West were back in league action this weekend as Penrith AFC made the 100 mile trip to the Northern Metal Recycling Stadium. Penrith were sitting 15th in the league table, P14, W6, L8. West were on the back of a midweek 5-1 victory over Gateshead Rutherford in the Durham Challenge Cup.
It was clear to see from the moment the line-up was announced that West had a depleted squad for the visit to Penrith. This was the first game without striker Josh Scott, and there were others missing through injury and illness. The show must go on though. A make shift defence of Adam Mitchell, Liam Hegarty, Charlie Wood and Archie Dodds started, with Josh Robertson, Luke Bailey, Layton Watts and Joey Hope in midfield. Alfie Conway played as a striker, filling in for Josh, who joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Stockton Town only a couple of days prior to this weekend’s game. The opening 20 minutes was a fairly quiet affair, thankfully the rain eased after a brief downpour as the game kicked-off. There were a couple of half chances at each end, but no goals. The first goal of the game came on 35 minutes. Penrith made the breakthrough with a neat finish by James Bell in West’s 18-yard box. The game continued in a similar vein to the opening 20 minutes, with West’s players looking more comfortable in their unnatural positions. The best chance of the first half for the home side fell to Alfie Conway. Just before half-time, James Harrison cut the ball back to Conway on the edge of the box, his low effort was narrowly wide. West went in 1-0 down at the half.
At the start of the second half, West made a quick start. Conway was involved again, taking a touch inside the box and hitting a good low shot which was saved by the Penrith keeper, Aaran Taylor. Although not dominating position, Penrith took their chance again. DJ Taylor scored in the 59th minute to put the away team 2-0 up. Just past the half mark, Adam Mitchell played a low corner into the box, with Conway flicking it towards goal, but the keeper was able to make another save. With 10 minutes to go, Lee Hume replaced Josh Robertson. In the end, it would be fair to say West had the chances to take a point, but Penrith took their chances and got the three points. Despite the score, there were great performances by a number of players playing out of position; Liam Hegarty, Charlie Wood, Archie Dodds and Alfie Conway in particular.
We spoke to Captain Liam Hegarty, who gave his thoughts on a game played under difficult circumstances.
“Tough result to take yesterday, we were down to the bare bones but still had more than enough quality within the 11 to get the 3 points. We played some good stuff in spells, got into good areas but lacking that final part to put the ball in the net. Our work rate and press wasn’t at the levels which they have been in recent weeks, which led to us conceding 2 rather soft goals by our standards. We now look to bounce back, get a few bodies back and put yesterday’s performance right on the training pitch through the week and with a big performance at Tow Law next week.”
Full-Time: West Auckland Town 0-2 Penrith AFC
Competition: Northern League Division One
Attendance: 141
Match Report by Phil Dodds.
Photos by Phil Sage.
