United pushed high flying Bradford Town all the way in this fiercely fought local derby.
Played in front of a crowd of 227 at Meadow Lane, the match was typified by several spells of midfield play where players from both sides got stuck in to prevent their opponents gaining an upper hand. Town scored a goal in each half including one for the prolific Sam Jordan.
The match started at a fast pace with both teams wasting possession until the visitors had the first chance when former Westbury forward Beau Blakeman fired wide. United had a spell of pressure with opportunities that they failed to convert which ultimately proved costly; a fine move between Mark Young and David Whyte (who gave a very good performance in the type of match in which he thrives) saw the latter cross to Simon Millard whose header was saved by Charlie Heydon.
Another headed chance went begging when Dan Dominy’s effort went wide after a Young corner kick before the best chance of the half fell to Nathan Hallett who stretched to meet Millard’s deep cross but the ball flew wide!
Bradford were forced into a substitution due to injury, and the Westbury defence failed to pick up Liam Milburn, as with his first touch he latched onto Heydon’s long kick to fire an excellent volley into the net on 32 minutes. Town nearly doubled their lead before half time when Jake Hiscocks’ ran onto a loose ball and crashed a fierce shot against the crossbar.
The previously quiet Jordan sprang into life after the break with his pace creating two shots that whizzed wide of the target, before he got his name on the score sheet to make it 0-2 on 62; United failed to properly clear the ball and Jordan took advantage to finish with ease.
To their credit Westbury threw everything at their table topping opponents and the visiting defence had to work very hard to keep the lead they had. Simon Millard and Lee Salter saw efforts from outside the box go wide before the closest chance of all came for towering striker Scott Askew, whose attempt at a Hallett corner found the side netting.
Goalkeeper Heydon had to be at his best to save from Hallett, while another stop was easier when Phil Hampson’s weak shot was straight at him after a lovely move between Charlie Walton and Millard. United were not to find the goal they deserved.
