A highly dramatic afternoon where the story became one of penalty kicks on a very warm day at Meadow Lane.
United dominated for much of the match and the score was only 0-0 at the break due to missed chances by the home attackers (Jack Witcombe and Josh Jenkins were both off target early on) and several fine saves from visiting keeper Morgan Coxhead (Ryan Bole and Ethan Witchell the players denied) .
Jamie Jordan created an opportunity from which three attempts were saved by Coxhead or blocked by defenders! Falmouth finally threatened after half an hour when Cameron Hutchison’s curling effort was tipped over the bar by Joel Mannings.
Towards the break there were chances at both ends; Rubin Wilson had a header blocked on the line then a counter-attack led to Ethan Cannings rifling inches over!
Westbury continued on top after half-time and after a stop/start spell due to injuries, the game came to life after the hour. The home side thoroughly deserved their lead which came on 62 minutes when Jenkins got on the end of Witcombe’s set up to round off a flowing move.
Falmouth had a chance to draw level soon after when Leon Greenland committed a foul and a spot kick was given; United keeper Joel Manning got down low to his left to tip Wilson’s kick onto the post!
A second goal for Westbury would have been fully deserved; however Coxhead claimed the ball after a one-two between Bole and Cannings then Ali Sen’s low ball flew across the face of goal!
Coxhead turned a swerving Bole corner over the bar late on then his side were given another penalty, this time for handball, in the 9th minute of added time! Wilson scored low to Mannings’ right to send the tie to penalties.
The crowd witnessed a high-quality shoot out. 14 well struck penalties saw the score at 7-7. However Coxhead saved from Sen then Jack Webber netted to win it for Falmouth!
United should still take real confidence forward into two more home matches, on Bank Holiday Monday versus Frome Town and the FA Cup against Yate Town next Saturday 30th August. In five completed matches they have only conceded twice, a great goal by Bideford and a last gasp penalty in this match.
Star Man; Morgan Coxhead (Falmouth Town)
Team: Joel Mannings, Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Ethan Cannings, Aaron Cockerill, Jack Witcombe, Sam Francis, Leon Greenland, Ethan Witchell, Jamie Jordan, Josh Jenkins. Subs: CJ Stewart, Aaron Witchell, Jake Hutchings, Ali Sen (used) Lewis Porter (unused)
