Sat. 29th Sept. Toolstation Premier Division Westbury Utd 3 Willand Rovers 1

An amazing afternoon was experienced for Westbury United as they ended Willand Rovers’ unbeaten run – and extended their own winning run after promotion to 7 out of 7!

On a glorious sunny afternoon most of the match was scrappy and tetchy except for a remarkable 10 minutes before half time.

Both sides traded misplaced passes and late tackles in the early stages, although there were still chances at both ends. Visiting keeper Aaron Dearing saved from Josh Ferguson, while Dan Kovacs and Ben Griffiths both had shots blocked. When Rovers got sight of goal debutant keeper Marcus Price denied Brett Worbey and Josh Searle curled an effort wide.

Ferguson came to the fore around the half hour and he had already had a shot blocked before firing in a 20 yarder to open the scoring on 32!

A few minutes later, Ricky Hulbert diverted a brilliant header from Kovacs’ cross beyond Dearing to double the lead.

Rovers went straight on the attack and were given a penalty after an incident in the box from which Brad Austin hit Price’s left hand post, with the ball bouncing to safety.

It was riveting end-to-end play by now. Westbury went straight up the other end and won a corner, from which Ian Jeffery scored directly to send his team and fans into delirium!

In almost surreal circumstances Willand should have reduced their deficit, however Jordan Pinder got in a block on Craig Duff, only for the ball to fall to Austin who forced Price into a fine save.

Incredibly it could have been 4-0 before the break, however Callum Demkiv hit the post in a 1-on-1 situation.

Westbury, with Pinder continually excellent in defence, kept their visitors at bay for much of the 2nd half. So desperate were they that Jed Harper-Penman resorted to several hopeful long range attempts which went way off target.

United always looked a threat in attack, but were unable to completely see off Rovers and it got a little nervy when Ben Bickle nodded in, with 5 minutes remaining.

With a renewed optimism, Willand almost made it a nervy ending, however another headed attempt went wide just before the final whistle.

*Star Man ; Jordan Pinder. Team; Marcus Price, Ben Griffiths, Ian Jeffery, Will Stead, Jordan Pinder, Steve Hulbert, Joe Stradling, Josh Ferguson, Ricky Hulbert, Dan Kovacs, Callum Demkiv. Subs; Jamie Jordan, Francois Allen, Morgan Skipp (used) Ryan Baggs, Lewis Porter (unused).

Andy Bown