Westbury United kick off their Southern League Division One season with a visit to promoted side Portland United on Tuesday 11th August.
The first home league fixture sees recently relegated Tiverton Town visit Meadow Lane on Saturday 15th August at 3pm.
The draw for this season’s FA Cup has given United a home tie versus Wessex League Hythe & Dibden on Saturday 8th August. The winner will play away at AFC Portchester a fortnight later.
The White Horse Men completed their pre-season schedule with an impressive 4-2 home win over Winchester City on Saturday. That followed a 2-2 draw at Meadow Lane against Chippenham Town, a narrow 1-0 win at local rivals Warminster Town and a 4-0 home win over Bradford Town.
Pre-season friendlies
Saturday 25th July: Westbury United 4-2 Winchester City
Leighton Thomas doubled his pre-season tally with a first half hat-trick as Westbury completed their preparations in style.
These sides shared a win apiece last season; however Winchester have switched to the Isthmian League and started brightly on another very warm afternoon, home keeper Kieran Perrin making a few fine early saves.
Thomas pounced on a loose ball after Will Taylor’s corner wasn’t cleared to open the scoring on 17 minutes.
Josh Bertie set up Thomas whose finish went over then Bertie’s free kick drifted narrowly wide.
Thomas headed in Brad Selwood’s cross to double the lead on 36, then a minute later he went for his treble from long range only to be denied by Ross Casey’s fingertip save!
Thomas netted his hat-trick goal a few minutes later; however City were given a penalty just before the break which was scored by Ewan Lynch.
Winchester pulled another goal back on 57 when Brad Waters effort rebounded off the post to Archie Whitfield who tapped it in.
Aaron Cockerill headed Jake Andrews’ corner inches wide then the final goal came on 70 when Casey saved from Andrews and Cole Fleming netted on the rebound.
Tuesday 21st July: Westbury United 2-2 Chippenham Town
A competitive friendly on a warm evening at Meadow Lane where Westbury came back from 0-2 down to draw.
The first half was goalless with both sides shooting across the face of goal.
The visiting trialist goalkeeper made two fine saves to deny Keane Ashwood and Cole Fleming.
Chippenham stepped it up after the break and took the lead through Henry Sady’s header.
Following numerous substitutions Town doubled their lead when Ethan Lindo finished easily.
United went on the attack and pulled a goal back when Bevan Cross got on the end of Jamie Jordan’s delivery from the right.
Leighton Thomas netted his third goal of pre-season late on with an excellent 20-yard finish to equalise.
Friday 16th July: Warminster Town 0-1 Westbury United
Westbury won 1-0 at Warminster Town with Brad Selwood’s early goal the difference between the sides.
Tuesday 14th July: Westbury United 4-0 Bradford Town
United won their third home pre-season friendly versus Bradford Town on Tuesday 14th July.
A tight first half saw United lead via Leighton Thomas’ headed goal from Jake Andrews’ set piece.
Joel Manning saved a free kick taken by former home player Ashton Shanley while his opposite number Tom Roberts denied Josh Bertie with a fine stop.
Westbury stepped up the pace after the hour and added goals scored by Cole Fleming, Jack Witcombe from the penalty spot and Eben Mortimer-Taylor.
Roberts made a tremendous late save to deny Will Taylor.
The previous weekend saw United lose 0-1 away at Welsh side Llantwit Major.
Report: Andy Bown
