HEREFORDSHIRE Football Association chairman Bill Shorten believes the beautiful game has been reinvigorated in the county following a "low period".

Shorten was at Westfields' 50th anniversary dinner on Saturday evening and spoke fondly about how their success in the FA Cup this season helped put Herefordshire on the map.

"From a Herefordshire point of view, two or three years ago I thought Herefordshire football was very much on a downward slope with Hereford United having so many problems and eventually folding," said Shorten.

"There was general depression within football football within the county and a loss of enthusiasm and drive.

"But with the formation of Hereford FC and their success in winning their league and going to Wembley and Westfields' success this year and their remarkable run in the FA Cup, the county has been reinvigorated.

"Westfields has put Herefordshire on the map this year.

"I know the club has received plaudits from the BBC, we had also, with the reception their received and every facility they had. That is something Westfields need to be very pleased and proud of.

"The success the team has had up until now is beyond reckoning and is history making."

Westfields chief executive Andy Morris and John Morgan also spoke about their pride in the first team reaching the first round of the FA Cup, as well as other historical moments in the club's history, such as getting to the FA Vase Fifth Round in 1986 and moving to allpay.park in 2003.

And Midland League chairman Mike Joiner said he hopes to return to the city next April to present Westfields with the league trophy.

"To run a club, you've got two teams - one on the pitch and off the pitch – and clearly this tandem is working," he said.

The night's entertainment was provided by comedian John Stiles, with a disco held afterwards.