BEN Miller says he knew it was time to leave Hereford FC after crossing the city to join Westfields.

The 19-year-old was one of Pete Beadle’s first signings at Edgar Street, but struggled to get into the starting line-up.

He was released by Hereford earlier this month and immediately joined Westfields after impressing in training.

Miller scored his first goal for the club in a 4-0 drubbing of Loughborough University last Saturday.

“I was obviously disappointed to leave Hereford, but it was getting to the stage where I needed to play and it worked out well for both parties,” said Miller.

“I’m now playing regular football and I’m enjoying it.

“I did enjoy my time at Hereford and I still keep in touch with the lads there, but I’m just glad that I’m playing regularly now and scoring goals.”

Miller, who spent last season at West Bromwich Albion, says he is enjoying his time at Westfields.

“I had a chat with Edo [Westfields manager Sean Edwards] after leaving Hereford and went to training, which I enjoyed,” said Miller.

“The boys were really welcoming and I already knew a few faces, like Tom Bendall. Growing up, I used to play down the middle as a striker, but when Pete Beadle was the youth manager at Hereford, I started playing out wide.

“I prefer playing down the middle though and enjoy going into pockets of space, a bit like a number 10.”

Miller is unavailable for this Saturday’s trip to Bardon Hill due to work commitments. Westfields have now done the league double over Loughborough, but came crashing back down to earth on Tuesday evening after losing 3-0 to Midland Football League Premier Division title contenders Alvechurch.

The Worcestershire side scored all of their goals in the last 13 minutes to go within six points of leaders Hereford, but crucially have three games in hand.

Defences were on top in the first half of a wind-swept match and it looked like Westfields were on course for a draw thanks to some inspired goalkeeping by Matty Gwynne.

Sam Plane also made a great tackle to deny Alvechurch from taking the lead. But goals in the 77th and 79th minute by Leigh Downing and Connor Deards changed the complexion of the game.

Jamie Cuss and Craig Jones both went close to pulling a goal back for Westfields, but Alvechurch sealed the win thanks to Karl Edwards.

Miller scored Westfields’ second goal against Loughborough after Cuss opened the scoring in the fourth minute.

Kane Kahaki and Sam Gwynne linked up well before Gwynne whipped in a cross for Miller to divert the ball home at the near post.

Jones then scored a fantastic free-kick to make it 3-0 after Miller was brought down, before Alun Webb hit the crossbar for Loughborough after the break.

Mike Tambling and Plane had to defend well to keep the away side at bay, but Westfields finished strongly and made the points safe when Gwynne and Marcus Palmer linked up to set up Jones for his second goal of the game.

Westfields are 15th in the division, one place below Saturday’s opponents Bardon Hill. A home game against Shepshed Dynamo follows the week after.