United knocked out of Challenge Cup in penalty shoot-out – but up to second in the league

Sat 26th. Mar. Hellenic League Challenge Cup Corsham Town 2-2 Westbury United (Corsham Town won 3-2 on penalties)

IT was a sun-soaked afternoon at Southbank and yet another action-packed encounter between these two sides in this new cup competition, the Hellenic League Challenge Cup.

Westbury shuffled their pack a little but such is their squad strength, this had no bearing on the result.  

United were the better team for the opening 25 minutes, going close through Sam Jordan (twice) Ashton Shanley and Callum Demkiv. Home keeper Rob Brown did well to save several of those attempts. 

Corsham, with Aysa Corrick prominent, got going and scored the first goal on 28’ when Ben Wickens was given too much space and finished with ease. 

The hosts then dominated the rest of the half, Ed Baldy saved a Matt Jenkins free kick, while Baldwin Igbinobaro and Jenkins went close to doubling their lead. 

Westbury played superbly after the break and went all out to equalise. Two Shanley set pieces caused problems and from the second, Joe Stradling found the net, but it was disallowed for a foul.  

A quick move led to Flippance firing narrowly wide, then Ryan Bole hit a powerful free kick which Brown did well to parry. 

Corsham got some decent crosses into the box which were well defended, before United drew level on 76 minutes. Shanley sent in another fine corner and Steve Hulbert (who had a very good match) headed into the net. Ricky Hulbert set up Shanley and he hit a screamer which rattled the crossbar. 

There was more fine play by the Hulberts in the build-up to Westbury going ahead on 83 minutes, when Stradling arrived to head past Brown. 

Baldy was beaten a few minutes later, however Matt Morris’ shot also missed the target. The home side took the match to penalties with a late equaliser headed in by Gary Higdon. 

In truth, the shoot-out saw poor kicks by both sides and Corsham triumphed 3-2. 

* Star man: Steve Hulbert. Team: Ed Baldy, Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Dan Jordan, Kurt James, Ashton Shanley, Joe Stradling, Will Thomson, Sam Jordan, Callum Demkiv, Jack Biddescombe . Subs: Harvey Flippance, Ricky Hulbert, Dan Price (used) Jake Hutchings, Mark Bowden (unused).

United strengthen 

promotion push with three goal win – see p 19