United bounce back after FA Cup exit

A real game of two halves at a very windy Meadow Lane where Westbury picked up an ultimately deserved victory that moved them onto 10 points from five matches played.

Following on from their history making FA Cup run that ended with the defeat to Farnborough a week ago, the players had picked themselves up to earn an impressive point with a hard working 0-0 draw away at Bashley in midweek to begin a run of eight league matches in October.

The first half was all Westbury and they could have easily been at least 5-0 up! Playing a very attacking 3-4-3 formation they launched wave after wave of fast moves. As it was United held a 2-0 lead at the break courtesy of a Josh Jenkins brace.

In the early minutes several chances went begging; Ryan Bole headed wide and fine play between Will Taylor and Jack Witcombe led to CJ Stewart missing the target.

The opening goal involved all of the front three on 11 minutes; Stewart swept the ball in from the right and, despite Ryan Bole being unable to get the finishing touch, Jenkins raced in to do so!

Visiting keeper Ollie Chenoweth twice had to tip the ball away from under his crossbar, firstly from a Jenkins corner then when Witcombe sent in a cross.

Mousehole had a few minutes of pressure with Tallan Mitchell firing wide from 20 yards. Then an error by Aaron Witchell allowed Mark Goldsworthy to approach home keeper Joel Mannings who produced a superbly timed challenge.

Three further opportunities weren’t taken with the returning Bevan Cross setting up Stewart who missed from close range, Stewart sent in a low ball which wasn’t converted by Jenkins then Witcombe had a shot saved by Chenoweth!

Jenkins made it 2-0 on 37; it was a wonderful move that had begun with the home defenders Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick and Leon Greenland patiently passing then spotting an opening for Cross to get in and apply the assist for Jenkins.

Striker Jenkins almost netted a hat-trick before the break but after latching onto Taylor’s clipped in ball he was denied by Chenoweth’s smart double save!

Mousehole were much better in the second half but the impressive home back line saw off a series of set pieces before the hour mark.

A minute with action at both ends looked set to change the course of the match; Cross was tenacious down the left and having got into the box he passed to Ethan Witchell who played it across to Bole but his finish went over, then an immediate attack saw the visitors get a lifeline when an attack down the left led to Liam Prynn netting to make it 2-1.

This set up a far more nervy conclusion to the match than had seemed likely; however Cross and Jenkins combined to set up Ethan Witchell but he couldn’t restore the hosts’ two goal lead.

Mousehole began to sense a leveller but strong defending kept them at bay as they resorted to long range shots that never threatened the goal.

Star men: Bevan Cross and Josh Jenkins

Team; Joel Mannings, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Bevan Cross, CJ Stewart, Aaron Witchell, Leon Greenland, Will Taylor, Ryan Bole, Josh Jenkins

Subs; Steve Hulbert, Ethan Witchell, Jamie Jordan (used) Ethan Cannings, Rayane Hamdia (unused)

United’s game at Bashley on Tuesday 30th September ended goalless earning the White Horse men a well-deserved point on the road.

Photo by Martin Pearce