Saturday 21st September Toolstation Western League First Division Devizes Town 1 Westbury United 1
A hard fought and well earned point for both sides at the end of this game of two halves.
Westbury dominated the 1st half to lead at the break and Devizes were on top for most of the 2nd half and gained a deserved equaliser! United left back Dan Letchford had his best match so far with a determined defensive display as well as several good bursts forward. Early chances went begging at both ends with home striker Neil Clark firing wide and his opposite number Wayne Wheeler forcing a save out of Mike Alexander. Westbury skipper David Whyte tried his luck twice with both efforts narrowly off target before a fast break led by Luke Enderby saw Letchford clear the ball from danger and then block Gareth Davies’ attempt at the resulting corner.
United had a period of sustained pressure after the half hour with Wheeler, Charlie Walton, Mark Young and Letchford all prominent. Wheeler held off his marker and struck inches wide while Walton headed just wide from a Young corner. They finally gained reward with the last kick of the 1st half when Nathan Hallett received the ball on the left and sent in a cross-shot that eluded Alexander and nestled in the goal. The half time whistle went as soon as the match was restarted. Westbury were forced into a goalkeeping change at the break due to Alex Shaftoe feeling dizzy after an incident during the opening period, Lewis Porter was his ready made replacement. United went close to doubling their lead straight after half time with Wheeler turning Simon Millard’s cross inches over the bar and Alexander having to be smart to claim the ball after a defensive mix up.
Town then put their visitors under relentless pressure with Clark and Enderby going close before Hallett lost the ball in midfield on 62 minutes which allowed Clark the chance to advance and finish to make it 1-1. Still the hosts pressed and Letchford produced a few well timed tackles to prevent chances. When they did get into the box Andy Brien, Mark Barnes and Kris Beasley – who was otherwise outstanding for his side – missed the target.
STAR MEN – Kris Beasley (Devizes Town) & Dan Letchford (Westbury United).
