamie Green came on to replace the injured Sam Plumley and a minute later Ollie Hebbard burst through the home defence but once again the Poole keeper saved the final shot. Going into the last 10 minutes Sports subbed on Malik Kamal for Jamie Thompson and Josh Payne for Ollie Hebbard and seemed to settle for the one goal win. No further action really as Sports played out the final minutes. Full time score 1-2.

Man-of the-match was Jamie Thompson who always looked dangerous out on the left and made the winning goal with some good close skills.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.D.Ewens 4.O.Wake 5.S.Smith 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.J.Thompson 8.D.McCabe 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.O.Hebbard 12.J.Green 14.M.Kamal 15.J.Payne, 16.C.Gundry.

Sat 15th Feb:Somerset Senior Cup, R4: ASHTON & BACKWELL RES 1  WESTLAND SPORTS 1  (4-2 pens)

Always a tough task this, away midweek in the cup, and especially after a damaging defeat in our previous match. Team selection was a problem as well with 8 current first team regulars missing. Three missed the signing deadline (Jamie Thompson, Cal Gundry & Duncan McCabe), 3 are injured (Sam Smith, Olly Wake, & Joe Smith), one working (Josh Payne) and 1 on holiday (Luca Martin). The manager managed to fill the gaps with the help of the reserves and U18s and we still felt we had a good enough squad on the night to get a result. Dan Ewens moved to centre half to partner Tim Trevett with U18 player Harrison Foster coming in at left back. Malik Kamal and Jamie Green returned to the team and another U18 Aiden Vincent started on the left. The subs bench was Josh John, Connor Fletcher, Jake Worth, Connor Linham and Lewis Morgan. The pitch was in decent condition and the weather was fine so no excuses there.

Inevitably, with all the changes, Sports started a bit sluggish but with both teams settling into the game there wasn’t much action for the first ten minutes or so. The first serious attempt at goal came from the home team when a shot from 20 yards flew just wide. Then, in the 14^th minute we had a very controversial moment when Phil Ormrod outpaced the Ashton defence and as he was about to shoot he was wiped out by the goalkeeper who charged off his line straight into him with no attempt to play the ball. A nailed-on penalty we thought so there were cries of disbelief when the referee said no. Even their keeper knew he had got away with one. After that incident the game deteriorated into a midfield battle with Westlands struggling to get any passing going. The home team looked a bit more composed and territorially were on top but were unable to trouble Sports keeper Mark Cuff.

Half-time 0-0.

The home team came out fired up for the second half and soon had the Sports defence on the back foot.

A good cross into the box from their left back was met first time by a forward but Mark Cuff pulled off a great reaction save from point blank range. A couple of minutes later another cross driven across the box was turned away by Cuffie at full stretch. All the attacks were coming down their left wing and in the 52^nd minute the inevitable happened. A cross was fired in and this time an Ashton forward got there first and drove the ball in from a couple of yards out. This setback seemed to wake Westlands up and they immediately went on the attack. Phil Ormrod lobbed their keeper but a defender got back to clear the ball off the line. Westlands continued to press but just couldn’t make the breakthrough. In the 65^th minute Sports made their first two substitutions, Harrison Foster and Aiden Vincent being replaced by Lewis Morgan and Connor Linham. Lewis Morgan immediately got involved thumping a shot just wide. In the 70^th minute Phil Ormrod got his head to a corner but again the ball was cleared off the line. Five minutes later Lewis Morgan ran onto a through ball but unfortunately hooked the ball over the bar. In the 77^th minute Sports equalised. A cross into the box from the right wing was turned in by skipper ADAM BARRATT at the far post. Westlands were now pressing for the winner and another cross in was just scrambled away for a corner which was headed over the top. Sports had been dominant since going behind but just couldn’t find that elusive winner and the match ended 1-1. On to the dreaded penalty shoot out and with STEVE ORMROD then PHIL ORMROD both scoring and the home team doing the same we were tied at 2-2 on penalties. Then Jamie Green and Connor Linham both missed for Sports and with Ashton netting both their kicks we went out 4-2 on penalties.

Another disappointing night for Westlands but with this tie having been scheduled for December 3^rd and postponed 5 times it just felt like we were destined to lose this match.

Man of the match is Dan Ewens who filled in very well at centre half winning the majority of his tackles and headers.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.H.Foster 4.D.Ewens 5.T.Trevett 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.M.Kamal 8.J.Green 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.A.Vincent 12.L.Morgan 14.C.Linham 15.J.John, 16.Connor Fletcher, 17.Jake Worth.

Sat 11th Feb: Dorset Premier League: MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 3  WESTLAND SPORTS 2

This was a real shocker for the Westlands contingent to suffer. Two nil up with 20 minutes to go, we shouldn’t be going home empty handed but that’s what happened and unfortunately this kind of performance doesn’t win leagues.

In the starting line up Olly Wake and Josh Payne were missing from the team that played in midweek, being replaced by Tim Trevett and Phil Ormrod. It was a lovely surface and the weather was fine so it was a perfect afternoon for football.

Westlands soon took control, passing the ball well and were soon pressing the Merley goal. In the 15^th minute Phil Ormrod had a good effort tipped onto the post by the Merley keeper. A few minutes later the keeper foiled Steve Ormrod, turning his effort round the post. It was all Westlands and in the 32^nd minute we thought the net would bulge when Phil Ormrod ran onto a perfect through ball from Jamie Thomson but he dragged his shot wide of the far post. After 40 minutes a Steve Ormrod cross was nearly turned into his own net by a Merley defender, their keeper coming to the rescue again. Eventually, in the 42^nd minute, Sports took the lead. A deep cross to the far post by Dan Ewens was put back across the goal by Calum Gundry and tucked away by STEVE ORMROD. That gave Sports a 1-0 lead at half time, which really could have been more but for the Merley keepers heroics.

A great start to the second half for Sports saw PHIL ORMROD race through, beat his man and drive a low shot into the far corner of the net to give Westlands that crucial second goal. Sports kept the pressure on and forced several corners but failed to add to their lead. With 20 minutes to go Duncan McCabe, who was struggling, was replaced by Josh John. Then, in the 75^th minute the fight back began. A long throw into Westlands box was not cleared after two attempts and eventually fell to a Merley player who thumped it through the crowd into the net. A poor goal to lose but worse was to come a couple of minutes later. Another long throw into the Westlands box was not dealt with. Then a scuffed clearance went straight to an unmarked Merley player who struck a low shot into the far corner of the net to make it 2-2. Westlands regrouped, replacing Calum Gundry with Malik Kamal, and tried hard to get back in front. Sam Smith had a great effort from a corner brilliantly saved by the Merley keeper and Josh John had a shot cleared off the line. The home side were pushing men forward now and beginning to look dangerous. This ended in controversy in the 88^th minute when an attempted cross from the right was blocked by Tim Trevett and appeared to come off his arm. The referee immediately pointed to the spot to the dismay of the Westland players. It was one of these crazy handball decisions that have come to blight our sport. Accidental, deliberate, outwith body shape, above T-shirt line, its all a complete shambles in my view !  Anyway, after strong protests by the Westland players that resulted in a yellow card for Malik Kamal and a sin-bin for Phil Ormrod, the penalty kick was tucked away for what proved to be the winning goal.

An amazing finish to what had been an entertaining game of football but an afternoon Westlands will want to forget.

Man of the match was Duncan McCabe who filled in wide on the right due to our shortage of wingers on the day and put in a very tidy performance, not giving the ball away and moving it on quickly. Unfortunately, he had to retire with 20 minutes to go and perhaps his cool play would have helped in what followed his departure.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.D.Ewens 4.S.Smith 5.T.Trevett 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.D.McCabe 8.C.Gundry 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.J.Thompson 12.A.Vincent 14.M.Kamal 15.J.John.

Wed 7th Feb: Dorset Premier League: DORCHESTER SPORTS 1  WESTLAND SPORTS 4

This was a tough task on a bitterly cold Wednesday night against one of our rivals in the chase for the league title. Teamwise, top scorer Phil Ormrod was missing due to illness so Duncan McCabe donned the #10 shirt. At the back Sam Smith returned and there was also a starting spot for Josh Payne after injury problems.

Dorchester gave Westlands a scare in the first minute when some sloppy defending allowed a cross to come over and their forward's header bounced on the crossbar and went over. After that Westlands soon settled on the 4G surface, passing well and dominating possession and in the 9^th minute took the lead. A free kick was put into the Dorchester box where the ball fell to SAM SMITH who hooked it goalwards on the half turn and it found the back of the net through a crowd of players. In the 20^th minute Sports keeper Mark Cuff made a good save from a free kick which was heading for the bottom corner. A couple of minutes later Jamie Thompson had a shot saved by the Dorchester keeper who was called into action again a few minutes later, diving at the feet of Steve Ormrod when he was put clean through. With 38 minutes on the clock Westlands increased their lead. After some patient passing in their own half drew Dorchester players in, Sam Smith then played a long pass out to JAMIE THOMPSON on the left wing. Jamie cut inside onto his right foot and thumped in a shot from 22 yards which completely deceived the Dorchester keeper and flew into the net. That put Westlands firmly in the driving seat and we turned round 2-0 up at the break.A good first half from Sports who were good value for their 2 goal lead.

We expected a bit of a reaction from the home team in the second half but they had the wind taken out their sails when Westlands made it 3-0 in the 47^th minute. Josh Payne played an exquisite crossfield pass to JAMIE THOMPSON who once again cut inside and from the edge of the box scored with a low shot into the far corner. An excellent goal that one and with Sports now 3-0 up, things were looking difficult for Dorchester. However, only 2 minutes later, they made the most positive response. Westlands conceded a soft free kick on the edge of the box and the resulting shot squirmed out of keeper Mark Cuff’s grasp and was booted into the net by a Dorchester player following up. That gave the home side a glimmer of hope and they began to put the pressure on and pinned Westlands back in their own half. Just after the hour Westlands boss Jake Coombes decided to replace some players who were looking a bit leggy. Josh Payne, Duncan McCabe and Calum Gundry were replaced by Josh John, Malik Kamal and Jamie Green and Westlands seemed to adopt a more safety first approach now, filling up the midfield with only Steve Ormrod left up front. Nevertheless the system seemed to be working with Steve O giving the home defence no rest with his hard running and chasing. The Westland supporters did have a few dodgy moments to endure however, none more dodgy than when Dan Ewens, attempting to clear his lines, completely miscued his clearance and the ball smacked off his own crossbar before being scrambled away ! The game was finally wrapped up in the last minute when STEVE ORMROD raced down the right wing, cut in, and from an acute angle smashed the ball into the far top corner. What a finish that was and a fitting end to a good evening for the Westland team.

Final score 4-1.  A good result for Sports of course but a thoroughly entertaining match watched by a large contingent of Westland supporters who went back up the A37 well pleased with the result.

Man-of-the-match was Jamie Thompson who banged in a couple of beauties.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.D.Ewens 4.S.Smith 5.O.Wake 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.J.Thompson 8.C.Gundry 9.S.Ormrod 10.D.McCabe 11.J.Payne 12.J.Green 14.M.Kamal 15.J.John

Sat 4th Feb: Dorset Premier League : SWANAGE TOWN 1  WESTLAND SPORTS 4 

Sports took the lead after just 5 minutes following a corner and although the Swans keeper produced a great save, he was unable to prevent PHIL ORMROD heading home from close range. Sports doubled their lead on 25 minutes when JAMIE THOMPSON skipped past several challenges and drilled his shot into the net. A great solo effort from the Westlands winger. Sports were in control for the rest of the first half, knocking the ball around on the lovely surface and preventing the  Swans having any real chances  H/T 0-2.
As to be expected Swanage seemed more determined in the second half and tried to get back into the game with a couple of long range efforts. Eventually they reduced the arrears with a well struck volley after a header was cleared off the line following a corner. Swanage’s hope of a comeback were destroyed when just 2 minutes later PHIL ORMROD completed his brace from close range, with the home keeper suffering an injury trying to prevent the goal and unable to continue. Deep into stoppage time, that man again PHIL ORMROD completed his hat-trick with a long-range shot following some sloppy defending by the home side. F/T 1-4.A good win on the road for Sports and once again Phil Ormrod gets the man-of-the-match award.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.D.Ewens 4.T.Trevett 5.O.Wake 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.J.Thompson 8.C.Gundry 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.J.Smith 12.D.McCabe 14.M.Kamal 15.S.Smith

Sat 28th Jan: Dorset Premier League : WESTLAND SPORTS 4  STURMINSTER MARSHALL 2

Westlands came into this game on the back of a loss against Sturminster Marshall in the cup but looked to get back to winning ways against the same opposition in the league. Team news saw new signings Calum Gundry and Duncan McCabe given starting positions and Sam Smith returned to form a new central defence partnership with Tim Trevett. The pitch looked in good condition following the recent bad weather  but there was a chill wind blowing in from the west.

The first half saw an early opportunity for Sturminster after a misplaced pass from Sports defender TimTrevett let their #11 in but he dragged his shot wide of the goal. An early warning for Sports to tighten up on the Sturminster #11 who had been their best player in the recent cup encounter. From this point Westlands controlled the play with large amounts of possession, controlling the ball at the back and playing into midfield. In five minutes Sports opened the scoring from a set piece delivered by skipper Adam Barrett. The ball was played over the Sturminster defence and striker PHIL ORMROD came in on the blind side and cleverly lifted the ball over the Sturminster keeper into the net. Sturminster tried to fight back with a spell of pressure but couldn't get a shot on target with a couple of efforts put wide.

The second goal was scored in the 30th minute and came from a very similar position as the first goal. Once again Adam Barrett  played a perfect cross into the box and PHIL ORMROD leapt highest and headed the ball over the opposing keeper whose lack of height was being exposed. Westlands were looking comfortable now and when the third goal came in the 42nd minute it was definitely a contender for goal of the season. After a cross was headed away by a Sturminster defender JOE SMITH  controlled the ball around 25 yards from goal, and on the half volley hammered the ball into the opposite top corner. A great goal with great technique shown. The half ended with Sturminster's #11 again bursting through but he blasted his shot over the top. Half-time 3-0.

After half time, the game went a bit quiet for the first 15 minutes with the urgency lacking from both teams. Steve Ormrod had a header and a shot that went just wide as Westands tried to increse their lead. But in the 60th minute Sturminster brought the game back to life by grabbing a goal. A moment of slackness in the Sports defence saw a scuffed shot find it’s way through to an unmarked Sturminster forward to tap home. This spurred the visitor's on and a couple of minutes later a through pass picked out a Sturminster forward and as he ran into the box he was challenged by Sports defender Sam Smith. Both went down in a tangle of legs and arms and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. The penalty was comfortably stroked into the corner and it was now 3-2 and game on !! To make things worse, Sports then were reduced to ten men after Tim Trevett was sin-binned for complaining about the award of the penalty !!  Just the boost the visitor's needed, and they piled on the pressure but Sports managed to weather the 10 minutes without conceding further. However, Westlands had now passed the initiative to the opposition and they continued to press with Westlands defence now playing deeper and deeper. In the 71st minute Sturminster had the ball in the net but an offside flag cut short their celebrations. With 5 minutes to go Sports had now decided to hang on to what they had and two subs were introduced, Jamie Green and Malik Kamal replacing Calum Gundry and Joe Smith. As the game moved into overtime it looked as if Westlands had held on but in the 92nd minute they made sure with the fourth goal. A quick throw in from Duncan McCabe up the line put PHIL ORMROD away and he raced into the box and drove thr ball low and hard into the far corner to complete his hat trick. Final score 4-2 to Westlands but with a 3-0 half time lead Sports should have been in control of this game but they let things slip and ended up hanging on in the end. A worrying sight as we surrendered a 3 goal half time lead earlier in the season ending up drawing the match and dropping two precious points. Nevertheless a very welcome victory and hopefully a return to form as we enter the crunch part of the season.

Man of the match was Phil Ormrod for a brilliant hat-trick and an all-action performance that saw him collapse with cramp at the end of the game. An example to everyone really that rewards in life are only gained by hard work !

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.D.McCabe 3.D.Ewens 4.T.Trevett 5.S.Smith 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.L.Martin 8.C.Gundry 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.J.Smith 12.S.Plumley 14.M.Kamal 15.J.Green

Sat 21st Jan: Dorset Prem League Cup, Qtr-final: STURMINSTER MARSHALL 2  WESTLAND SPORTS 1

The pitch was testing to say the least, hard underneath, soft on top, It was also very rutted and bumpy so was a bit of a leveller. Westlands made the mistake of trying to play their normal passing game and so frequently gave away possession or got bogged down in midfield. Being more used to these conditions the home team got the ball forward quickly in behind the Sports defence which caused problems. In the 15^th minute a through ball put the Sturminster #11 away and as he ran into the box he was challenged by a defender and went down. Penalty said the referee which was a bit generous, but the #11 picked himself up and slotted away the spot kick to put the home side one up. Westlands tried to get back into the game but couldn’t really make much headway against a well organised home defence. In the 28^th minute a long ball put Sturminster’s #11 clean through and he rounded keeper Mark Cuff and slotted the ball into the net. Sports were on the back foot now as the home side kept up the pressure and there was some dodgy moments before the welcome half time whistle was blown.

Westlands came out for the second half with surprisingly no changes to the team but after ten minutes two substitutes were introduced, Calum Gundry and Jamie Thomson replacing Malik Kamal and Joe Smith.

Sports got a grip of the game now and really piled on the pressure forcing several corners, one melee ended with the ball cleared off the line. Eventually, in the 67^th minute Westlands scored. Another corner caused havoc in the goalmouth and LUCA MARTIN eventually hooked the ball into the net. With just over 20 minutes to go Sports were definitely back in with a chance. Constant pressure now from Westlands and in the 75^th minute a low shot from Phil Ormrod whizzed just past the post. Then Phil sent in a looping header which dipped over the keeper but unluckily bounced on top of the bar and over. With time running out Phil Ormrod drove into the box and was blatantly held back by a defender. He stayed on his feet, carried on, and got his shot away which the keeper blocked. We assumed the referee would then award the penalty but no, he waved play on ! The last few minutes were a bit of a farce with Sturminster players going down injured at the drop of a hat and eventually asking for treatment. With the game getting a bit feisty the referee was taking his time with decisions to seemingly calm things down but this didn’t work in Westland’s favour. Eventually time ran out and so did our cup run for another year.

Man-of-the-match was Phil Ormrod who’s driving runs from midfield caused the opposition problems.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.D.Ewens 4.J.Green 5.O.Wake 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.L.Martin 8.M.Kamal 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.J.Smith 12.J.Thomson 14.D.McCabe 15.C.Gundry 16.S.Smith

Saturday 7th Jan : Dorset Premier League: BLANDFORD UTD 2  WESTLAND SPORTS 1

Six weeks without a game and a heavy pitch made this a tricky fixture against a team who had drawn with us at Alvington earlier in the season. It was a fairly normal Sports lineup with new signing Calum Gundry included in the squad for the first time.

Blandford started quickly their #9 getting a shot off in the first minute that Mark Cuff gathered well on the greasy surface. A couple of minutes later a Blandford free kick from 20 yards out flew just past the far post.

After the first ten minutes Sports began to come into the game and Jamie Green had a shot which went wide. That was followed in the 15^th minute by the opening goal. Luca Martin, who had been giving the Blandford left back a torrid time, skipped past him once again and put over a low cross that JAMIE GREEN thumped into the back of the net. Just what Westlands needed after a slow start so we were confident we could get a result now. A few minutes later we again conceded a free kick just outside the box and again the kick went just wide. Only 4 minutes after Westlands had taken the lead Blandford grabbed the equaliser with a goal that was a bit of a disaster from Westlands viewpoint. A low cross was fired across from almost at the byeline, it seemed to bounce up over keeper Mark Cuff’s arms and deflected off Olly Wake’s shin for an OG. For the rest of the half it was fairly even, Westlands dominating possession but making too many passes in their own half and Blandford always dangerous in attack getting the ball forward early

Half-time 1-1.

The second half followed a similar pattern, Westlands dominating but the home side dangerous on the counter. In the 55^th minute Jamie Green was replaced by Malik Kamal but ten minutes later disaster struck. Sports lost the ball in midfield and with players having pushed forward we were open at the back. A nice through ball put their #10 clean through and he coolly slotted the ball under the keeper into the net. Westlands really applied the pressure then but the home team were getting men behind the ball and Sports were finding it hard to break them down. Joe Smith was replaced by Josh John and in the 70^th minute Steve Ormrod netted a header only to have the “goal” disallowed for a foul. Sports forced numerous corners but the deliveries were poor and the Blandford defence dealt with them fairly easily. After giving their left back a hard time in the first half Luca Martin had oddly been switched to the left wing in the second half but he nearly grabbed the equaliser in the 85^th minute. The ball was played across to the far post and Luca smashed it goalwards only to see the Blandford keeper pull off an astounding reaction save. Dan Ewens then went off with cramp and was replaced by Calum Gundry. Unfortunately there were no more chances so the final score was 2-1. A disappointing day for Westlands who didn’t seem to adapt their play to the conditions as well as the home team.

Man-of-the-match was Phil Ormrod who was tireless in the midfield.

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

Saturday 26th Nov : Dorset Premier League: PORTLAND UTD RES 1  WESTLAND SPORTS 4

Three changes from last weeks starting line-up with Malik Kamal, Phil Ormrod and new signing Ollie Hebbard replacing Olly Wake, Luca Martin and Lewis Morgan. On the bench we had Josh Payne, Harrison Foster and Jamie David. The weather was atrocious, strong wind and driving rain sweeping down the pitch, fairly standard for Portland I’m told ! The home team are struggling near the bottom of the table so a Westlands win was expected but we came up here under similar circumstances last season and got thumped 6-2 !!  Sports were kicking against the elements in the first half and looked smart in their new red and white away kit but might have been regretting the fact it had short sleeves !

From the start Westlands looked pretty composed, knocking the ball around and showing some intent with some early breaks upfield. Phil Ormrod had the ball in the Portland net in the 6^th minute but the flag went up for offside. A few minutes later the Portland right winger picked the ball up just inside the Westlands half, ran about 30 yards past three defenders and smashed a shot off the crossbar. A warning for Westlands there and they were soon back on the attack and opened the scoring in the 18^th minute. An outswinging corner kick was headed goalwards by JAKE SMEETON and looked as though it was going over the bar until, to everyone’s surprise, including the goalkeeper, the ball dropped into the back of the net ! The elements were having an effect on the game and in the 20^th minute a long ball upfield caught out Westlands keeper Mark Cuff who came out to gather and was caught out when the ball, wind assisted, dropped over his head and headed for the empty net, Luckily Jamie Green was alert to chase back and hook the ball off the line. These long balls were causing a bit of a problem for the Westlands defence in the wind and the home side were creating chances but their shooting was off the mark. Sports were still looking composed and scored a second goal in the 40^th minute. A PHIL ORMROD header from a corner came off the crossbar and when the Portland defence failed to clear the ball Phil won it back and hooked a hitch-kick shot into the net. Half-time 0-2.

It had been a good first half for Westlands who always looked in control and dominated possession. Although the home side had made a few chances it looked an uphill task for them now as they had to face the wind and rain.

Westlands took control in the second half and began to rack up the chances. Unfortunately most of these were squandered until about 20 minutes in when Joe Smith whipped in a lovely free kick from the left wing and OLLIE HEBBARD just got a glancing header on the ball as it flew into the far corner of the net. Five minutes later it was 4-0. Joe Smith was again the provider, firing in a low corner and OLLIE HEBBARD was again the scorer, stooping to head in. With the game virtually won, Westlands made a couple of subs, Tim Trevett and Joe Smith going off to be replaced by Harrison Foster and Jamie David. In the 81^st minute Portland pulled one back with a cracking goal. Their left back played in a deep curling cross that eluded the Sports defence and their right winger hit the ball on the run low into the far corner. It was only a consolation though as the match was played out without further incident. Full-time 1-4.

A good win for Westlands as there are no easy games in this league, especially away from home. Despite the conditions the pitch was in excellent condition and both teams served up a good game that had been very enjoyable to watch. The man-of-the-match was Phil Ormrod who was at the heart of most of Westlands attacks.

Line-up: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.T.Trevett 4.J.Green 5.J.Smeeton 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.J.Smith 8.M.Kamal 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.O.Hebbard 12.H.Foster 14.J.David 15.J.Payne

Saturday 19th Nov : Dorset Premier League: WESTLAND SPORTS 3  DORCHESTER SPORTS 1

This promised to be a cracking match with two teams challenging for the title going head to head, and the game lived up to its billing. After the early sparring Dorchester had the first shot on target in the 10^th minute, Sports keeper Mark Cuff getting down to make the save. A quick response from Westlands saw Luca Martin skin his marker and put a cross into the box that caused a bit of panic before it was eventually cleared. In the 15^th minute Joe Smith got a header on target but easily saved by the keeper. Westlands were controlling the game now and the Dorchester keeper had to look sharp to save a powerful Lewis Morgan header. In the 20^th minute Luca Martin cut in and fired off a shot which the keeper again saved. Then in the 23^rd minute Dorchester shocked the home team with the opening goal against the run of play. A long ball from defence was put into the Westland’s half and their #18 outpaced his marker and got his shot away. A partial block seemed to divert the ball past the keeper and it just trickled over the line to put the visitors one up. A simple long ball from back to front had not been defended well so a bit disappointing to fall behind after dominating the game. However it didn’t take Westlands long to get back on level terms. In the 30^th minute a deep corner from Luca Martin was headed goalwards by Steve Ormrod and helped on its way into the top corner by the head of JAMIE GREEN. A good goal with Westlands winning first and second balls in the danger zone. As Westlands continued to attack Luca Martin cut inside in the 35^th minute and smashed a shot just wide. Just before the break the pressure told when Lewis Morgan was brought down in the box and STEVE ORMROD thumped in the spot kick to give Westlands a deserved 2-1 half time lead.

The second half started in fine style with both sides being positive and looking to create openings. In the 59^th minute Westlands extended their lead with an excellent goal. Adam Barratt put in a long free kick from the right wing beyond the far post and JOE SMITH volleyed it into the far corner of the net from an acute angle. Another cracking goal and it gave Westlands a nice two goal cushion going into the last half hour of the game. With 20 minutes remaining Westlands made a double substitution, Tim Trevett and Lewis Morgan being replaced by Phil Ormrod and Dan Ewens. Luca Martin was giving the Dorchester defence a hard time with his direct running and once again he outpaced his marker to put over a tempting cross. Steve Ormrod met it with his head and the visitor’s keeper pulled off another good save. After 75 minutes another substitution for Westlands saw Josh John replace Joe Smith. It looked like an uphill task for Dorchester now but they managed to create a couple of half chances but didn’t really look that dangerous. In fact, in the latter stages of the match it was Westlands who looked like adding to their lead, with Phil Ormrod putting a header just wide of the post into the side netting. The game just sort of petered out then with both sides seeming to accept the inevitable. Full time 3-1 and a very enjoyable game for the good crowd in attendance.

The man of the match was Luca Martin who gave the Dorchester left back a torrid time all afternoon. The award was presented by the match sponsors Yeovil Cricket Club.

Lineup: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.T.Trevett 4.O.Wake 5.J.Smeeton 6.A.Barratt (c) 7.J.Smith 8.J.Green 9.S.Ormrod 10.L.Morgan 11.L.Martin 12.D.Ewens 14.P.Ormrod 15.J.John 16. J.Payne

Saturday 12th Nov, DPL : WESTLAND SPORTS 3  MERLEY COBHAM SPORTS 2

Both teams were keen to win this match, Westlands to keep up with the leaders after their defeat last time out and Merley Cobham to get back into the race after some dropped points recently. Sports made 2 changes in the starting lineup, Sam Smith dropped out through injury and Dan Ewens was unavailable. Tim Trevett stepped in to replace Sam at the back but the left back position was more difficult to fill. The managers decided to move Adam Barratt to left back with Phil Ormrod returning to the midfield. Lineup: 1.M.Cuff 2.S.Plumley 3.A.Barratt (c) 4.O.Wake 5.T.Trevett 6.L.Morgan 7.J.John 8.J.Green 9.S.Ormrod 10.P.Ormrod 11.J.Smith 12.M.Kamal 14.C.Linham 15.J.Payne

A strong wind blowing across the pitch might prove a bit troublesome but it was a fine sunny day and with the pitch in good nick we looked forward to a good match. It's a timeline report for a change (with a few opinions thrown in !).

4' : first shot of the match came from Westlands with Josh John shooting over the bar.

12' : a Merley Cobham free kick from 18 yards flew over the bar.

20' : Westlands keeper Mark Cuff was in action, tipping a header round the post. From the corner a shot was well blocked by a defender.

21' : a good pacey run down the wing by Josh John ended with his final shot blocked.

23' : GOAL !  and it goes to the visitors. A cross into the box is controlled by their #9 and he has time to turn and prod the ball  back across the keeper into the corner of the net. Score 0-1.

36' : a Steve Ormrod header goes just wide as Westlands put on a bit of pressure.

42' : a Lewis Morgan shot goes just wide of the post.

45': Half time 0-1, not a great first half from Westlands, never really got their passing going but still everything to play for.

A half time substitution for Westlands saw Malik Kamal come on at right back for Sam Plumley who had tweaked his hamstring. Also the management changed the team positionally, Jamie Green dropped back into centre half, Tim Trevett moved to left back and Adam Barratt returned to his normal beat in the midfield.

52' : Westlands looked a lot more purposeful in the second half in their new shape and a free kick on the edge of the Merley box almost brought the equaliser. Lewis Morgan played it short to Phil Ormrod whose low shot was heading for the far corner until the Merley keeper dived full length to keep it out.

60' : Another Westlands free kick was put into the danger area but Phil Ormrod headed over.

61' : GOAL ! and it's the equaliser for Westlands, JAMIE GREEN putting a looping header into the net from a left wing cross. Great effort and just pure determination from a club stalwart !  Score 1-1.

62' : You are always vulnerable after scoring and Westlands were nearly sucker punched a minute after the equaliser but Cuffy came to the rescue, pushing a shot round the post.

65' : referee sin-binned Joe Smith for dissent  (poor behaviour, just got ourselves level so now down to 10 men !)

71' : Merley Cobham's turn to put a shot over the top, but not far over that one !

72' : A Phil Ormrod shot was then deflected just over the bar and Phil then got his head to the resulting corner but that too went just over.

80' : Double substitution for Westlands and they shake things up looking for a winner, Joe Smith and Josh John replaced by Connor Linham and Josh Payne.

85' : GOAL ! Westlands take the lead !  A lovely through ball puts PHIL ORMROD through and he drills his shot low and hard past the keeper into the net. Clinical finish ! Score 2-1.

91' : Into extra time now and a Merley Cobham free kick is brilliantly saved by Mark Cuff, diving low to make the save.

92' : Connor Linham is put through and has a great chance to tie things up for Westlands but he smashes his shot off the post.

95' : GOAL !  and it's a disaster for Westlands as they defend a corner. The ball comes over to the far post and Malik Kamal pushes an opponent and the referee gives the penalty. Malik then compounds his error by getting sin-binned for dissent ! Merley's #10 drills in the spot kick and we are all level again. Score 2-2.

97' : GOAL ! unbelievably Westlands have snatched the points! In one last gasp all out attack the ten men have grabbed a winning goal. The ball was crossed into the box, it fell to skipper ADAM BARRATT and he smashed it into the net  What a finish to the game ! Score 3-2. Just to complete a poor day for Westlands discipline wise, Connor Linham managed to get himself sent off during the celebrations for the goal ! (how is this possible ?)

98' : Full-time 3-2. An extraordinary finish to the game and great spirit  and determination by the Westland lads to come back and win after the disappointment of losing a late penalty equaliser.

Man-of-the-match went to keeper Mark Cuff for several crucial saves.