Hard-earned point for united in historic first southern league game

Sat 15th Jan. Southern League Division One. Willand Rovers 0 Westbury United 0

IT finished goalless in Westbury United’s first ever game in the Southern League as the White Horse Men earned a point in a tough battle against a Willand Rovers side that finished 15th last season. 

It took United until the first drinks break to really get going following a nervous start, with both sides having to cope with extremely hot conditions. 

Ryan Bole saw his free kick tipped over the bar by the Rovers keeper on 22 minutes, before a quick one-two between Will Thompson and Harvey Flippance created Westbury’s best chance of the half, with Harvey’s shot across goal going inches wide of the far post on 34 minutes. 

On the stroke of half time, it was Willand’s turn to test the visiting goal. When a free kick to the back stick wasn’t cleared, a big chance for the home side saw Dean Stamp swivel and shoot, with his effort pinging off the cross bar before Westbury eventually cleared their lines. 

Second half was a lot better by Westbury who started to pile pressure on the home side. On 50 minutes Steve Hulbert found himself in space inside the Rovers half and produced a brilliant cross into the box, but Ricky Hulbert’s header was met by the Rovers keeper. 

On 70 minutes it was Rovers’ turn to test the visiting goal again, with Dean Stamp controlling the ball well before laying the ball across goal for Lewis Hill, who forced a great save from Mark Bowden.  

Westbury introduced Conner McKay on 75 minutes, who was instantly involved. He found himself one-on-one with the right back, who he squared up before going past him and pulled the ball back to Charlie Walton, who saw his shot blocked and go behind for a corner. With Westbury pushing for a late winner the last chance of the game saw the ball fall to Ryan Bole whose half volley flew just over the bar. 

Points shared at Silver Street, with good chances for both sides.  

Speaking on the game to WHN, joint manager Ricky Hulbert, said, “I’m chuffed with the result. It might not be three points but to get a clean sheet in our first game is great and we could have even nicked it towards the end. 

“I was really impressed with the lads’ performance considering we were playing a bit more defensive than we were used to last year. I couldn’t be prouder of the players, they really stuck to the game plan and showed just how disciplined they can be. 

“We have to think a little differently now that we are in this league; we have to approach each game as it comes but I think we have the squad to do well and shock some people.” 

MOTM: Jake Hutchings 

TEAM: Mark Bowden, Steve Hulbert, Jake Hutchings, Dan Price (C), Ryan Bole, Will Thompson (75), Ashton Shanley, Charlie Walton, Martin Johnson (60), Ricky Hulbert (80), Harvey Flippance 

Report by Martin Pearce 

• United’s first home game is on Tuesday night this week, 16th August as White Horse News went to press.