Portishead strengthened their play-off position with a strong defensive performance; however Westbury played the best they have in the recent run of defeats and can count themselves unfortunate not to equalise before conceding a late goal.
Before the match, there was a minute’s silence for Westbury Youth FC coach Dan Martin who passed away recently.
Town scored their opener on eight minutes; Owen Humphries’ delivery from the left was partially cleared to Mitchell Osmond who curled in a beautiful strike!
Ethan Feltham looked to get on the end of a lovely quick move but was beaten to the ball by United keeper Joel Manning. Then a few minutes later Feltham looked to win a penalty and received a yellow card for diving.
Westbury grew into the game with CJ Stewart lively and strong up front and Cole Fleming pacy on the right wing.
Stewart sent in a long throw that evaded Dan Restorick and Josh Jenkins then in the next attack he outmuscled Jamie Adams and sent in a fine ball that was claimed by impressive keeper Jakob Glover.
Osmond came close to doubling his side’s lead when his free kick rustled the side netting then at the other end Ben Starr set up Bevan Cross whose effort went just wide.
Posset started quickly after half-time and it took a well-timed tackle by Witcombe on Humphries to deny them a shot.
United really got on top from then on and their play forced the away defence to work really hard.
Jenkins hit a low shot that deflected just out of the reach of Stewart then in consecutive attacks both Starr and Stewart were well tackled.
Fleming showed his marker a clean pair of heels but his ball in was excellently claimed by Glover!
The best move of the match switched from right to left by Stewart, Brad Selwood, Witcombe and Cross who played it back to Witcombe and his strike went narrowly over!
Stewart was strong again before playing in Jenkins who found Selwood but his finish was poor.
Portishead had a few shots from Jay Murray and Feltham, neither of which troubled Manning.
Still Westbury pushed for a leveller with a series of crosses, corners and a shot by Jamie Jordan that went just over but it just wasn’t to be.
With so many home players attacking there was always a risk of the visitors counter attacking and that is exactly what happened in added time when they broke quickly and Lucas Vowles applied the finishing touch.
There was a late header by Jenkins; however the ball dropped onto the roof of the net.
Star men: CJ Stewart (Westbury United) & Jakob Glover (Portishead Town)
Team: Joel Manning, Steve Hulbert, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Brad Selwood, CJ Stewart, Ben Starr, Bevan Cross, Cole Fleming, Jamie Jordan, Josh Jenkins. Subs: Keane Ashwood, Aaron Witchell, Ali Sen (used) Ricky Hulbert, Lewis Porter (unused)
• With thanks to matchday sponsor Plumbase Trowbridge and match ball sponsor The Local Lifter. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact Terry (Butch) Morgan on 07732 864085.
Report: Andy Bown; photos: MP Sports Photography
