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Raikes rescues a point as Whitmore takes Player of the Match in 2‑2 draw with Westgate Rovers

2‑2Playwell United vs Westgate Rovers· 02 Aug 2026· Home

Playwell United drew 2-2 at home with Westgate Rovers in Sunday's pre-season friendly at Mill Lane Stadium, a game that gave the squad plenty to reflect on. A good crowd turned out for what has a friendly rivalry feel to it, and they saw a match with real swings in it, Playwell going behind twice and pulling level both times, the second through a 90th-minute volley from Jordan Raikes.

Westgate Rovers made the brighter start and were awarded a penalty inside three minutes, which they converted to go 1-0 up. Playwell United responded well. Dean Ashworth pulled the score level at 1-1 on 11 minutes, finishing close range from a Karl Neville assist.

Westgate level it late, then Raikes answers

The match stayed level until the 74th minute, when Ethan Pullen went off with an injury and Jamie Telford came on in midfield. Telford helped settle things at a moment when the game needed steadying.

Westgate Rovers restored their lead on 80 minutes through a set-piece goal, making it 1-2. That was a difficult moment to absorb, but Playwell kept going. In the 90th minute, Raikes struck a volley into the bottom left-hand corner to make it 2-2 and earn a share of the spoils.

Three yellow cards were shown across the match, two to Playwell United, spread across both halves, and one to Westgate Rovers in the second half.

Ashworth recognised

Sam Whitmore took the Player of the Match award, with the winger setting up a goal. Dean Ashworth and Karl Neville were also picked out by the manager, as was Jordan Raikes for his late contribution.

Tom Calloway, returning from injury at the back, was another player manager Shaun Bennet wanted to recognise.

Bennet was honest in his assessment afterwards. "There are things we need to be sharper on, discipline included, we have to be smarter in those moments," he said. "But I'm proud of the character shown to keep going and get back level twice. We'll take the lessons from today and build on them."

Redmoor United away next

Playwell United travel to Redmoor United at Redmoor Park on Friday, 7 August 2026, with the game getting under way at 2:00 PM. After a game with this much in it, it would be good to see some familiar faces making the trip, the players will appreciate the backing.

With thanks from the club

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Westgate level it late, then Raikes answers

Ashworth recognised

Redmoor United away next

With thanks from the club

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