United take the lead twice, but fail to secure three points

Saturday 20th Nov, Hellenic Premier League Westbury United 2-2 Longlevens AFC

DEFINITELY a fair result at Meadow Lane where both teams had periods of dominance, however Westbury will feel they could have won, having led twice.  

All the defenders had their work cut out throughout the game and both goalkeepers were in action early on, Mark Bowden brilliantly tipping Rudi McKinnon’s free kick onto his right-hand post, then Ellis Parker getting down well to save Ryan Bole’s free kick. 

Parker was helpless when United opened the scoring on 8 minutes; Jake Hutchings’ excellent ball found Callum Demkiv, who crossed into the box where Joe Stradling arrived to power a header into the net. 

Parker and Bowden were involved at either end again at the midway point of the half. Parker erred with a poor kick, then made amends to deny Callum Demkiv an attempt at goal. Bowden made two decent saves from Joe Haswell and McKinnon at the end of quick moves. 

McKinnon equalised in great style in the 24th minute, as another great free kick beat Bowden and cannoned in off the frame of the goal. 

It seemed the half was destined to have repeated bouts of action at both ends in quick succession as it happened again towards the break. Parker spilt another Bole free kick and there was a sustained spell of set pieces which the visitors survived. Then soon after, Bowden was fouled while attempting to punch clear and although the ball ended up in the net, it was disallowed. 

Westbury were the better side after half time with the Demkiv brothers prominent. Dan had a shot saved by Parker, then saw a fine cross cleared. Ben Griffiths arrived on the end of another good move and fired narrowly wide. 

Longlevens enjoyed a period of pressure during which several shots were blocked and as defence turned into attack, Jack Biddescombe had an effort that was comfortable for Parker. 

The next few chances fell to the visitors, with Bowden doing really well to parry Brad Martin’s header and then clever play by McKinnon allowed Ethan Dunbar a shot which was cleared. 

With a draw looking likely, there was a real increase in tempo in the closing 15 minutes. Westbury regained the lead on 78 when Ashton Shanley’s deep corner was nodded in by Bole. 

However, Longlevens really got going from the restart and had vociferous claims for a penalty waved away by the referee, with Bowden spilling, then claiming the ball from Shaun O’Connor’s attempt in the same attack.  

Moments later they were level again though, as Martin met a cross with a diving header that flew into the net. Immediately, they found themselves down to 10 men, with McKinnon sinbinned for dissent! 

The closing stages had attacks for both teams and from the last kick of the match, Shanley forced Parker into a save. 

Star man: Jake Hutchings. Team: Mark Bowden, Ben Griffiths, Ryan Bole, Jake Hutchings, Steve Hulbert, Ashton Shanley, Josh Timbrell, Joe Stradling, Jack Biddescombe, Dan Demkiv, Callum Demkiv. Subs; Ricky Hulbert, Joey Cunningham, Francois Allen (used) Kurt James, Ed Baldy (unused)