AFC West End 3-3 Rose & Crown Raiders

Unsuccessful Raiders

West End began 2007 with a home match against Rose & Crown Raiders and a chance to gain revenge for that early season 9-1 defeat at Heckington. Although ‘the Beers’ couldn’t quite reverse the score from that previous meeting they did at least salvage pride with a deserved 3-3 draw against the division’s third placed side; Dave Capps, Phil Lodge and Rich Dungworth getting the West End goals.

Starting Line-up (4-4-2): Alec Waby; Aaron Koch, Mayur Patel, Mike Smith, Jez Ashberry; Dave Capps, Jonny Dyas, Glen Wilson, Phil Lodge; Sam McDonnell, Rich Dungworth
Substitute: Andy Kirk

Rose & Crown Raiders 9-1 AFC West End

West End Raided

In a frankly bizarre game at Heckington West End were on the receiving end of their highest ever defeat as they went down 9-1 to Rose & Crown Raiders. Although worthy winners, Rose & Crown were not as strong as the scoreline suggests, however they were clinical in their finishing and after taking the initiative with a controversial penalty they never looked back. West End’s threadbare eleven just could not get to grips with the match on a morning best forgotten. A goal for Phil Lodge the one highlight.

Starting Line-up (4-4-2): Alec Waby; Jez Ashberry, Glen Wilson, Jonny Dyas, Chris Dorling; Dan Alonso, Harry Grimshaw, Andy Kirk, Phil Lodge; Sam McDonnell, Rich Dungworth
Substitute: Joe Harper

Rose & Crown Raiders 0-1 AFC West End

West End Raid Rose & Crown

West End made the long trip to face Rose & Crown hoping to avenge their home defeat from early on in the season. The Raiders were sitting pretty in second position before the game although West End had games in hand. The game was a very close affair, fought mainly in the midfield however the visitors made a handful of promising early chances with Marcus Tester and Sam McDonnell both testing the goalkeeper.

AFC West End 0-3 Rose & Crown Raiders

West End Raided

After West End’s dream start to the season they were brought down to earth by Rose & Crown Raiders in their first competitive home game. West End had trouble going forward, but they also failed to pick up Rose & Crown’s attackers. Shaun Hepple made his first appearance of the season as a half time substitute which gave West End a better shape but they were always second best, eventually going down 3-0. The closest they came to a goal was Chris Dewey rounding the keeper then placing his effort wide of an empty net.

Line-up (4-4-2): Adam Bierton; Matty Evans, Mike Smith, Chris Denman, Liam Collinwood (Shaun Hepple); Ben Gane, Andy Kirk, Joe Harper, Chris Dewey; Mike Northern, Sam McDonnell

Man of the Match: Chris Dewey; West End’s most likely threat. 
Dick of the Day: Chris Dewey; Great effort to round the keeper, but the finish, oh dear.