Narrow defeat in Wiltshire derby

Mon. 29th Aug. Southern League Division One Melksham Town 3 Westbury United 2

A large Bank Holiday Monday attendance of 723 at Melksham’s superb Oakfields facility witnessed a great encounter on another hot and sunny afternoon.

How Westbury did not come away with at least a point is a mystery after a first half in which they had a goal disallowed as well as hitting the bar and post. United ended up with a 3-0 deficit before mounting a thrilling late comeback which just fell short! 

The match got off to a scrappy start with attacks breaking down at both ends and there were several fierce challenges too. United got into their stride and a lovely clipped pass by Ashton Shanley set up Harvey Flippance whose strike went a few feet wide. 

There was a vital few minutes of play soon after as Ricky Hulbert netted a rebound after Jack Biddiscombe’s shot had been blocked but it was disallowed for offside. The home side went up the other end and forced a corner; from the flag kick the ball ended up going very high and dropped down inside the six-yard box where Aaron Parsons got the final touch to open the scoring on 20. 

Flippance latched onto Hulbert’s flick and had an effort which found the woodwork then at the other end Jay Malshanskyj looped a header onto the crossbar. 

Westbury went all out for an equaliser before the break but Shanley curled wide, Will Thomson forced Alfie Burnett into a good save from which Hulbert’s rebound hit the bar then a lovely move between Thomson, Shanley and Flippance led to Walton not quite applying a finishing touch. 

Town controlled the opening 20 minutes of the second half and doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Malshanskyj arrived on the end of a fine cross from the right wing. 

United began to get back into the game and a bustling run on the right by Biddiscombe led to Flippance firing narrowly wide. 

Burnett got down well to deny Bole then as Melksham began to find openings in the visiting defence. Albie Hopkins sent in a dangerous cross that eluded everyone. 

Biddiscombe and Manny Adepitan combined to set up Thomson however his attempt rose over the target then as Westbury pushed more men forward Sam Jordan passed to Flippance whose fine effort took a slight deflection and Biddiscombe’s corner was punched clear by Burnett. 

It was very harsh on United to go further behind in the 81st minute when Malshanskyj netted another fine finish; however the game was certainly not over! Jordan broke through one on one with Burnett and his coolly taken goal gave Westbury hope. 

With five minutes being added on there was time for an exciting end as Jordan latched onto Bole’s cross but headed over then a minute later, with the hosts shaken. Walton was fouled and a penalty awarded which Bole converted to make it 3-2! 

Deep into added time Bole sent in a corner which led to a scramble which nobody could force over the line and a Melksham defender cleared the ball. 

Team: Mark Bowden, Jack Biddiscombe, Ryan Bole, Emmanuel Adepitan, Dan Price, Jake Hutchings, Ashton Shanley, Will Thomson, Ricky Hulbert, Charlie Walton, Harvey Flippance. 

Subs: Sam Jordan, Tyler Gane, Conner McKay (used) Martin Johnson, Lewis Porter (unused).