What this match lacked in quality it more than made up for in controversy, talking points and hard work by both teams – the latter exemplified by Robbie Whyte and Dan Hurkett in the respective midfields.
Ultimately a draw was a fair result, however Devizes initially felt hard done by before half time then Westbury suffered at the hands of the officials late on!
There wasn’t a great deal of skill on show but after both sides had seen efforts miss the target United opened the scoring in fine style on 24; Gary Tugwell played the ball in from the right wing and it was met by a fine Mark Young header that flew into the top corner to open the scoring.
The major decision came shortly after when Adam Collington’s poor kick allowed Matt Minnis to run into the box; he was pulled back by Marc Scammell but the referee gave Minnis the chance to score only to see his effort find the side netting. With no advantage gained the referee rightly awarded a penalty before consulting with his assistant who deemed it should be a goal kick and the penalty award was reversed!
Minnis went close to equalising just before the break when after excellent play by Rory Collins the striker saw his header tipped away by Collington.
Chances continued to be few and far between after half time, although Collington had to save from Minnis and home keeper Matt Tilley did well to palm Steven Bryant’s effort after an excellent move between Young, Grant Gunning and Tugwell.
Town grabbed their point in injury time when a debateable free kick was awarded 25 yards from goal and Robbie Whyte’s struck the kick around the defensive wall and in off Collington’s left hand post.
*STAR MEN – Robbie Whyte (Devizes Town) and Dan Hurkett (Westbury United). TEAM – Adam Collington, Gary Tugwell, Ryan Elliott, Marc Scammell, Nathan Hallett-Young, Adam Bishop, Jon Price, Dan Hurkett, Mark Young, Grant Gunning, Steven Bryant.
