Shaftesbury strike early and late to sink Westbury

Southern League Division One South

Saturday 30th November.

Westbury United 0-2 Shaftesbury FC

Two excellent finishes at either end of the game gave hard-working Shaftesbury the points against a Westbury side who played well but couldn’t find a killer touch in front of goal.

Home winger Ed Butcher sent in several fine early crosses with no final touch forthcoming. There was half a shout for a penalty when Butcher went down, the referee said ‘no’ and the ball broke to Charlie Walton whose strike went over.

The visitors scored their first on 12 minutes. Toby Bailey had already had an effort saved by Redman Evans then a minute later he produced an impressive strike from range.

Walton and Bevan Cross had chances to equalise then at the other end Brett Pitman shot narrowly wide.

United pushed forward towards the break however the visiting defence ushered away the threat of Joe Beardwell then Will Taylor’s corner led to a brief scramble which was cleared.

Butcher played in a few more dangerous crosses early in the second half but, despite making attacking changes, United couldn’t break down the away defence. Similarly, every time Shaftesbury broke they were met with a strong home back line.

With Westbury searching for a late leveller Marcel Lewis wildly lashed an effort off target and a few crosses had no final touch.

The away side raced forward and Remus Nixon struck a crisp left footer in added time to seal the victory.

Team: Redman Evans, Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Brad Selwood, Joe Beardwell, Charlie Walton, Bevan Cross, Ed Butcher, Will Taylor. Subs: Aaron Witchell, Joel Smedley, Jake Hutchings, Marcel Lewis, Josh Jenkins (all used)