West welcomed Heaton Stannington on Tuesday evening and were looking to bounce back from last week’s 3-0 defeat away to Bridlington Town, while Heaton arrived in good form, with 12 points from eight games, reports Phil Dodds.
It was the home team who broke the deadlock after a fairly even opening 20 minutes. James Harrison broke away down the left wing and his cross found Cobi Jones at the back post. However, the lead didn’t last too long.
Heaton’s Sado Djalo scored a looping header four minutes later, a little fortunate after it rebounded off the bar and hit West goalkeeper Steven Bessent, ensuring the teams headed into halftime level.
Fin O’Gorman had a great chance for West to take the lead, hitting the side netting from a tight angle. But the home side did get a deserved second goal on 52 minutes, and in some style. Cobi Jones picked the ball up around 20 yards out, and hit a wonderful strike that nestled in the visitors’ net.
Whilst the game remained competitive, O’Gorman capitalised on a Heaton error and raced towards goal to complete the scoring with his third league goal of the season and a vital second win of the campaign for West.
Next up, West face vital clashes against fellow strugglers; away to Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday afternoon before hosting Ashington in midweek and Pontefract the following weekend.
Phil Dodds
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
