Radstock adapted far better during a 2nd half downpour to turn the scores around before holding out as Westbury threw everything at them late on.
United dominated the opening half an hour but despite a number of chances they only led through Sean Brereton’s 6th minute goal which was scored when he took advantage of a defensive error before rounding Dan Nolan and walking the ball into the net.
Play was rather frenetic at times and openings came at will during periods of attacking play. During one such spell the visiting defence blocked efforts from Brereton, Jake Stephenson and Jamie Jordan. Simon Millard and Tom Golledge were the dangermen for Town and both came close to equalising before the break but Charlie Heydon saved Golledge’s attempt while Millard fired wide.
Jordan Pinder made a superb last gasp challenge on Tom Pawley but the ball was only half cleared allowing Millard a shot which skidded wide.
George Bendle kept receiving some rough treatment from his opposing defender but did well to work space only to see his flicked attempt blocked right on the half time whistle. Westbury continued to be wasteful after half time as chances went begging for Bendle, the impressive Brereton and Jamie Jordan then, as conditions worsened considerably, the visiting attackers adapted quickly and, after Tom Pawley’s curler was well held by Heydon, the same player’s cross found Millard and he headed in to draw Radstock level on 73.
Nolan made a fine save to deny Brereton after a lovely move involving Otis Young and Town counter attacked through Luke Ingram whose effort was saved by Heydon but Jack Witcombe was on hand to score the winner on 80.
The hosts went all out for a leveller and Nolan went on to make 3 good saves in injury time to deny Bendle, Otis Young and Nathan Hallett-Young while Bendle also headed narrowly over the bar.
Star man: Sean Brereton. Team: Charlie Heydon, Ian Groves, James Hounsell, Jordan Pinder, Matt Jones, Jake Stephenson, Jamie Jordan, Matty Mantay, Sean Brereton, Dean Caslake, George Bendle. Subs: Dave Atkinson, Otis Young, Nathan Hallett-Young (used) Karl Freeman (unused).
• Westbury United v Malmesbury Victoria match on Saturday 8th October is a 4.30pm kick off at Meadow Lane as part of the Western League’s Ground Hop weekend.
Upcoming fixtures:
Saturday 8th October: Malmesbury V (H), Lge, 4.30pm
Tuesday 11th October: Calne Town (H), Cup, 7.45pm
Saturday 15th October: Wellington (A), Lge, 3pm
Tuesday 18th October: Bishop Sutton (A), Lge, 7.30pm
Saturday 22nd October: Welton Rovers (A), Lge, 3pm
