Late winner seals third straight victory for United

Outstanding work by the ground staff meant Westbury were one of only two grass pitches to host a match in this division!

CJ Stewart scored the only goal on 79 minutes; however this was again an all-round strong squad performance with experienced defender Steve Hulbert leading by example.

Exmouth probably should have scored within the opening minute however Tom Bath’s shot wildly off target!

United’s wingers Bevan Cross and Cole Fleming were a constant threat. Cross played in a ball which was headed onto the roof of his own net by a visiting defender then Fleming ran into the box before being denied by Town keeper Aaron Dearing with Ryan Bole’s rebound blocked!

Several more attacks by Cross and Fleming were well defended then at the other end Ben Steer got the final touch in a swift Exmouth move but Aaron Cockerill blocked the ball.

Brad Selwood and Will Taylor were controlling the midfield allowing their attackers to create opportunities, however Cockerill mistimed a header after a fine delivery by Cross.

Town forged another great chance just after the half hour when Mike Landricombe’s towering header from Ben Griffiths’ set piece flew inches over!

Fleming showed blistering pace to run from his own half into the penalty area and his skiddy low ball was missed by Josh Jenkins then Selwood arrived at the back post but put it wide.

Fleming had an effort blocked at a Bole corner kick then as Exmouth got into the opposite box Cross lost his footing but appeared to handle the ball; the referee waved away claims for a spot kick.

Westbury almost grabbed the lead just before the break but Bole’s header from Jack Witcombe’s corner was cleared off the line!

United started the second half at a great pace and Selwood’s ball in was touched onto the post by Cockerill.

Exmouth’s back line had to work very hard to keep their hosts at bay as several more crosses were cleared and attempts blocked.

Each time they got in the visitors had clear chances and another came on the hour when Steer forced Joel Manning into a fine save with his legs!

Play switched to the other end again and Bole got into the box only to see his pull-back find a defender rather than an attacker.

Manning saved well again to parry Sam Morcom’s powerful strike.

Selwood worked space for a shot that was easy for Dearing then Witcombe whipped the ball in and it fell to Selwood who was denied by Dearing again!

With legs getting heavy, United made a series of substitutions which paid dividends on 79 when Stewart latched onto the ball and lofted it beyond Dearing and into the net!

Exmouth went immediately in search of an equaliser and two attempts were blocked and saved by Manning. Hulbert also showed his experience, making a few vital interceptions to prevent further attacks.

Both Cockerill and Stewart went close to doubling the lead late on, however it remained 1-0 which meant a third consecutive victory for United!

Star Men: Steve Hulbert and Joel Manning. Team: Joel Manning, Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Brad Selwood, Bevan Cross, Cole Fleming, Will Taylor, Josh Jenkins. CJ Stewart, Aaron Witchell, Ethan Witchell, Jamie Jordan (used) Kieran Perrin (unused).

With thanks to matchday sponsor Derek Hulin and his friends and family and match ball sponsor Merton Construction. If you would like to be a sponsor please contact Terry (Butch) Morgan on 07732 864085.

Report: Andy Bown

Pictures: MP Sports Photography