Varsity City 0-0 AFC West End

Competitive Debut For New Look West End

AFC began the preparations for their sixth competitive season by taking on division five newcomers Varsity City, in a competitive friendly at Sturton-by-Stow.

Managerial duo Sam McDonnell and Joe Harper implemented a new 4-2-3-1 formation giving West End debuts to three new players during the game.

Newtoft Terriers 2-3 AFC West End

New Start at Newtoft

AFC West End took to the field in sweltering conditions today asthey opened their pre-season campaign with a respectable 3-2 victory over Division Six champions Newtoft Terriers. As is synonymous with pre-season campaigns, West End’s line-up was a mystery even to the manager and players until shortly before kick off. The biggest surprise was the return of Adam Bierton in goal, making his first appearance for the club in over three years. Joe Harper slotted into defence alongside Rich Brown, with James Dewhurst and Martin Robinson as full-backs. The midfield saw a short and tall combination of Dan Hill and David Capps in the middle with Jack McDonnell and Rob Davies on the wings. Partnering Sam McDonnell in attack was Dan Vines, who manager Stephen Pearce openly admitted was a transfer target ahead of the new season.

A is for Alf in as West End Unveil New Boss

As sure as day follows night, a new season for AFC West End will always mean a new man at the helm. At yesterday’s low key club AGM in front of at least one onlooker The Beers new manager for the 2009/2010 season was announced. Taking over the reigns will be none other than Mr Stephen ‘Alf’ Pearce. Set to miss much of the season through the injury sustained at the end of 2008/2009 season Alf had no secret of his wish to still be involved with the West End matchday experience. His appointment to the tob job will mean he is able to do exactly that as he follows in the footsteps of famous West End names Kirk, McDonnell, Wilson and Hill.

Plough Inn Sturton 2-3 AFC West End

West End Reap What They Sow at Plough

A welcome start to pre-season preparations for AFC West End as they recorded a 3-2 win away at fellow Division 5 side Plough Inn Sturton.  A record away following of four followed ‘the beers’ squad north were rewarded with a hard fought victory in which West End twice came from behind. The Beers came close to taking the lead in spectacular fashion with only the crossbar denying new assistant manager Dave Capps a volleyed opening goal. Sam McDonnell also came close with a well struck shot from the edge of the box that flew millimetres wide, while the returning Jamie Lawrence was also proving a handful for the home defence, but the Plough keeper was doing well to keep the scores at bay. At the other end new West End keeper Liam Tonks made a number of fine saves but could do nothing about the opening goal as a quickly taken throw caught the unfamiliar West End back line napping and the hosts took full advantage with a far post header.

The Brown Cow 2-1 AFC West End

Defeat with Added Beef at Brown Cow

Shades of the infamous Battle of Birchwood against Swan Athletic as West End lost out in a particularly frustrating game at Sudbrooke Drive. Not only were West End up against particularly physical opponents but they had to do so with one of their opponents refereeing as well. Never has the phrase “the ref gave us nothing” been more apt, than today as the home official spent the entire game on one touchline and rarely up with play.

Despite this West End took the lead as a Ben Sheehan clearance downfield was headed past his own keeper by a Brown Cow defender. West End were on the back foot for much of the rest of the game, and were indebted to Ben who made some fantastic saves to keep the home side at bay. Eventually Brown Cow found the net, not once, but twice to take the points, but the match ended in controversial circumstances. A horrific late and high challenge on Joe Harper went unpunished by the referee and sparked a confrontation amongst the players. With Joe unable to play-on and his team-mates unwilling to face anything more from their opponents West End persuaded the referee to blow for time. Another one of those why do we bother days.

Line-up: Ben Sheehan; Stephen Pearce, Adrian Gray, Glen Wilson, Jez Ashberry; Dave Capps, Sam Boothman (Jay Dann), Gav Sumner (James Dewurst), Dan Hill; Joe Harper (Dale Annous), Sam McDonnell

Man of the Match and Dick of the Day: no votes taken

Travellers Rest Res. 2-5 AFC West End

Opening Day Delight

The season starts in typical West End fashion on the morning after a frantic search for players. Founder member Benny Gane headed north to take the gloves, whilst Adam Anderson and Steve Nurse made impressive debuts. It was Nurse who opened the scoring for West End, with an own goal helping to double West End’s first half tally, but not before the hosts had equalised. Before the break Sam McDonnell was fouled, suffering what would later turn out to be ankle ligament damage, but with no West End substitutes he remained on the field for the second half.

AFC West End 3-5 Plough Athletic

Dunston is the neutral venue for this first pre-season fixture for West End against the impressive Plough Athletic of Division Three. As well as the quality of the opposition, the mid-afternoon heat offered an additional unwanted early season test to West End, still the side acquitted themselves, with trialist Paul Cody grabbing two goals in an encouraging 5-3 defeat.
Starting Line-up (4-4-2): Andy Taylor; Jonny Dyas, Shaun Hepple, Nick Kay, Chris Dorling; Phil Lodge, Andy Kirk, Glen Wilson, John Moore; Sam McDonnell, Rich Dungworth.
Substitutes: Paul Cody, Dan Cain, Paul Walker, James Flintham