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Sam Heathcote: ‘We showed against Alsager what we’re capable of’ – West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Sam Heathcote: ‘We showed against Alsager what we’re capable of’

West’s emphatic 7-0 home victory over Alsager Town was the perfect way to bounce back from our defeat at Wythanshawe Town, according to captain Sam Heathcote.

Following a quiet opening half hour, as both teams battled horrendous conditions at The Step Places Stadium, Sam and the team moved through the gears to lead 4-0 at the break. Three more goals in the second half, including another for the captain from a deflected free-kick, saw us complete our biggest ever win the NWCFL.

Reflecting after the game, Sam said: “There was the seven minutes in the second half [on Tuesday] where we collapsed as a team and it wasn’t acceptable. Everyone knew that and everyone as a squad felt embarrassed and ashamed afterwards. But the gaffer said that when it came around to today’s game that Tuesday doesn’t make us a bad side.

“However, a win like today doesn’t make us a good side; we just have to keep working hard. We base ourselves on being a hard working team and we needed to get back to that today and I think we did.”

Seven goals, seven different goal scorers and raft of further chances, West dominated the game following the first goal and were rarely troubled in defence. It was an outstanding team display to help banish the memory of the midweek trip to Ericstan Park.

Sam added: “In the middle of the park the boys won the battle and when they do that it makes it easier for everyone around them. The front three – Billy, Ben and Dontai – were fantastic. They’re three young lads who worked really hard and got their rewards for it.

“We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves – it’s one game. We’re looking ahead to Tuesday night now at Abbey Hulton. We showed today that we’re capable of that but earlier in the week we didn’t. It’s about mentality, being switched on for 90 minutes and if we do that we’ve got a chance against anyone.”

Commenting on his own position in the team, the captain said he’ll play wherever manager Chris Rowley wants him – whether up front or marshalling the defence.

He added: “I speak to the gaffer a lot during the week and I really don’t mind where I play. Wherever he sees best for that particular game I’ll be there and give 100% for him, the lads and everyone at the club.”