Weds. 27th Feb. Toolstation Premier Div. Westbury United 1 Odd Down 0
Callum Demkiv netted his 30th goal of the season as United overcame a strong Odd Down side to move back up to 2nd place.
This was the third match between these teams this term, with Westbury completing a league double to avenge their visitors’ cup win back in the autumn.
The first half was a largely forgettable affair with little quality as both sides wasted possession on numerous occasions.
United’s likeliest players were Joe Stradling and Josh Ferguson who both looked dangerous with their pace, however the closest either team came was when Ferguson headed a Jamie Jordan corner which was cleared off the line.
At the other end, Ashley McGrane and Jake Sinclair connected with crosses by Jaiden Savery, but neither could hit the target.
In a sign of what was to come later, Westbury got going towards half time. Good defending by David Hare kept the scores level, while George Dorrington saved from Callum Demkiv. United looked a transformed side after the break and it was remarkable how long it took them to score!
Dan Kovacs, who had come on for the injured Ricky Hulbert, began to pull the strings, allied to further incisive attacking by Stradling and Ferguson.
Dorrington saved twice from Ferguson, then Kovacs volleyed over from just inside the box after being set up by Jamie Jordan’s quick throw in.
Then in several crazy periods of play, the Odd Down penalty area was like a pinball machine! Callum Demkiv and Stradling had attempts blocked before Dorrington stretched to save from Callum Demkiv.
A brief hiatus from the apparent one-way traffic led to Ed Baldy making his only save of the evening to acrobatically parry McGrane’s fierce shot.
An even crazier few seconds within the visiting box saw the ball hit the woodwork twice, then an immediate third attempt get blocked on the line!
Finally Westbury got their deserved goal on 76; Kovacs nudged the ball past Dorrington and, after it inexplicably hit the post yet again, Callum Demkiv was on hand to finish on the rebound
This was where it got nervy for the hosts and it took strong defending by Pinder, Dan Jordan, Dan Price (who was brilliant all through the match) and Jason Henley to see their side through to victory.
United had a few chances to add a second goal, but both Dan Kovacs and Dan Demkiv were unable to find the net.
*Star Man ; Dan Price. Team ; Ed Baldy, Jordan Pinder, Jason Henley, Will Stead, Dan Price, Dan Jordan, Jamie Jordan, Joe Stradling, Ricky Hulbert, Josh Ferguson, Callum Demkiv. SUBS ; Dan Kovacs, Dan Demkiv (used) Joe Kirkpatrick, Lewis Porter (unused).
