WESTFIELDS’ new manager Scott Russell saw his side fritter away a host of clear-cut chances at basement side Wantage Town as they were beaten 3-1.

Fields dominated the game for long periods but were guilty of some poor finishing which should have given them something from the game as Wantage picked up their first points of the season.

Westfields found themselves a goal down in only the seventh minute when Lewis Hutchinson hit a superb volley into the roof of the net to give the home side the lead.

Russell’s side responded with both Matt McDonald and Adam Wakely having chances to equalise before Cameron Davies headed wide from a Dan Stoneman corner.

Wantage then increased their lead when a Cameron Sanchez free-kick hit the Fields’ wall and deflected past goalkeeper Jack Oxenham to put the home side 2-0 ahead.

Westfields pulled a goal back just before half-time when Adam Wakely headed home a right wing cross.

After the break Russell’s side went all out for an equaliser with Davies heading agonisingly wide and Sam Griffiths had a shot well saved by the Wantage keeper.

However, the visitors then found themselves going 3-1 down when Sanchez let fly a tremendous shot on the hour mark.

Fields mounted attack after attack searching for a way back into the game with Wakely and McDonald both going close, but the home side held out to register a home win.

Off the pitch it has been all change at Allpay Park with Russell appointed as first team manager.

Russell was goalkeeping coach at Lincoln City and Hereford Fc before managing at Welsh Clubs Monmouth Town and Builth Wells.

“It’s a club that I was part of as a junior and currently have the club and West Midlands record for being the youngest player to play for the first team at only 14,” said Russell.

“We will work with all aspect of the club from the development and women’s teams and across the junior section, I am a big campaigner for a good player pathway and for everyone at the club to be valued.

“I like my teams to play good attacking football, it’s important to let the players express themselves during games in order to get the best out of them. My teams will also be hard working, they will be fit and hard to break down with a strong identity.”

Russell has brought in Dan Chance and Scott Davies as first team coaches, while Steve Saunders will be coach and head of development pathway.

Influential forward Daniel Stoneman has left the club and joined last season’s league champions Cribbs. Westfields are away on Saturday at Brimscombe and Thrupp.