Oldland Abbotonians 4 -1 Westbury United – Toolstation League Division One, Saturday 18th April

Westbury crashed to a bad defeat in their final match which, coupled with Portishead winning again, ensured they finish bottom of the table to complete a long and very disappointing season. 

However, with the Western League having only 41 teams when its’ constitution is for 44, United have been told that relegation is unlikely, the decision will be confirmed at the League AGM in June.

On another sunny, windy Saturday afternoon Oldland raced into a 2-0 lead through Paul Coles double strike on 2 and 10 minutes, the opener a tap in after good play by Gary Shorney and the 2nd bundled over the line in a goalmouth scramble.

Westbury stopped the rot with some decent moves but couldn’t hit the target from long range shots by Tony McElhone and Drew Adams. Home keeper Jamie Powell saved well when Gary Tugwell struck a low free kick.

With both teams struggling in the wind and on the rock hard pitch there was little of note for much of the 2nd half. Frustration and a lack of discipline crept into the visitors play and four players were cautioned while Jordan Mathews was sent off for dissent late in the game.

The Abbots went 3-0 up through Ali Bamford’s skilful individual goal. They then scored again through Josh Dempsey 10 minutes from the end.

United’s consolation goal came with a fine move between substitutes Brett Partner and Joe Cavalla with the latter producing a composed finish on 87.

TEAM – Leo Whitehead, Grant Gunning, Marc Scammell, Ryan Elliott, Nathan Hallett-Young, Sam Clift, Jordan Mathews, Gary Tugwell, Cameron Thomas, Tony McElhone, Drew Adams. SUBS – Joe Cavalla, Brett Partner (used) Callum Hotine (unused).