Sat. 15th Oct. Southern League Division One South. Westbury United 2 Hamworthy United 1
AT the beginning of last season, these sides met in the FA Cup at Meadow Lane, with the visitors winning 2-0 at the start of both clubs’ respective promotion campaigns.
Now in the Southern League and with Hamworthy in 4th place in the Southern League, the hosts turned the tables, thanks to Harvey Flippance’s double strike and superb defending in the second half.
The Hammers had the first chance when Mark Bowden saved from the impressive Sam Griffin, the resulting corner was swung in and cleared off the line by Dan Price.
Westbury opened the scoring in fine style in the 15th minute when Sam Jordan passed to Ryan Bole who sent an excellent ball across to Flippance and he took a touch then drove it across goal and into the far corner.
Bowden did well to deny Sean Wright, who tried his luck from 30 yards. Then at the other end, strong play by Joe Stradling set up opportunities for Flippance and Charlie Walton, which were both blocked by keeper Shane Murphy.
The home side doubled their lead just before half time; Bole sent a hopeful ball forward which Flippance outpaced his marker to reach, before sending a great lob past Murphy.
Griffin had another chance just before the break, but glanced a header wide from Drew Escott-Young’s cross.
The second half got off to a very scrappy start with several injuries and bad challenges after which, Hamworthy gained the upper hand. It was Griffin to the fore again, beating Bowden and forcing Price into a clearance, then soon after, he fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
Westbury were having to stay alert after a series of attacks – a quick one touch move ended with Stephen Devlin shooting off target, Rhys Taylor had an attempt blocked and Bowden saved really well again from Griffin.
Such was the visitors’ dominance that Westbury were unable to create any chances, however the team ethic was outstanding to dig deep and maintain their advantage.
Into the closing stages, Devlin hit a low free kick which Bowden touched away from danger. However, in the third minute of added time, Max Wilcock got a goal back to set up a very nervous ending!
The Hammers were hammering at the door, adopting something of a shoot on sight policy, with four shots blocked in a matter of seconds to clinch victory for Westbury.
Star Man: Harvey Flippance (Westbury United)
Team: Mark Bowden, Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Price, Jake Hutchings, Ashton Shanley, Joe Stradling, Harvey Flippance, Charlie Walton, Sam Jordan.
Subs: Jack Biddiscombe, Conner McKay, Martin Johnson (used) Emmanuel Adepitan, Ricky Hulbert (unused).
