Warminster Town 2 – 0 Westbury United – Toolstation League Division One, Boxing Day Thursday 26 December

WARMINSTER took the points after this hard fought derby played on a heavy pitch on what was a cold, fine winter afternoon. 

The first half was even with chances at both ends and some fierce midfield tackling, particularly between Steve Seals and Dan Hurkett which was well managed by the referee, but after the break Town took control and fully deserved to score.

Home forward Tom Colledge had an early attempt which he shot weakly at United keeper Rob Brown then at the other end Nathan Hallett hit an overhead attempt over the bar.

Westbury had a good period of play where lively Nick Taylor fired a 20 yarder just over and then Adam James set up Charlie Walton whose clever chip was well tipped away by Nathan Farquarson. The home goalkeeper then did equally well to block Taylor’s first time effort after more good play by Walton.

Warminster had a few chances of their own with Liam Flowers heading Lewis Sparey’s set piece wide and then a goalmouth scramble saw Sparey and Colledge denied by Dan Hurkett and David Whyte.

United’s only chance for the majority of the 2nd half was early on when Nathan Hallett’s superb left wing cross flew through the penalty area with no attacker trying to get in on goal! Otherwise it was all Warminster with Colledge and Sparey increasingly to the fore while veteran midfielder and former Westbury player Seals marshalled his side well.

Brown had several easy saves to make when Lewis Graham and Flowers could only prod the ball weakly straight at him. Colledge headed off target twice at set pieces then another scramble saw Simon Millard and Hurkett have to work hard to deny an opportunity to the home strikers.

Seals received a yellow card for his 3rd late tackle of the match but his side then took the lead on 87 when Graham switched the play from left to right and Jack Miluk ran through to finish confidently.

Westbury pushed men forward and forced several corners, Ally Bradley having an effort deflected wide and the 2nd flag kick being wasted ; Warminster raced forward and Sparey outpaced the United defence to seal the points for Town in injury time.

*STAR MEN – Steve Seals (Warminster Town) & Dan Hurkett (Westbury United)

TEAM – Rob Brown, Ally Bradley, Nathan Hallett, David Whyte, Nathan Hallett-Young, Simon Millard, Marc Scammell, Dan Hurkett, Nick Taylor, Charlie Walton, Adam James. SUBS – Marc Lanfear, Joe Murray (used) Matty Bown, Alex Shaftoe (unused).