Three wins in a week for impressive United

If you are considering coming to a match at Meadow Lane but haven’t got around to it yet then let this result be an encouragement for you to do so!

Tiverton have been in the league above for many seasons until relegation at the end of last term, but here Westbury put in a strong all-around team performance and fully deserved the win!

 

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Striker Leighton Thomas glanced in a header early in the second-half, his fourth goal of the fledgling season, as United made it three wins in a week in all competitions. 

The hosts edged a tight opening 45 minutes on another hot afternoon, going close early on through Cole Fleming then at the other end Aaron Wellington’s bobbling effort was easy for Joel Manning. 

Owen Howe got on the end of Finn Roberts’ deep cross and headed wide from the visitors’ best attack of the half. 

Keane Ashwood sent in a fine cross that Thomas attacked with his hand which saw him cautioned. 

Further chances came for Thomas and Brad Selwood but both were denied by the visiting defence. 

Just before the break Ashwood was alert to get back and clear the ball inside the six-yard box. 

Fleming latched onto Selwood’s touch and had an effort blocked straight after the break; however the only goal came a few minutes later when Ashwood’s set piece was directed into the net by Thomas. 

United, confidence soaring, put together several quick moves from which Bevan Cross went close twice then Thomas got a touch to Selwood’s delivery but the ball went over! 

Tiverton committed men forward in search of an equaliser and came close through Aidan Horne whose lofted effort landed on the roof of the net then Billy Tucker who forced Joel Manning to tip the ball over the bar. 

Ethan Witchell came on as a substitute and found space to go on two pacy runs, the first led to him being challenged just inside the box and the second he got to the touchline but his ball in was cleared. 

Thomas went close to sealing the hosts’ win but he headed straight at Louis Smith! 

It took strong defending led by Aaron Cockerill, supported by Dan Restorick and Jamie Jordan (and earlier for 75 minutes by Steve Hulbert) to see it out. 

Westbury had Jack Witcombe (who had been busy throughout in midfield alongside Aaron Witchell, Ashwood and then Jake Andrews) sent off in stoppage time for two yellow cards but Town wasted their late free kick. 

*Star Team: Westbury United (it would be harsh to single out any individual player). 

Team: Joel Manning, Steve Hulbert, Keane Ashwood, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Aaron Witchell, Leighton Thomas, Brad Selwood, Cole Fleming, Bevan Cross. Subs: Jake Andrews, Jamie Jordan, Ethan Witchell (used); Tyreese Carter, Ricky Hulbert (unused). 

Report: Andy Bown