Westfield 0–0 Ringmer — Out 11–10 After a 13-Round Shoot-Out

Jack Stapley
Peter Bentley Cup

Peter Bentley Cup Round 1 — 26 penalties, one tie, and the cruellest of midweek exits.

Westfield and Ringmer AFC produced a tense Peter Bentley Cup Round 1 contest under the lights, with the Westies enjoying long spells of pressure and the better chances across the 90 minutes, only to be denied by inspired goalkeeping and fine last-ditch defending. The tie finished 0–0 before Ringmer edged through 11–10 on penalties.

First Half

Westfield started the brighter of the two sides, forcing the early momentum through efforts from Jacob Shelton and Harry Murphy. The home side then looked to have a major opening when Bradley Pritchard played Dan Tewkesbury clean through on goal, only for Ringmer centre-back Pullen to haul him back. With Tewkesbury seemingly clear as the last attacker, Westfield felt the challenge warranted more than the yellow card shown, particularly with replays suggesting there were no covering defenders.

The resulting free kick was well struck, but Ringmer goalkeeper Moger was equal to it, producing a strong save to keep the score level. Westfield continued to ask questions and created a number of promising situations, but the final touch continued to evade them.

As the half developed, Ringmer grew into the game and began to threaten on the break. Jon Saunders was called into action after Westfield gave possession away, saving well in a one-on-one situation to ensure the Westies were not punished. Pullen was then fortunate to avoid further punishment around the 30-minute mark after a high boot caught Stapley, but the defender remained on the pitch.

Westfield finished the half back in control, with Tewkesbury firing over when well placed, but despite the pressure and controversy, the sides went in level at the break.

Half-time: Westfield 0–0 Ringmer AFC

Second Half

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Westfield continuing to create openings while Ringmer remained dangerous whenever they could spring forward. Willett fired over from 25 yards as the hosts searched for the breakthrough, before Cullen dragged wide when played through for Ringmer at the other end.

Tewkesbury, Ridgers and Murphy all went close for the Westies as the pressure built, but Ringmer continued to stand firm. With 20 minutes remaining, Westfield changed shape and pushed players higher up the pitch, opening the game up and increasing the tempo. Tewkesbury, Kaleijye and Stapley all had opportunities from set pieces as Westfield pushed hard for a late winner.

With five minutes left, Westfield thought they had finally found the breakthrough when Tewkesbury turned the ball home after excellent work from Murphy, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, with Murphy judged to have broken the line too early in the build-up.

The best chance of the game arrived in the 88th minute. Stapley met a corner with a superb header that looked destined for the net, but Moger produced a point-blank save before Ringmer’s right-back completed the clearance from underneath the crossbar.

Penalties came and went with the score 4–4 going into sudden death. Ringmer hit the bar and Ward dragged wide on the 8th penalty, and after going round both sides, Ringmer scored and Stapley missed on the 13th round of penalties to take Ringmer through to round 2 and a home tie vs Eastbourne United.

Summary

Westfield can take plenty from the performance, having created enough chances to win the tie in normal time and defended well against Ringmer’s breaks. However, cup football can be unforgiving, and after 90 goalless minutes it was Ringmer who held their nerve from the spot to advance to the next round.

First published in Dugout News, Issue 002, Sunday 16 August 2026. Republished here in full.