Westfield 3-0 Shoreham
By Jack Stapley
Southern Combination Division One
Westfield got their league campaign up and running under the lights with a convincing 3-0 victory over Shoreham, putting in a controlled and energetic performance ahead of this weekend’s trip to Guildford City.
The Westies welcomed Michael Rwabigwi back into the fold after missing the entirety of pre-season, while Dan Tewkesbury also returned following illness.
Westfield started brightly, with Rwabigwi and Brad combining well down the right before a dangerous cross was expertly blocked just as Brad looked set to tap home. The majority of Westfield’s early attacking threat came down Rwabigwi’s side, with the returning winger looking a constant menace to the Shoreham defence.
In midfield, Buckley and Ward marshalled the centre of the park, allowing Pritchard to roam freely, starting attacks and moving the ball with purpose. Ward was next to test the Shoreham goalkeeper following a neat interchange between Pritchard and Kent, but his effort was well tipped over the bar.
Buckley then saw an effort blocked from the edge of the area before Shoreham’s lively number 11 created an opening for himself with some excellent footwork. Robertshaw was equal to the effort, tipping it away to keep the visitors at bay.
After 15 minutes, Tewkesbury had the best chance of the game so far. Dancing in from the left, he got his shot away at the near post, only for the Shoreham keeper to make an excellent save with his feet.
By now, Westfield were building up a real head of steam. Rwabigwi and Tewkesbury both went close from acute angles, while Shoreham continued to pose a threat on the break. Their number 11 again tested Robertshaw, who produced another good save to tip the effort wide and keep the scores level.
The breakthrough finally came after 26 minutes. Pritchard won possession on the halfway line before embarking on a superb run, taking on four Shoreham players as he drove towards the box. A fortunate bounce off a Shoreham defender opened up the opportunity, but Pritchard still had plenty to do, toe-poking the ball home from 12 yards. Westfield 1-0 Shoreham.
The goal brought an extra swagger to the Westies, who began knocking the ball around nicely in the forward areas. Ridgers and Harvey both fired wide from the edge of the box as Westfield looked to extend their advantage.
Shoreham remained dangerous, though, and a long, bouncing ball left Robertshaw stranded. Ridgers produced an excellent piece of defending to clear the danger from his own six-yard line and preserve Westfield’s lead going into the break.
Half-time: Westfield 1-0 Shoreham
The second half began in much the same manner, with Westfield continuing to look the more threatening side. G Murphy struck over on the volley before Tewkesbury fired high and wide from 13 yards after the Shoreham goalkeeper had handled a backpass.
As the game progressed, however, it began to fizzle into something of a midfield battle under the lights. Westfield enjoyed the lion’s share of possession without really threatening the Shoreham goal, while the visitors continued to look for opportunities on the counter.
Despite their efforts, Shoreham were unable to properly test Robertshaw in the Westfield goal.
With nine minutes remaining, Westfield finally found the second goal their dominance deserved. Rwabigwi did brilliantly to create the opening, providing the opportunity for Tewkesbury to finish from close range and make it 2-0. It was a well-earned reward for Rwabigwi, whose return to the side had been a constant source of danger throughout the evening.
And just two minutes later, it was game, set and match.
Pritchard delivered an excellent cross into the danger area, and Tewkesbury was on hand once again to finish the move and complete his brace. Westfield 3-0 Shoreham.
The final whistle confirmed a strong opening league victory for the Westies. While there were periods where Westfield could have been more clinical in front of goal, the overall performance was one of control, energy and composure, with the clean sheet providing an added bonus.
A welcome three points gets Westfield up and running in the league, and attention now turns to a trip to Guildford City at the weekend as the Westies look to build on an encouraging start.
First published in Dugout News, Issue 3, 23 August 2026. Republished here in full.
