5^th April 2003

 Driffield F.C. 0 v 2 Westella & Willerby

Westella put together their best performance for some time when defeating Driffield at Allotment Lane on Saturday. In a display in which they controlled much of the game, goals from Steve Platten in the first half and Darren McGrath in the second were enough to secure a victory.

Once again Westella were missing players, with Mike Gibson and the influential Jamie Robinson missing, but the returning Platten and Danny Rhodes in his first start since returning from Beverley Town more than made up for their absence. Predictably the early exchanges were tight, with Driffield relying on a long ball game up to Stabler and Thompson, whilst Westella played through feet trying to probe for openings. Danny Masson brought an excellent save from Stuart Sharpe in the Driffield goal with a 25 yard effort, and Westella also came close from a number of Rhodes corners, with both Mankel and Herbert heading wide from close range. Eventually with Westella’s midfield taking control, they took the lead. In the 40^th minute from another Rhodes corner, Steve Platten climbed highest to head home.

The second half continued with much the same pattern, although Driffield had a glorious chance to equalise in the 50^th minute, but Andy Stabler, blazed over from 8yds. Driffield pushed forward even more in search of an equaliser, but Westella held firm with 17yr old Ryan Todd outstanding at the back. On a number of occasions Westella countered cleverly, but could not add a second goal. Eventually it came from another set play after 70 mins, this time a Masson free kick being helped on by Geoff Herbert, to the lively Darren McGrath who cleverly lifted the ball over Sharpe. Despite further Driffield pressure, Westella held on comfortably and had further opportunities to add to their score, but failed to do so. Another bright spot was the comeback of youngster Lee Humphries after a long spell out injured, who had the last 15mins as a sub.