Defeat in final league game for Westbury United but eyes on the final

Sat 22nd Apr. Southern League Division One South.Westbury United 0 Bristol Manor Farm 1.

It proved to be a slightly disappointing end to what has been an historic first season in the Southern League for Westbury United as they were beaten one nil at home by Bristol Manor Farm. But it has been remarkable for United to finish in mid-table and the club still has a cup final to prepare for with all credit going to Ricky Hulbert, Lewis Porter and their squad.

Manor Farm came into this game knowing that a win was their only hope of avoiding a relegation play off scenario, but as other results from around the grounds didn’t go their way, the club ended the season in 18th place and will now take part in the relegation play-offs.

This was a niggly encounter with little quality from either side. The winning goal coming midway through the first half during a spell of pressure by the visitors.

Harvey Flippance had an early opportunity, but his shot was wayward; at the other end Evander Grubb’s effort beat Jonny Hill but Aaron Cockerill cleared off the line. Grubb shot wide soon after then Cockerill glanced a header wide from Ashton Shanley’s corner.

The Bristol side got on top for a spell as Steven Kingdon headed over from a set piece then Jake Gosling’s corner was headed onto the crossbar by Joshua Ford then cleared. This resulted in another flag kick and this time Gosling’s delivery led to Ford smashing the ball into the net.

Visiting keeper Benjamin John made two saves from Charlie Walton’s fine strike just before the break then, after a scrappy start to the second half, he got down low to punch away Shanley’s well struck effort.

Hill matched John’s save when he denied Gosling; he also did likewise late on from a free kick.

In between those saves, Westbury had a go at drawing level but they simply couldn’t get up a head of steam. Callum Demkiv got in behind but his finish was off target then Toby Dolton-Cole went closest when his strike hit the side netting.

All eyes now turn towards the Wiltshire Premier Shield final versus Swindon Town at the County Ground on Tuesday 9th May.

Team: Jonny Hill, Steve Hulbert, Jack Biddiscombe, Aaron Cockerill, Jake Hutchings, Emmanuel Adepitan, Ashton Shanley, Joe Stradling, Harvey Flippance, Charlie Walton, Callum Demkiv. Subs: Ryan Bole, Toby Dolton-Cole, Ricky Hulbert (used), Ben Griffiths, Sam Jordan (unused).

Report by Andy Bown.