Larkhall goalkeeper Liam Armstrong made several outstanding saves to help his team to victory on a freezing cold afternoon.
For Westbury this was a third narrow defeat in their last four matches. This really is a tight league with no bad teams. Little things which had been going United’s way are now going for their opponents.
Westbury had a few early chances with the closest being Ryan Bole who beat Armstrong to the ball but saw his header drop wide of the post. Bole and Brad Selwood also shot off target from outside the penalty area.
The home defenders worked hard to keep their visitors at bay until after the half hour when Joel Manning made his only save of the match to deny Lewis Graham.
Armstrong denied Ben Starr and Jack Witcombe whose efforts were both low and skiddy.
With half-time approaching Aaron Cockerill defended well to usher away Dawid Regula with Manning out of position, United attacked and Starr unleashed a great strike that was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Armstrong!
Play flowed from end to end straight after the break, Starr and Ethan Witchell having attempts for the hosts and Regula twice for the visitors with Cockerill to the fore again in the home defence! There was also a stern talking to for both captains, Bole and Sam Boulton, after a scuffle.
United caused their own downfall on 57 by giving the ball away and Regula made no mistake with a fine finish.
How Westbury didn’t grab a point is down to the Athletic back line! Starr had another shot saved by Armstrong then after Will Taylor created an opening Starr hit the ball fiercely only to see it blocked on the line!
Armstrong produced an even better save to turn Cockerill’s header over the bar!
*Star Men; Aaron Cockerill (Westbury) and Liam Armstrong (Larkhall)
Team: Joel Manning, Aaron Cockerill, Bevan Cross, Jack Witcombe, Sam Francis, Ryan Bole, Aaron Witchell, Ben Starr, Ethan Witchell, Brad Selwood, Josh Jenkins. Subs: Will Taylor, CJ Stewart, Cole Fleming, Jamie Jordan (used) Steve Hulbert (unused)
With thanks to match day sponsor, the family of Stuart Bennett and match ball sponsors Frank and Phoebe. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact Terry (Butch) Morgan on 07732 864085.
United previous game on Saturday 3rd January, away vs Frome Town, was postponed due to a frozen pitch. The rearranged match is Wednesday 14th January, KO 7.45pm.
