Westbury should be extremely proud of themselves for producing a battling all round performance to pick up a point away to the league leaders.
However they will also be frustrated not to win as Chipping Sodbury’s equaliser came late on and Adam Kenich had a great chance to snatch a last gasp winner!
United made a confident start on a bitterly cold afternoon with Matty Mantay and Shav Allen to the fore early on, however it was the hosts who created the first chances with James Mackie’s shot being well blocked by Reece Mitten and Dale Emery firing wide from 20 yards.
Mantay and Josh Ferguson produced brave blocks to deny Town during a spell of pressure and Westbury began to create the chances that their team play deserved. Ferguson’s 18 yarder was saved by Glenn Murray before the opening goal came on 42; Zayn Alime played the ball to Ferguson whose pace took him to the touchline where he produced a fine cross which was met by Allen with a bullet header!
Sodbury went straight on the attack and could have drawn level before the break but Mackie’s header landed on the roof of the net and Charlie Heydon showed good hands to hold Joe White’s long range shot.
With half time looming Mantay produced the goods again to set up Ferguson who hit a terrific volley inches wide!
The 2nd half was a tetchy affair and Town became increasingly frustrated at their lack of goalscoring chances due to United’s excellent defending which was led by James Hounsell and Mike Coll.
They finally broke through in the 72nd minute but found Heydon in fine form to save from Harley Warren. Allen was always a threat at the other end and forced Murray into a save before a series of corners led to the equaliser on 85 when Ollie Clarke’s flag kick was put in by Dave Simms with a towering header.
Both sides almost grabbed all 3 points late on; Clarke swung in another corner which hit the far post and was scrambled away and then, with Kenich on in attack after Allen had been substituted, the youngster received the ball from Dan Moore but put his finish wide with just Murray to beat!
*STAR MAN – Matty Mantay. TEAM – Charlie Heydon, Ben Forester, Reece Mitten, James Hounsell, Mike Coll, Matty Mantay, Tony McElhone, Josh Ferguson, Dan Moore, Shav Allen, Zayn Alime. SUBS – Josh Wozniak, Adam Kenich (used) Karl Freeman, Levi Wood (unused).
