Westbury United FC are preparing for their first season back in the Toolstation League Premier Division following last season’s impressive title-winning campaign.
Joe and Neil Kirkpatrick are continuing as joint managers and, while the majority of last season’s squad remain, there are some quality additions in goalkeeper Ed Baldy, midfielder Will Stead, defender Ian Jeffery and strikers Francois Allen and Callum Demkiv.
United will be playing in the national FA Cup for the first time in many years and have a great opportunity to progress, thanks to a home tie against league counterparts Cribbs. That fixture completes a busy opening week of three consecutive home matches.
The season begins at Meadow Lane this Saturday, 4th August, versus Wellington (3pm); then Shepton Mallet are the visitors for a midweek encounter (Wednesday 8th August, 7.30pm) before the aforementioned cup tie against Cribbs (Saturday 8th August, 3pm). Westbury then travel to play Brislington and Shortwood in the league and will be at home in the FA Cup on Saturday 25th August should they beat Cribbs. Meanwhile, in the other national competition, the FA Vase, a ferry trip awaits with an away tie at Cowes Sports on Saturday 1st September.
Last season’s form has largely continued in the friendlies played to date. United are unbeaten so far with the results as follows; 2-2 draw at Amesbury, 3-3 draw versus Swindon Town Academy, 5-0 win at Wootton Bassett, 1-1 draw at Corsham Town and a 3-1 victory at Bemerton Heath Harlequins.
Andy Bown
