Busy pre-season at United: Friendlies and FA Cup to kick start season

PREPARATIONS for the coming season are well underway as the team get ready for what is hoped to be a successful season for Westbury United FC.

Club spokesman Andy Bown reports, “An exciting development is that the club is now registered as charter standard and, unlike previous seasons when league placement has determined whether or not a club can enter the FA Cup, the charter standard will mean Westbury United will compete in the nation’s biggest cup competition for the first time in several years when it kicks off in August!

“The cup draw will be announced as soon as possible as will United’s opponents in the FA Vase  plus early league fixtures.

“Several opponents are already known with Westbury facing a trip to Cheddar in the Western League’s Les Phillips Cup.

“However, potentially the second biggest (after the Warminster derby!) match of the season will take place on Saturday 8th October at 4pm when United will host league newcomers Malmesbury Victoria as part of the league’s ground hop weekend.

“Last season’s Saturday evening fixture at Keynsham was a huge success as part of the inaugural ground hop and the club were keen to be a host for the coming season’s weekend.”

A number of pre-season friendlies have been arranged at Meadow Lane, but are subject to alteration and more may be added.

They are as follows:

• Saturday 16th July: Weymouth Reserves, Home, 3pm.

• Saturday 23rd July: Pewsey Vale, Home, 3pm.

• Tuesday 26th July: Downton, Home, 7.45pm.

• Saturday 30th July: Melksham Town, Home, 2pm.