Saturday 28th Dec. Toolstation Premier Westbury United 1-2 Plymouth Parkway
An enthralling match at Meadow Lane took place where injury-ravaged Westbury pushed title-chasing Plymouth all the way. Although this was a sixth consecutive defeat for the hosts, they are in no way playing badly.
An injury crisis saw seven changes from Boxing Day, several players used in unfamiliar positions and a few somehow get through 90 minutes. There was action at both ends in the early stages; Ed Baldy saved well from Billy Palfrey and Joe Stradling was well tackled as he got into the danger area.
United almost went ahead when a long kick by Baldy was misjudged by the visiting defence and Callum Demkiv was unable to force it goalwards, a corner resulted from which Louis Wilkins had a header cleared off the line.
Parkway scored first on 20 minutes when a set piece was headed towards goal by Rob Farkins and Mikey Williams applied the finishing touch.
Plymouth captain Shane Krac twice went close to making it 0-2, he had one shot blocked by Matt Jones and saw another go wide.
The first of several old school goalmouth scrambles in the home box was to be admired for United’s never say die defending. There was a block, a clearance off the line and Adam Carter hit a post.
United almost drew level just before the break when Dan Demkiv broke through, only to see his shot brilliantly tipped onto the post by Kyle Moore.
There was some incredible action in the second half. This started with two more scrambles in the Westbury penalty area. Numerous attempts were blocked, saved or found the woodwork and Parkway were frustrated.
Then to the home crowd’s delight United equalised in fine style on 57; Stradling burst forward with pace and finished excellently from 20 yards.
Callum Demkiv had a chance to put United ahead but his effort went wide, he could also have set up either his brother or Wilkins.
The visitors regained the lead on 67; a corner was headed onto the bar and Mike Landricombe smashed in the rebound.
Westbury did everything but find a late leveller and Moore sealed a man of the match performance. He was very brave at the feet of both Ricky Hulbert and Callum Demkiv, then made a stunning clawing save from Hulbert, with United adamant it had crossed the line.
Team; Ed Baldy, Jordan Croad, Jamie Jordan, Matt Jones, Will Thomson, Dan Price, Joe Stradling, Joe Kirkpatrick, Louis Wilkins, Dan Demkiv, Callum Demkiv. Subs; Ricky Hulbert, Adam Kenich (used) Jamie Hughes, Ed Leeson, Oliver Dew (unused).
