WESTFIELDS manager Sean Edwards was grateful for a clean sheet after his side overcame Long Eaton United 1-0 in Midland Football League Premier Division.

Westfields' title charge had evaporated mainly due to the amount of goals they started to concede. But a settled back four meant they were more solid and they won the game thanks to a Ben Hayes header.

“We have played better when we have lost, but we’re trying to get a bit of continuity and it was the first time we were able to play the same back four in a while,” said Edwards.

“It’s all about getting a bit of momentum now and there’s still 30 points to play for.”

Edwards was pleased that Hayes scored his first goal for the club after signing from Bishops Cleeve.

“It was a good little header,” said Edwards.

“It’s been a different type of football than he’s been used to at Bishops Cleeve, but he’s done well.”

Edwards confirmed that striker Nathan Hodge has returned to Shawbury United though.

“He picked up a knee injury and hasn’t been 100 per cent fit,” said Edwards.

“He came to try and help us win the league, but that isn’t going to happen now.

"He had to come down from Shrewsbury, so we agreed that he can go back to Shawbury and help them out.”

Westfields had a number of early opportunities to score against Long Eaton before Hayes nodded home Richard Greaves' header in the 42nd minute.

Greaves had a chance to increase his side's lead, but his lob went just wide, while Craig Jones also went close.

At the other end, Matt Gwynne made two excellent point-blank saves. Westfields now have back-to-back games against Rocester, starting with a trip to Staffordshire this Saturday.

New Ghanaian recruit Kingsford Adjei and Taylor Cordell should be in contention, while Kane Kahaki may also be available following injury.