Published at 13:22, Thursday, 13 March 2008

Stocksfield went into this game on a terrible run with only one win in their last 11 game, and with only 11 players due to injury, holidays, work commitments, wedding commitments and hangovers.

Westerhope 3, Stocksfield 1

Stocksfield made a blistering start, scoring inside the first minute thanks to Phil Murray.

Scott Johnson played a long cross field ball that found Murray who saw his first effort saved but reacted quicker than anyone to tuck away the rebound.

This goal seemed to inspire Stocksfield and they really took the game to Westerhope in the opening quarter.

Ali Hennessy was released down the right wing,, and watched as the goalkeeper parried his goalbound effort to safety.

Stocksfield put together another good move when Bruce Vause picked up a loose ball in midfield and fed Ewan Campbell who had started impressively at left-back.

Campbell’s cross was held up by Murray who laid the ball into the path of Vause at the edge of the box but he put his shot narrowly wide.

Westerhope were still reeling and failed to pick up Pearson whose well hit volley was fumbled by the home keeper but Hennessy couldn’t quite get to the loose ball.

Stocksfield failed to concentrate on a couple of direct set pieces and as a result Westerhope could have snatched two goals.

The second half started with Westerhope grabbing an immediate equaliser and the momentum began to drift the way of the home side.

They almost took the lead soon after but a well hit shot rebounded off the post and straight into the arms of a very grateful Sagar.

Westerhope continued to force the issue and had the lion’s share of possession but Stocksfield were working hard for each other.

Despite being on the back foot for most of the second half Stocksfield created several clear cut chances that could have secured maximum points.

Murray was released by Vause but found the keeper quick off his line to thwart the danger.

Pearson also broke free and saw his goal bound effort put behind for a corner and both Murray and Myers maybe should have scored but for two very debatable offside decisions.

Stocksfield started to look jaded – many players haven’t had much training over the last few weeks.

The home side had a couple of pot shots that whistled wide but it looked as though the game was going to finish level until disaster struck in the 84th minute.

Hudspith, who had played courageously in defence, had several chances to clear the ball but just couldn’t do it.

Westerhope stole the ball and put it past Sagar to claim all three points.

This goal knocked the wind out of Stocksfield’s sails and they conceded a third goal in the last minute to really rub the salt into the wounds.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk