Westfields 0 Pegasus Juniors 1

THE ninth annual game between the two Hereford city sides for the Denis Hartland Memorial Trophy was decided by a single Gavin Stone goal in the ninth minute of a closely-fought, entertaining game.

Westfields, hosting the game at Hereford Leisure Centre while awaiting completion of the new ground, paraded last season's West Midlands League championship team. The visitors also relied upon the majority of the squad from last season.

Pegasus were first into their stride, playing a neat passing game that led to the goal when front-runners Stone and Gwillam Cornes combined on the left to enable Stone to squeeze the ball past Jon Pugh at the near post.

Shortly afterwards, neat work by Darren Jones, playing a midfield role, allowed Stone to get a shot on target that was cleared off the goal line by Kevin Jinks.

Twenty five minutes elapsed before Fields threatened goal when Roy Jordan fired over the bar from a James Watkins pass.

After the restart the scores should have been level when Wayne Hoskins headed high and wide when unmarked from a corner kick.

Two minutes later Daniel Stack, who has returned to Pegasus after a season with Leominster Town, fired the ball over the bar from the edge of the penalty box.

Leigh Harris anticipated a Mike Symonds pass but saw his shot graze the upright with Pugh beaten.

Smart saves by Pugh prevented Pegasus from increasing the lead in the final quarter of the game when Stone and player-coach Adriano Girolami were denied by the goal minder.

Both management teams will be satisfied with the performances as they make final preparations for the forthcoming season.

Mrs Hartland, whose late husband was a prominent player with both clubs, presented the trophy to Pegasus Juniors captain Mike Symonds at a reception held at the Pegasus Club after the game.