Two big games within the space of four days started with a home tie against top of the table Redcar Athletic. In what was a cold but fairly clear evening, it was always going to be a good challenge for the players, given the strength of the opposition. 

The start of the first half was well-balanced, with both teams enjoying spells of possession. As the game approached the first quarter of an hour, West had good spells controlling the tempo and possession, and had a couple of half chances. With 17 minutes on the clock, the best chance of the opening 20 minutes fell to West Auckland Town’s Layton Watts. Watts’ first attempt was blocked, then his second, from the rebound, crashed against the bar. So close to scoring the game’s first goal. Redcar had their own opportunity when Adam Boyes took a touch and had a strike from the edge of the box, West goalkeeper Nick Liversedge saving his shot. Then, two minutes before half-time, West got their goal. Layton Watts, against his former team, poking home to the delight of the West supporters. The goal sent West a goal up at half-time, in what was a deserved lead. 

The second half continued in a similar vein as the first, with both teams battling and competing. West almost made it two on 52 minutes. A great free kick from well outside the box by Layton Watts headed for the top corner, only for Redcar keeper Joshua Mazfari to make a wonderful save and tip it away. Not long after that Watts free-kick, James Harrison skipped past 2 defenders and sent his shot towards goal with the outside of his foot, Mazfari could only watch as the ball spun past the post. Redcar made substitutes to try and impact the game. First, Jake Stott replaced Jack Blackford on 60 minutes. That was followed by striker Bradley Fewster replacing Mark Anderson. West made their own change when Charlie Wood came on for Josh Robertson. The changes did cause West problems, with Fewster having two close chances. The first produced an excellent save by Liversedge, followed by a stunning Gary Brown goalline clearance from the rebound. West were holding on. A turning point came on 84 minutes. A challenge in the West half saw Luke Bailey on the ground, holding onto the ball after the referee had blown for a free-kick. Former West defender Danni Lay got involved, which resulted in him getting his second yellow card. Redcar were down to 10 men. Alfie Conway came on for James Harrison, and that was followed by a Redcar attempt at goal. Fewster was once again involved, his header towards goal was saved by Liversedge. As the clock ticked down, West looked to hang on to the lead and close the game out. Two minutes into stoppage time, Layton Watts broke free, found himself 1v1 with the keeper, and slid the ball under Mazfari to make it 2-0. There was a huge sense of relief around the ground, and West deservedly got the three points. Our tough November continues with a trip to Newcastle Blue Star on Friday, and confidence will be high.

We spoke to Man of the Match Gary Brown after the final whistle, who shared his thoughts on last night’s three points. 

“The whole squad was immense last night. I felt we controlled large parts of the first half last night. The second half was more of a basketball game. We’re one of the fittest teams in the league, and that showed against Redcar. I thought Ben was brilliant at the back, Harra had a coming-of-age performance, and Layton had two bits of magic with his goals. We don’t have much rest until we play again on Friday, but last night’s result will mean nothing if we don’t back that performance up against Blue Star.”

Full-Time: West Auckland Town 2-0 Redcar Athletic

Competition: Northern League Division One

Attendance: 191

Match Report by Phil Dodds

Photos by Phil Sage.