Westfields take on Hereford Pegasus tonight in a clash between two local rivals in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup.
Phil Glover’s side are on a mixed run of form recently with two emphatic wins against Shrivenham and fellow local rivals Lads Club, but also a poor 1-0 loss at home to Thornbury in their last fixture in the league.
This varied form has left Fields fourth in the table, fourteen points off the only promotion spot in first meaning that they can perhaps put some more focus into the remaining cup games.
“This game is very important because we want to win some silverware, although the league title is looking unlikely, we are not looking at it that way, we just need to push on and try to win trophies because that’s why we play, to win,” stated Westfields’ Archie Muirhead.
Pegasus however are on a very poor run of form with no wins in the last four league games including a loss to bottom of the league Tuffley Rovers. This run stretches back to the 26th of November when they picked up their last win against Shrivenham, which is something that Westfields will look to capitalise on.
“Their form is something that we will look at and think about, but it’s a local derby and we can’t take anything away from them otherwise we are setting ourselves up for disaster,” said the 20-year-old.
These two sides have already met twice this season with Westfields coming out on top in the first encounter at home and Pegasus winning the second meeting.
The last match between the two rivals finished 2-0 to Pegasus in a feisty game which saw five yellow cards and one red card.
Discipline is something that Westfields have struggled with this season, the most recent example being in the loss to Thornbury which saw Dan Stoneman sent off for kicking out at an opponent.
“There’s been a few games where we have gone down to 10 men and because of that lost the game, it’s really important we stay focused and just play the game tonight,” said the former Worcester City winger.
Prior to missing out against Shrivenham due to illness, Muirhead had been on a great run of form quickly becoming one of Westfields’ key men after signing from Worcester in October.
The best performance of the former Hereford FC academy player came in a match against Lydney Town just before Christmas where he scored both goals in a 2-0 win.
“I’m definitely enjoying my football at the moment, I think every player enjoys playing when they are doing well and the confidence is high, I hope to carry this on now,” said Muirhead.
Westfields Team News
Phil Glover will be pleased to have a complete squad of players to pick from with there being no injuries of note.
Muirhead was the only regular player missing on Saturday against Shrivenham, but with him back from illness the Westfields manager will have a full squad of players to choose from.
With this fixture falling in the middle of a three game week there is a good chance that Glover will look to rotate the line-up where possible to reduce the risks of fatigue and injuries.
Both teams will be looking to claim local bragging rights tonight in what is sure to be a fierce encounter.
