Sat 9th Sept. FA Trophy Qualifying Round. Westbury United 2 Bemerton Heath Harlequins 5
A VERY disappointing afternoon for Westbury as newly promoted Harlequins ultimately cruised to victory after United threatened a comeback in stifling conditions.
Bemerton scored twice in quick succession on 18 and 20 minutes – firstly Danny Young was allowed too much space as he headed in a corner, then Mitch Speechley-Price fired a low 20 yarder. The visitors looked like running away with it and the drinks break stopped them in their tracks.
After briefly creating an opening through Callum Demkiv and forcing several corners, the hosts’ task got even harder on 40 when Ryan Griffiths was allowed to race through to make it 0-3.
Finally some good play saw Westbury handed a lifeline just before the break as Brad Norris’ persistence on the edge of the box led to Demkiv being taken out and a penalty was given. Demkiv lashed the spot kick into the roof of the net.
Sensing a way back into the game United played some lovely passing football early in the second half. At the end of one such move Charlie Walton curled a great shot into the top corner to reduce the deficit to just one.
However very soon after Harlequins regained their two-goal advantage through Brendan Holmes’ long range strike. This and the heat knocked the stuffing out of Westbury and, although they continued to knock the ball about neatly, there was no cutting edge.
Visiting keeper Paddy Creese saved from Walton and Demkiv shot over after good play by Joe Stradling. At the other end Bemerton were clinical and added their fifth late on through Speechley-Price’s header.
Team: Jonny Hill, Jack Biddiscombe, Ryan Bole, Aaron Cockerill, Jake Hutchings, Brad Norris, Ben Griffiths, Joe Stradling, Charlie Walton, Callum Demkiv, Ben Starr. Subs: Emmanuel Adepitan, Ricky Hulbert, Will Thomson (used) Ed Baldy (unused).
