Wessie welcomed Anniesland to Ballerup on Saturday for their first game of the new decade. After weeks of terrible weather conditions, it was back to business as Westwood looked to end a run of 3 consecutive draws, albeit one resulting in a victory on penalties vs Greenview.
The first 15 minutes saw both teams play very tentatively, trying to keep possession and conserve energy. It was the visitors who had the first real chance, after a Chris Nicholl won a tackle in the Westwood penalty area, goalkeeper McKenna picked the ball up, however the referee adjudged it to be a pass back and an indirect free kick was awarded only 6 yards from goal. It was wasted though as the striker tried to take it quickly but the Wessie defence read it well and the danger was cleared.
The hosts started to gradually come into the game and played some excellent football and creating good chances, which were only just missed by Stevie Nicholl and David Wilson. This pressure finally paid off on the half hour mark when yet more great play in the midfield led to John McGonigle collecting the ball and squaring for Colin Wilson to net from 7 yards with his weaker right foot to give Wessie a 1-0 advantage, the start of what would prove to be fruitful day in front of goal for the Player-Manager.
It wouldn’t be long until Westwood doubled their advantage. Chris Nicholl fired a tremendous corner right into the danger area, and Colin Wilson rose highest to power a header past the helpless keeper and into the net to grab his and the team’s 2nd goal. A 2-0 lead was no more than the Westwood men deserved, as by this time, they had taken the game by the scruff of the neck and were dictating play in every area of the field.
At half time, it was highlighted that the game was by no means over, and the next goal would be crucial. Wessie however started the 2nd half much as they finished the 1st, in control and tight at the back, but also with good hold up play and movement up front. Stevie Nicholl was unlucky not to increase the lead after a long clearance from Martin McKenna sent him through, but he hit just wide.
The game was then ended as a contest with 15 minutes to go when after a good run and cross from Steven Scott resulted in a stramash in the penalty area and when the ball broke loose, Colin Wilson reacted quickest to lash home a powerful left footed strike from 10 yards to give him a perfect hat trick, making it 3-0 and giving Wessie 3 points. Anniesland hit a consolation goal 5 minutes later with an excellent turn and shot into the top corner from 15 yards, giving McKenna in the Westwood goal no chance.
As the game was coming to an end, Wessie won another corner, which was excellently delivered by Stephen McKenna right onto Danny Kellachan’s head, which he expertly guided across goal and just inside the left hand post to complete the scoring and a fine Westwood performance.
Good start to the year and this type of performance will be required in the next game vs Glasgow Nazarene.
Aye the Wessie ! |
