It's FA Cup time again and today I am travelling west to Hereford to see Westfields take on fellow Midland Football League, Premier Division side Highgate United from Birmingham, in the 2nd Qualifying Round. Both teams performed giant killing heroics in the previous round with Westfields trouncing St.Ives Town 4-0 and Highgate beating Leamington 3-1.
This is my 100th blog post after starting it in February 2013. The time has certainly gone quickly!
Also I have had one of my photos selected as the cover for this seasons edition of the 'Non-League Club Directory, featuring one of today's team, Westfields, when they played Kidlington Athletic in the FA Cup last year.
Westfields have started this season in storming fashion, winning all their games so far and sitting in top spot in the league. It's their 50th Anniversary and their current President & Secretary, Andrew Morris, is one of the founders of the club. They have made steady progress over the years after their Sunday League beginnings.
When I get to the ground I can see that there should be a good sized crowd for the game and it's going to be played in sunny conditions. Allpay Park is one of my favourite grounds and the playing surface looks to be a good one today.
The teams come out, with Westfields in their usual claret & blue kit while Highgate are in a change strip of flourescent yellow/green looking shirts and socks with black shorts. Although Highgate are currently in a lowly league position, I think it will be a close game.
Indeed,the visitors look to be the more dangerous team in the opening exhanges and it's no surprise when their No.7 Connor Mooney goes on o good run in to the Westfields box on the left and shoots home past the Westfields keeper, Kieron Blackburn.
After 10 minutes Highgate survive a scare when their keeper, Brendon Bunn, races out to challenge for the ball, fails to collect and from the resultant cross the ball is headed clear by a defender.
Westfields find an equaliser after 31 minutes, when their No.3, Sam Plane, goes down the left to cross for the incoming No.9 Richard Greaves, to score.
Highgate go close to re-taking the lead when one of their players hits the bar with a header but one minute later Westfields No.10, Jamie Molyneux puts his side in to the lead after he is put through by Aidan Thomas.
Half time comes and this tie could go either way. Highgate are belying their low placed league position by matching their high flying hosts.
Highgate then equalise in the 57th minute, when their captain, Josh Hawker is brought down in the penalty area and then puts away the spot kick himself (as shown below).
A few minutes later and the Highgate No.16 hits a shot over the bar when the ball is headed down to him by McCauley Manning from a free kick.
Connor Mooney then sees his chipped shot bounce off the bar and with just 2 minutes left, another free kick is flicked on for the Highgate No.14 to hit first time and just past the far post. That would have been a great goal!
Those misses prove to be costly as Westfields take the lead again with a Craig Jones free kick headed in by Kane Kahaki.
There is still time for Highgate go close with a Hawker free kick only for Westfields to break away and Ben Miller to increase their lead deep in to injury time which is very hard on the visitors.
The final whistle is blown soon after and it's Westfields going in to the next round and keeping their 100% record intact. They have several new players from when I saw them last season, which is understandable after their disappointing showing in the league and have recruited well.
I am sure that Highgate will finish in the top 6 this season and they have a chance to get immediate revenge when they revisit Allpay Park in the league on Wednesday.
Match attendance: 239
Match entertainment value: 9/10
Match entrance fee: £7
Match programme: £1
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