Westfields Football Club are on the up says former Hereford United midfielder Sam Gwynne (From Hereford Times)

Westfields Football Club, from Hereford, are on the up says former Hereford United midfielder Sam Gwynne

3:40pm Thursday 19th January 2012 in Reports By Ian Morgan

SAM Gwynne’s first week at Westfields might have been like a roller-coaster — but he firmly believes Sean Edwards’ men can climb the heights of promotion.

The 24-year-old has scored twice and been red-carded in his first three games since joining Midland Alliance title-chasers Westfields from Welsh Premier full-timers Neath.

Gwynne’s red-card on his debut at Ellesmere means he will be suspended for Westfields’ top-of-the-table trip to Coventry Sphinx on February 11.

But the former Hereford United midfielder will be available for Westfields’ return match against Sphinx at allpay.park on February 25.

“Westfields have got a great set of lads,” said Gwynne, who decided to leave cash-strapped Neath after a pay dispute.

“The team spirit at Westfields is brilliant. All the players work hard for each other. I think Westfields will go up — they’ve got every chance.

“I played about 15 games for Neath and I enjoyed it but they have got a few problems and I just had to cut my strings.

“I had a lot of pressure from all the stuff at Neath and, against Ellesmere, I just saw red after a lad two-footed me twice. I just reacted and it was wrong of me. I will learn from my mistakes.

“I just need to start enjoying my football again, get match fit and help Westfields win the league.”

These are exciting times for the Hereford club.

Westfields are playing attractive, passing football and are getting more spectators through their gate than 12 months ago.

Gwynne scored second-placed Westfields’ third goal last Saturday against bottom-of-the-table Willenhall Town on a frosty pitch at allpay.park.

Even chief executive Andy Morris skipped an advertising board to congratulate scorer Gwynne and chief provider Joel Edwards.

“Andy got a bit excited when it went in — I looked down and he had invaded the pitch,” said Edwards, whose driving run and cut-back had set up the chance for Gwynne.

Two-goal Craig Jones, another former Bull, put the hosts ahead with a superb, left-footed curling free-kick five minutes before the interval.

And a well-struck penalty from Anthony Robbins on the stroke of half-time put Westfields in control.

Jamie Cuss scored Westfields’ fourth from close range and when Jones got his second goal — and the hosts’ fifth — on 63 minutes, double figures looked possible.

Westfields would have been out of sight had it not been for some poor finishing and fine goalkeeping from Liam Flynn.

However, Westfields appeared to switch off and Willenhall scored three goals in nine minutes.

Danico Johnson hit the strugglers’ opener and then Joe Lyng grabbed a quick-fire brace.

However, the hosts regained control and Richard Kear, who had earlier missed a host of chances, completed the scoring seven minutes from time.

Sam Gwynne said he had another big week ahead as he looked to step away from life as a pro footballer.

“I have got a job interview this week,” he said.

“Professional football is hard when you’re living on one-year contracts and you have a mortgage to pay.

“I am not the best player in the world and it’s a struggle. But I can play part-time and have a job which offers more security.

“There were three Welsh League teams interested in me and a couple in the English pyramid. I am going to see what comes along.”

With Neath playing on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon, Gwynne has watched most Bulls’ home matches this term.

He added: “I wish I was still at Hereford. I loved playing there but things happen in football and you’ve just got to move on.”

Westfields: Matt Gwynne, Morgan (Harris 63 min), Joel Edwards, Price, Jackson, Robbins, Jones, Sam Gwynne (Aldrich 76 min), Cuss (Glover 63 min), Kear, Thomas. Subs not used: Moore, Newbury.

Willenhall Town: Flynn, Fowler, Fuller, Bell, Richards (Fisher 19 min), Austin (Dingwall 57 min), Weller (Granville 70 min), Leek, Johnson, Lyng, Swain. Subs not used: Dorgan, Humpage.

Referee: Bob Usher (Worcester).

Willenhall: Lyng 39 min, foul; Bell 53 min, foul.

Attendance: 149.

Star man: Joel Edwards (Westfields).