Tuesday 19th November.
Westbury United 2-1 Thatcham Town
A vital win for Westbury on a freezing evening at Meadow Lane’s Platinum Hyundai Park.
This was a strong all-round performance with all players contributing to the victory; stand out was Aaron Cockerill with a powerful defensive display and a goal.
There was very little action in the opening 20 minutes except for in the 5th when Thatcham’s Zion Nditi hit a 25 yarder which was excellently saved by Redman Evans. Cockerill made a series of important interceptions in this early passage of play.
Josh Jenkins was lively every time United got forward and he had two attempts, one went wide and the other forced James Sharlott into a fine save then Bevan Cross’ rebound was blocked.
Play really opened up from around the half hour and Bole headed narrowly wide from Evans’ accurate knock.
Visiting defender Muhamodou Ceesay went on a run from his own half then stumbled and scuffed his shot.
Cross set up Beardwell whose driven shot went across goal and wide then Cross was again to the fore with a pacy run that led to a corner from which Cockerill was unable to get a final touch.
Jenkins and Bole found themselves in decent positions with no attempts forthcoming, then just as it seemed the half would end goalless Town got a corner from which Andrew Matthew’s headed in, however it was disallowed for an infringement by former home favourite Harvey Flippance.
United were outstanding in the 2nd half with Dan Restorick and Steve Hulbert solid alongside Cockerill. Will Taylor and Brad Selwood ticked over the midfield as well as setting up attacks while the forward line continued to dominate their opponents.
A clearance by Sharlott fell to Bole near the halfway line and the home skipper hit an immediate long ranger that Sharlott got back to save.
Cross and Selwood combined to set up Jenkins but his finish was wayward, however Jenkins had a chance to net from the penalty spot on 55; Beardwell was fouled just inside the box and Jenkins dispatched the kick with ease.
Westbury were now all over Thatcham, Jenkins squared to Beardwell who was just closed down before shooting. The impressive front man then got in again and forced a corner; Taylor’s flag kick was tipped over from under his bar by Sharlott then Taylor’s next corner fell to Cockerill who forced the ball in at the second attempt to make it 2-0.
Charlie Walton, Jake Hutchings and Joel Smedley all contributed defensively or in attack in their brief substitute appearances.
Taylor shot wide after more fine play by Beardwell and Jenkins, the latter then had several opportunities to make the points totally safe but his finishes went off target.
There was a nervy ending for Westbury as Town’s Kyle Daniel-Spray finished off a fine move in added time. The hosts held out in the remaining 3 minutes to clinch the win.
Star Man: Aaron Cockerill.
Team: Redman Evans, Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Brad Selwood, Joe Beardwell, Bevan Cross, Ed Butcher, Will Taylor, Josh Jenkins. Subs: Charlie Walton, Jake Hutchings, Joel Smedley (used) Ashton Shanley (unused)
