Westbury threw everything at Malvern in the second half but a combination of resolute defence and inaccurate finishing meant a second consecutive 0-1 defeat.
The first half was a frantic affair, United always looked dangerous when Ben Starr and Bevan Cross attacked while Jack Witcombe was instrumental in midfield. Despite plenty of good build up chances were not forthcoming for the home side whether in open play or from set pieces.
Meanwhile the visitors arguably shaded the 45 minutes and led courtesy of Charles Johnson’s excellent 25-yard strike on 23 minutes. A free kick had been given for handball by Leon Greenland and it was taken short to Johnson whose shot flew into the net!
Joseph Tumelty and Joseph Bullock also went close for Town, the latter denied by a fine tip over his bar by Joel Manning!
After the break it was virtually all Westbury! Starr had a shot saved by Seth Locke then in the next attack his low ball eluded everyone in the box.
Dan Restorick arrived on the end of Ryan Bole’s set piece but rifled over then a minute later Josh Jenkins’ effort was easily saved by Locke.
Malvern counter attacked and Manning produced a quality double save to stop them doubling their lead!
United went on all-out attack in the final 20 minutes; however Manning had to be alert again to save from Matthew Macdonald.
Creative play by Witcombe looked to have set up Bole however the visitors defended strongly then Jamie Jordan’s shot from range was deflected wide! The resulting corner was headed into the side netting by Witcombe.
Starr was to the fore again, another teasing ball was claimed by Locke then he cut inside and set up Steve Hulbert whose left footer flashed inches wide!
Into added time play was all in the Westbury attacking third, however despite a series of corners at which every player (including goalkeeper Manning) was in the penalty area, Malvern kept them at bay, even surviving substitute Alexander Bell’s straight red card that saw them down to 10 men.
Team; Joel Manning, Ryan Bole, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, CJ Stewart, Aaron Witchell, Ben Starr, Leon Greenland, Bevan Cross, Will Taylor, Josh Jenkins. Subs; Steve Hulbert, Aaron Cockerill, Jamie Jordan, Ali Sen, Ethan Cannings (all used)
Report: Andy Bown
Picture: Martin Pearce
