Derby day disappointment as Melksham edge Westbury at Meadow Lane

A large derby day crowd of 815 and a hard-working victory for the visitors on a cold, dry afternoon at Meadow Lane’s Platinum Hyundai Park.

 

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Westbury got off to a dream start, Ben Starr ran at the away defence and had a shot saved by Adam Forster. Melksham then gave away possession allowing Bevan Cross to rifle in the opening goal in the second minute! 

The visitors attacked through Olly Mehew who went to ground in the box with the referee waving away shouts for a penalty.  

Forster saved a Ryan Bole header which proved vital as soon, after his side drew level from the penalty spot on 15, Jamal Lawrence the scorer after Olly Mehew had this time been fouled! 

There were further chances for both sides as the half went on. Josh Jenkins, Ben Starr and Cross all went close for United while at the other end Lawrence and Matt Cooper hit fine shots that went narrowly wide. 

Soon after the restart Lawrence blazed over when well placed. The Town defence, led by Cooper, had to be at their best to keep Starr at bay and when a shooting chance arose Bole’s free kick went wide. 

Levi Irving got on the end of a ball into the box and looped his header over Joel Manning and into the net for the winning goal on 67. 

Starr had a shot comfortably saved by Forster then Cooper hit the crossbar with a well struck effort. 

United struggled to pile on enough pressure to fully threaten a comeback. Bole went down in the box and the referee said ‘no’, then deeper into added time Ali Sen created a few chances for them to get a point; however Forster saved from Brad Selwood then Bole put the ball wide. 

Star Men: Ben Starr (Westbury United) and Matt Cooper (Melksham Town).

Team: Joel Manning, Steve Hulbert, Aaron Cockerill, Bevan Cross, Jack Witcombe, Ryan Bole, Aaron Witchell, Ben Starr, Brad Selwood, Jamie Jordan, Josh Jenkins. Subs: Jay Sutherland, Sam Francis, Ethan Witchell, Will Taylor, Ali Sen (all used)  

• With thanks to today’s match day sponsor Platinum Hyundai and match ball sponsor Sportsbug. If you would like to be a sponsor please contact Terry (Butch) Morgan on 07732 864085.

Report: Andy Bown

Pictures: Martin Pearce