This was an outstanding performance by Westbury as they saw off fellow promotion chasers, Roman Glass. The whole team were on top form, with captain Dan Price a tower in defence.
3-0 may look a comprehensive victory, but United had to defend strongly throughout, against their free-scoring opponents.
The Meadow Lane pitch was in fine condition despite the recent snow and on a chilly dry evening, play got off to a fast-paced start.
Westbury had the first shot, with Josh Ferguson’s 25 yard volley bringing a decent save out of Josh Dempsey.
It was Ferguson whose clever chip to Dan Kovacs set up the opening goal on 14 minutes. Kovacs took the ball on and finished calmly across Dempsey into the far corner.
St George went straight on the attack, forcing a series of set pieces which were well defended, while Joe Swift’s attempt was off target.
A scrappy period of play saw the visitors threaten more, but Price and Matt Jones dealt with everything that came their way.
Kovacs came within inches of doubling his side’s lead, with a lovely shot that curled past the post. Then Leon Greenland and Jamie Jordan combined down Westbury’s left and Greenland went into a challenge with Dempsey, after which the referee waived away a penalty appeal.
Greenland was then involved at the back as he, Jones and Price made vital interceptions against Ken Oni twice and Swift!
A great move by Jordan and Jake Hiscocks set up Ricky Hulbert, but his finish was disallowed for offside.
United finally made it 2-0 on 40 as another combination by Hiscocks and Jordan saw the latter latch onto the former’s clever pass, round Dempsey and walk the ball into the net!
There was no less action after half time and it was Ricky Hulbert who had the first chance, but after taking time to choose his option Jordan Greenwood got back to defend well.
There was a huge passage of play from 51 to 54 minutes. Oni broke through one-on-one with Lewis Porter and managed to nudge the ball past him, the ball rolled towards goal while RGSG claimed Oni had been fouled by Porter. Price somehow managed to race back and clear the ball off the line for a corner, with the visitors adamant they should have a penalty!
The corner was cleared and Westbury attacked, then forced a flag kick of their own. Jordan’s kick was partially cleared to Ferguson who unleashed a fierce low strike from outside the box, which flew into the net to make it 3-0!
Roman Glass kept attacking in search of a goal and Jones had to be smart to deny Oni. Then Jacob Cox’s free kick was blocked by Steve Hulbert in the defensive wall, and there followed a series of corners, all of which were well defended, then Swift fired over the bar!
United were ever more confident of victory and it could have been 4, but for Dempsey denying Ricky Hulbert and Hiscocks firing narrowly wide.
To their credit, RGSG kept going right to the end and further superb work by Price and Steve Hulbert kept them at bay before, to exemplify the defensive work, Porter made his only save of the match from Ryan Radford in stoppage time!
Next up at Meadow Lane is another massive promotion encounter versus Keynsham Town on Saturday (24th March, 3pm) then the local derby against Warminster Town on Good Friday (30th March, 3pm).
*STAR MAN ; Dan Price (Westbury United)
TEAM ; Lewis Porter, Steve Hulbert, Leon Greenland, Jake Hiscocks, Dan Price, Matt Jones, Jamie Jordan, Josh Ferguson, Ricky Hulbert, Dan Kovacs, Joe Stradling
SUBS ; Martin Johnson, Jordan Pinder, Joe Kirkpatrick (used) Ryan Baggs (unused)
