With Tom Lawler who so wants to play and support the lads having to accept he is just not fit, – Tom we wish you a speedy recovery your commitment is so commendable, Darren Wells and Chris Tupper also not fully fit and with Stevie still on the road back we started this game firmly on the back foot.  Jack Mesure who was our captain for the day was also playing through his own challenges and was an inspiration to all the lads.

The game started as we expected with Westfield coming on strong.  Westfield are a very good side and when they play they are dangerous in all departments.  The opening exchanges were very evenly balanced and if anything Westfield had the upper had.  Carshalton with so many players playing out of position were not finding their usual passing game, however, they were holding their own in very difficult weather conditions.  True end-to-end stuff and lots of incidents.  Mark Cowhig in goal was key and his bravery second to none.  As the game progressed Carshalton settled down and started taking control.

At half time the game was evenly matched although Mesure and Coombes in mid field were beginning to link up very well.  Our back four of Luke, Dave, Jack and James looked increasingly comfortable.  Rob Turner, was winning a difficult battle against the Westfied defender who was more keen on having the last dance than playing football and Mark Pucek was battling hard to make life difficult down the wing. Tyson Phillips and Oliver Adams were proving a handful up front and their speed gave us the edge.

Two goals from Mesure and Turner were to turn the game in the second half although the contribution of Mark Cowhig was probably the deciding factor in this game.  It takes guts to go one on one with a big centre forward.  Mark did and played the ball.  He then made two top draw saves.  Well done to Graham Polley’s man of the match.

Everyone left the game feeling they had been entertained today as they should because to a man the boys did good.  For the first time in a little while I did my pacing near the Carshalton supporters.  I must say the encouragement they gave the team was brilliant.

Finally, Westfield I don’t know where you got the referee from, but he was great.  We often hear moans about referees but this guy was magic and a credit to the game of football.

Lee Tupper