Westphilians 0 v 1 Coleshill Town

[Alan Beckett]

Sunday 26th December 1971 - Boxing Day
Midland Combination Division Two
Westphilians 0 v 1 Coleshill Town
Scorer: Vincent Hunt.


Team: John Comley GK, Vincent Hunt (debut), Robert Whillock (debut), Roy Phelps (Eddie Hanlon), John Bown, John Allen, Geoff Statham, Oscar Deeming, Clive Lyons, Phil Dunn, Les Owen.


CASTLE BROMWICH NEWS WROTE
Dismal Shooting But Town Survive.
There was no doubting Coleshill’s superiority in this Boxing Day clash with old rivals Westphalians. Had it not been for some wretched shooting, plus several great saves from Walker, the home keeper, Town would have had half a dozen. Town introduced two new players to this match, forwards Vincent Hunt and Robert Whillock, and both played well in very poor conditions. The first half, although goalless, produced plenty of excitement. Phelps headed just wide from a Bown cross, and Walker saved well from Whillock. John Comley was back in goal in place of the injured Peter Garnell, though he was rarely troubled, the defence cutting out most of Westphillians attacks. West forced four corners against Town’s three, but like Coleshill, their shooting left much to be desired. After the interval, Coleshill gained the ascendancy. Whillock’s shot was kicked off the line by Ashman, who did sterling, defensive work and Walker, although taking a knock, pulled off more useful saves to thwart eager Town. Following a clash of heads, Roy Phelps was taken to hospital with an eye injury and Hanlon came on as substitute. Coleshill strove even harder and it seemed only a matter of time. Eventually, the goal came in the 70th minute, when the diminutive Hunt rose well to head a brilliant goal from an acute angle, the cross coming from an Allen free kick. Westphillians tried hard to get back on level terms, but Comley was too well protected by a sound defence. Whillock saw a fine shot pushed onto the bar and minutes later, Walker saved well from the same player. At the end, Town were still attacking and were good value for their win, despite the dismal shooting. It was overall a sound performance, with Hunt catching the eye up front.



P16 W10 D4 L2 F26 A11 Pts24 Pos4/18