Toolstation Premier Division. Sat. 20th Oct. Westbury United 1-1 Hallen

Westbury’s unbeaten run continued as they dropped points for the first time this season in the Meadow Lane sunshine.

However on this occasion, Lady Luck was truly on United’s side as they had to dig deep to get a draw. A scrappy, tetchy encounter saw the visitors have several good chances in the first half. Kyle Thomas, Aaron Anguin and Daryl Charman all went close, the latter especially so at full stretch in the 6 yard box.

At the other end, United put together several fine moves. Ricky Hulbert in particular made a few brilliant passes to create openings for Josh Ferguson and Joe Stradling. The move for Ferguson’s chance had begun with a wonderful ball by Will Stead.

Visiting keeper Liam Macfarlane was both hero and villain midway through the half. He made a brilliant 1-on-1 save to deny Callum Demkiv; then 5 minutes later struck a clearance into the advancing Demkiv and the ball looped up, then dropped down over the line, to open the scoring.

Both keepers saved well before the break, Westbury’s Brandon Sawyer pushing away George Binding’s shot then Macfarlane denying Jamie Jordan who got on the end of Ryan Baggs’ searching cross to head goalwards.

Both sides got drawn into a battle after the break with good play at a premium. There was also unnecessary dissent towards the officials by players on both teams.

Hallen forced Sawyer into a few fine saves, the youngster tipping Aaron Anguin’s free kick onto the bar, then getting low to save another effort by Anguin.

Westbury were really under pressure and unable to go forward with any urgency. The closest they came was when Ferguson hit a long range effort which was well blocked.

Anguin scored a deserved equaliser on 74 when he arrived on the end of Jamel Fisher’s deep cross and finished confidently.

United brought the best out of Macfarlane, with him making an excellent double save at a corner. Westbury were adamant a handball had occurred but the referee and assistant said ‘no’.

Sawyer’s last action was to show good hands to save Jack Mills’ free kick.

Star Man; Brandon Sawyer. Team; Brandon Sawyer, Ryan Baggs, Ian Jeffery, Will Stead, Jordan Pinder, Steve Hulbert, Jamie Jordan, Josh Ferguson, Ricky Hulbert, Callum Demkiv, Joe Stradling. Subs; Morgan Skipp, Francois Allen (used) Joe Kirkpatrick, Lewis Porter (unused).

Picture: Jordan Pinder challenging for the ball

United reports by Andy Meadon & Greg Coulson; 

picture: Martin Pearce