Lingers Book Last 4 Spot!

Snow falling... -5*C... but we play on! A game that really did look threatened by the weather, some brilliant coordinating skills from none other than Dixie Dean and Co to get the game on and we had a quarter-final on our hands. Missing a couple regulars from the squad in David Graves (Skip), Dan Summers and Jake Horn saw Ben Connolly come into the starting line up.

A game where moving around was the only thing going to keep the players warm, the match started with plenty of energy from both sides, very competitive and both jostling for position in the tie. Lingfield edging possession and trying to pick the lock to Westfield’s defence in the early stages. A few half chances came Lingfield’s way, but as to true Linger's tradition, were a goal behind early. The ball worked down Westfield’s right was crossed all the way through to the other side, which was bent into the top corner with a lot of quality. Moore in goal could do nothing, 0-1. A very familiar situation for the home side didn’t phase Lingfield. Restarted from kick off and went back on the front foot, creating chances from all over and should’ve got level earlier than it happened; but it did happen eventually, Wilford worked the ball through to Dembele who cut the ball square for Clements to fire home for the equaliser. Game back on 1-1. Westfield trying to battle themselves into the tie wasn’t to be had by the Lingers. Continued pressure and persistence got a 2nd... a Wilford corner from the right was low and short to Clements who turned and hung the ball up at the back post for Scott Johnston to get above all others to head home for the lead. It became a margin before the break as Ransome got himself through on goal and as he rounded the keeper, was brought down via a collection of keeper and centre-half for a penalty. Despatched by Heaton for his first goal of the season since resuming spot-kick responsibility. 3-1 at halftime, and Westfield’s early lead to the back of memory.

A cushion, but a potential banana skin as described by management... next goal key to the momentum of the game. Taken on board and executed in the restart from Lingfield, more dominance throughout the 2nd half, as Westfield got frustrated. The game was all but taken away from them when some brilliant intricate work from Wetton, Ransome and Dembele was driven into the top corner by eventual MoM Ben Connolly. 4-1. To polish of the game and send us sailing into the Semifinal was Ransome as a cross from Wetton went all the way through to the centre-forward to slide home for a very convincing 5-1 win.

Thank you to Westfield for making the journey, all the players for the shift they put in, the fans and support from both sides on such a cold evening and all those involved in getting the fixture played. It’s unknown who we’ll face in the last 4 as ties are still to be concluded, but a game to look forward to as we turn our attention back to the league and securing promotion. An away game at AFC Varndeanians Saturday looks doubtful because of continuous snowfall and decreasing temperatures, however, is still scheduled. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Up the Lingers!

MOM Ben Connolly

By Sammy Clements