Report

After not playing a league game since the away victory against Adlington back in October, it was important to get a game in before the top of table clash against Oxford Grove next week.

Boothstown were the visitors to Hart Common themselves benefitting from a good set of recent results.

It was touch and go after two days of solid rain but thanks to the efforts of the ground staff it was finally game on!

The boys were up for it even though they were concerned that their coach was not there to warm them up.  For some reason Martin went on a visit to Boothstown on his own! Doh!

The boys lined up very smartly sporting their new kits sponsored by Nat West Bank.

Boothstown took the kick off and started the brighter with some good passing play but it was Westhoughton who took the lead with a clinical finish from the ever dependable Lewis Thornley.

Possession for the rest of the first half was equal with Boothstown getting the equaliser near enough straight away.  We were glad to go in at the break 2 - 1 up after an impressive run and finish by the other Thornley (Thomas).

With Boothstown having the advantage of the slope we knew we were in for a fight. The visitors continued to play some excellent stuff but thanks to some good strong play from Luke Wilson and the 2nd from Declan Hornby, which was the result of a strong run from Lewis and a first time strike into the bottom left hand corner. Westhoughton found themselves 4 - 1 up.

Boothstown would not lie down and soon pulled one back 4 - 2 and the game was back on!

The visitors were getting on top and Westhoughton needed something special!! Step up captain marvel, George Scott. A tremendous run from defence; George was fouled in the opponents penalty area and whilst complaints came from the away fans, G stepped up and converted into the top corner, 5 – 2.

Again Westhoughton took the foot off the gas and Boothstown scored another; 5 - 3. This could have been worse if it were not for the efforts of Kieran West between the sticks who gave another fine performance. Thankfully Adam Swanton came round from his late night making some crucial tackles helped by his defensive partner George Aspinall.  Also Harry Ball did what was asked and kept things tight in the middle. He nearly got his reward after starting a quality move with a 30 yard slide rule pass to Lewis who had his shot saved by the keeper. Harry followed it up with a rasping effort which went just wide.

Tense times indeed but Thomas Thornley went on another solo run and coolly finished to make it 6 and crown a man of the match performance.

There was just time for Boothstown to get another one back but it was too late for any comebacks

A 6 - 4 win which will see Rangers sitting pretty with their seventh victory on the bounce.