Much-needed three points for United

A considerably improved and strong all-round team performance as Westbury picked up a much needed three points at home to Malvern.

The match was an exciting affair for the most part, then in an extended second half due to a head injury, the match officials decision making became ever more bizarre.

United were quick starters and several early efforts from Will Taylor, Bevan Cross and Harvey Flippance were well blocked by the visiting defenders.

As Malvern settled they had a few shots of their own, debutant keeper Kent Kauppinen making three fine saves to deny Sam Clark twice and Joseph Tumelty. Flippance got on the end of a fine knock by Dan Restorick but wasn’t able to get an effort at goal. Flippance and strike partner Joe Beardwell were a threat to the Town defence throughout the match.

Ashton Shanley was already having a fine match and he scored the only goal just after the half hour when his set piece from wide on the left beat everyone and ended up in the net.

Aaron Witchell played in Ryan Bole whose forceful strike was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Mateusz Wieczorek. Then at the other end Kauppinen made an equally good save to deny Lewis Platt.

Westbury were by far the better team for the first 25 minutes of the second half. Shanley’s set piece delivery somehow failed to lead to a second goal while further chances went begging.

Taylor and Beardwell went close then Wieczorek did well to save a header by Bole.

Flippance got in with just Wieczorek to beat but the keeper did well, however moments later Flippance drove the ball across the box where Beardwell could only divert it inches wide

Malvern were just getting some pressure going when Witchell suffered a head injury. The long delay initially made no difference as United continued to play well, however their only lapse of the match allowed Lewis Spurrier the chance to finish but it was disallowed for offside.

Taylor spotted Wieczorek off his line and tried his luck from near the half-way line. Wieczorek appeared to handball outside his area in saving the attempt but the officials only gave a corner.

With time inching towards the end Cross was on the receiving end of a terrible challenge which was only yellow carded.

The remaining minutes saw Flippance and Beardwell retain possession excellently while mention must also go to a fine defensive performance by Restorick, Aaron Cockerill and Leon Greenland.

Star Man: Ashton Shanley. Team: Kent Kauppinen, Aaron Witchell, Ashton Shanley, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Joe Beardwell, Ryan Bole, Harvey Flippance, Bevan Cross, Leon Greenland, Will Taylor. Subs: Ed Butcher, Ben Ashfield, Marcel Lewis (used) Charlie Walton, Joel Smedley (unused)

On Saturday 5th October, United travelled to high-flying Evesham and despite taking the lead, went down to a 2-1 defeat.

A Ed Butcher goal on three minutes gave the White Horse Men an early lead when he caught the keeper out from long range.

Evesham, currently sitting in fifth place, hit back on 15 minutes before earning the three points with a goal on 38 minutes. The result leaves United in 18th place in the league with six points from seven games ahead of  Tuesday night’s home game with Thatcham Town.