Bulls Bow Out In HFA Semi-Final

A team made up of mainly fringe players, trialists and a clutch of first teamers failed to overcome a purposeful Westfields outfit in last nights game at Allpay Park. Whilst Manager John Trewick was in attendance, it was the track-suited Steve Guinan who stood in the technical area throughout the game.

The Bulls shaded the early exchanges, but their attempts to play a fast one touch game were hampered by a slightly unpredictable surface. This was emphasised a couple of times during the goalless first period when both Andy Williams and his strike partner, believed to be a former Birmingham City player, both suffered through bad bounces when well placed. United took the lead in the second half when trialist number 9 forced home from 12 yards following a period of pressure. The Bulls team appeared to fall into the trap of trying to compete with "Fields" pressure game instead of using movement and passing skills to outplay them. Late on, Westfields found an equaliser, which came from a free kick on the right. The ball was delivered into the danger area and no-one for the Bulls took control of the situation. The result was an almighty goalmouth scramble, which eventually saw Fields' Jamie Upcott stab home from close range.

Extra time produced no further score and the game went to penalties. Westfields 'keeper Jon Pugh thwarted The Bulls with a series of fine stops and the Midland Football Alliance team ran out 3-2 winners from the spot.

For The Bulls, there was another encouraging display from Craig Jones in the centre of midfield while the wide-right player looked full of pace and a will to win. Up front, the ex-Birmingham (?) player showed several good touches and looked lively for ninety minutes while young Joel Edwards, at fullback, did himself no harm. The centre-back pairing coped well with the towering Dan Hill but overall, they were out-battled by the enthusiastic Westfields team for whom former Bulls youth player Gareth Thomas was outstanding in defence. In fact, it was noted that Thomas' performance compared to that of a young former United stalwart John Layton who coincidently now manages Westfields.

Westfields will now meet Bromyard Town in the final in a week's time.

Update: In his report of the game in the Hereford Times Richard Prime has reported that 'Team Bath duo Gary Warren and Sam El-Abd – brother of the Brighton player – formed the central defensive duo while Alex Melbourne (Wolves) played on the right of midfield and James McPike (Birmingham City) led the attack.'

---