West bow out of another cup competition at the semi-final stage. In truth the game was lost in the first half, West conceding twice and offering very little going forward, other than forcing a goal-line clearance from a corner on 26 minutes. Two minutes later Cheadle had the lead, a header from a free-kick. The lead was doubled on 41 minutes leaving West with plenty to do.

Half-time: 2-0

West were a different proposition in the second period, enjoying much more possession in the Cheadle half. Even so, it was the 64th minute before we created a clear chance, another goal-line clearance from a corner. On the 70th minute a corner did lead to West scoring, a Cheadle defender putting the ball beyond their keeper. West almost had an equaliser a couple of minutes later. Another corner, this one to the back post, and Katy Wilman just couldn’t get her header on target. We went even closer on 78 minutes when Biff rattled the crossbar from distance.

There were a couple of changes for West as we looked to add fresh impetus into the game.  The referee allowed 6 minutes of added time, a reflection of the multitude of “injuries” suffered by Cheadle players, but West couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Team: Jefferson (GK), Mason, Wilman (Mundell 90’), Blöchl, Edmondson (c), Mitchell (Bowett-Robinson 66’), Kerr, Hodges (Gunn 80’), Bracegirdle, Livesey, Mundell (Sumner 85’)

Goals: OG