Westville dominated the opening exchanges in their game against Highway competitors, Kearsney College. Against the run of play in the 14th minute Kearsney opened the scoring with a well executed counter attack and Westville’s attacking corner was well cleared by the Kearsney defence, falling to the Kearsney midfielder, who ran with the ball before pushing a lovely weighted pass through the middle of the Westville defence for the Kearsney striker, who gratefully tucked it away into the bottom left corner of the net. 1-0.
Westville came back with a bang, and five minutes later equalised off a free kick taken from the half way line. Westville’s right winger floated in a beautiful diagonal ball to the back pole, which was then deflected to a central area of the box – Jordan Schwartz then volleyed the ball into the top right corner of the net. The Westville striker again finding himself in the right place at the right time. 1-1.
The game went into a tense half time at 1-1.
Both teams began the second half cautiously, displaying inconsistencies as each team tried to break the deadlock. The game became scrappy and aerial ping pong was on full display as Westville struggled to control and bring down the aerial balls that Kearsney incessantly played. Westville had numerous chances to take the lead and finally the pressure paid off in the 48th minute when a lofted corner from Westville’s Thembo Makhanya, found left winger David Bartholomew at the back pole – he took a touch and drilled the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. 2-1 to Westville.
Kearsney started to push forward after they conceded and applied some pressure at set piece time. However, Westville looked strong in defence towards the end of the game and repelled any dangerous attacks.
Westville dominated the first half with quick passing, great movement and simple, effective play. The second half was edgy, as Westville struggled to replicate their first half display. Overall it was another good, well spirited performance from Westville, who not only improved their style of play but also showed grit and determination to win the game.