Late heartbreak for United after stunning fightback

An unbelievable conclusion to this match at a blustery Plain Ham ground. Westbury came from 0-2 down to equalise and just as they looked set to clinch a point they were beaten by a late late double strike by the hosts! 

There were chances at both ends early on including Joel Manning saving from Dawid Regula and Ryan Bole unable to connect properly at the other end.

Larkhall went ahead on 15 minutes when Steve Hulbert gave the ball away in midfield and Matt Bowman and Max Williams attacked quickly with Williams finishing crisply.

United twice went close to drawing level at set pieces as Josh Jenkins and Bole had efforts blocked.

Regula continued to cause problems to the away defenders and it took fine interceptions by Jenkins and Dan Restorick to stop him and Williams.

Bole and Jenkins had further attempts but both were unable to find the target. The same fate befell Ethan Cannings and Ben Starr with half-time approaching.

The Larks doubled their lead five minutes into the second-half when Regula again raced in from the left wing and set up Alex Camm for an easy finish.

The match turned on an inspired quadruple substitution by Ricky Hulbert and Lewis Porter! There was an immediate shift in momentum led by the lively Ali Sen.

Starr shot over then set up Jenkins whose strike was well blocked. Sen went on two pacy runs that were intercepted just in time then Jack Witcombe got into the box and set up Aaron Witchell whose attempt was blocked, however Starr nipped in on the rebound to pull a goal back on 66!

Both goalkeepers excelled when Manning denied Ryan Beckinsale before Liam Armstrong tipped away Will Taylor’s corner then saved a Taylor shot soon after.

Manning was in action twice more to save with his legs from James Horrocks and to get down and deny Regula.

Westbury drew level on 87 with a wonderful goal; Witcombe and Sen played quick passes and Sen curled in a beautiful finish off Armstrong’s left-hand post!

A series of injuries during the half led to 10 minutes being added on and both sides went for a winner! Armstrong saved a Jenkins free kick then Milo Murgatroyd rattled the away crossbar!

Athletic went back in front on 95 minutes when Regula arrived to head in Beckinsale’s cross.

Then with United putting everyone up at a set piece in the 99th minute the ball broke to Sam Boulton who raced clear to add the final goal!

Team; Joel Manning, Steve Hulbert, Ethan Cannings, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Ryan Bole, Ben Starr, Bevan Cross, Jamie Jordan, Josh Jenkins. Subs; CJ Stewart, Aaron Witchell, Will Taylor, Ali Sen (used) Leon Greenland (unused)

Report: Andy Bown