Westbury consolidated their top ten position with a solid all-round team performance which was highlighted by Bevan Cross’ winning goal and a skilful display by young Cole Fleming.
There were also impressive home debuts for defender Tyreese Carter and midfielder Keane Ashwood, the latter has quickly set up a fine partnership with Jack Witcombe.
On a skiddy pitch and in blustery conditions this was an intense battle and there were numerous injury stoppages that disrupted the flow of the game.
United were on top in the early stages with Fleming and Ben Starr having shots blocked. In another attack Fleming dispossessed Piotr Petrynski and showed great pace before bringing a wonderful save out of Luke Purnell! From the resulting corner Dan Restorick had a header blocked.
Supermarine grew into the game and their first chance fell to Tawana Changa who headed into the side netting from Sal Abubakar’s cross. Soon after they put together a fine move that crossed the pitch twice; however Sam Turl overhit his final ball.
Ashwood was doing well with his set pieces then ironically from a mishit one he got the ball back and unleashed a 30 yarder that Purnell tipped over the bar!
Abubakar worked space for a shot that was blocked but Conor Macdonagh latched onto the loose ball and looked certain to net but for Ethan Witchell who cleared off the line before home keeper Joel Manning claimed it!
Fleming had a great spell; one piece of skill led to a ball in which Brad Selwood couldn’t quite connect with, then the same two players had attempts blocked by the hard-working Swindon defenders.
Restorick came within inches of giving the hosts the lead just before half-time when his header from Ashwood’s corner went over!
United flew out of the blocks after the break with Fleming to the fore again! His low ball flew across the face of goal then a minute later he got on the end of a move by Restorick and CJ Stewart but was ushered away from goal. Ashwood’s corner found Stewart who set up Starr but Purnell denied him.
The visitors finally got forward after the hour; however this allowed Westbury to clear and counter-attack through Cross, Starr and Fleming who put Selwood in and his shot was tipped wide by Purnell!
A series of substitutions didn’t disrupt the hosts’ advantage and they were surprised when the referee only cautioned Changa who had taken out Starr as he threatened to race through on goal! Josh Jenkins took the free kick from which Selwood was again denied by Purnell!
The only goal came on 80 minutes; Cross ran at the visiting defence then both Starr and Jenkins had shots blocked, and Cross latched onto the ball and applied the finishing touch.
Fleming had another impressive skilful run which led to Supermarine scrambling the ball away!
Manning was called upon in added time and he made sure to preserve his side’s lead with a superb save from Miles Ferguson!
Star man; Cole Fleming (Westbury United) and Luke Purnell (Swindon Supermarine)
Team: Joel Manning, Tyreese Carter, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Keane Ashwood, CJ Stewart, Brad Selwood, Ben Starr, Ethan Witchell, Bevan Cross, Cole Fleming. Subs: Steve Hulbert, Jamie Jordan, Josh Jenkins (used), Ryan Bole, Lewis Porter (unused).
With thanks to matchday sponsor Westbury Roofing Supplies and match ball sponsor RP Brickwork. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact Terry (Butch) Morgan on 07732 864085.
Report: Andy Bown
Pictures: MP Sports Photography
