Westbury United 2-1 Calne Town – Toolstation Div. One, Weds. 26th August

Westbury won away for the first time since March 2014 as Dan Moore’s excellent double strike paved the way for their first points of the season! It wasn’t just Moore on top of his game as the whole squad played superbly and showed the desire and hunger to hold off a late Calne comeback.

The match got off to an end-to-end start with Steve Allison denying Moore at the end of a lovely move before United keeper Ben Forester (the fourth keeper in 5 matches due to injuries and unavailability!) did well when Billy Gleed threatened.

The opening goal came in brilliant style on 18 minutes; Brett Partner played the ball to the overlapping Nathan Hallett on the left wing and he crossed to Otis Young who set up Moore for a clinical finish!

Forester saved well from Kris Beasley’s 20 yarder and Glenn Armstrong’s header, while at the other end, Grant Gunning’s forward run set up Otis Young who sent a first time effort wide. Then Armstrong drifted wide just before half time and sent in a fine ball which Beasley could only head off target.

Westbury went into the second half fully aware of having conceded straight after the break in every match so far and they managed to get through that period of play, indeed they should have gone further ahead on 49 when another fine combination between Moore and Otis Young saw the latter strike the ball across goal rather than into the net!

Forester made another decent save from Tom Boakes’ low 25 yard shot before United were dominant for a good period of the half; Moore set up Partner whose fierce attempt flew just wide but there was no denying them a second goal on 66; Hallett timed a defensive tackle to perfection then sent Partner running down the wing and he played in Moore who produced a clever turn and finish!

Moore could have had a hattrick when Hallett’s fizzing cross just eluded him, then Nathan Hallett-Young headed a Gary Tugwell set piece over the bar.

The hosts finally stepped up but were met by a strong defence led by Matt Friendship, however they snatched a consolation goal in the third added minute when Armstrong headed Boakes’ cross past Forester. Town had enough time to force a free kick and corner, but more determined defending saw United to victory.

*STAR MAN – Dan Moore. TEAM – Ben Forester, Grant Gunning, Nathan Hallett, Nathan Hallett-Young, Matt Friendship, David Macey, Mark Young, Gary Tugwell, Dan Moore, Otis Young, Brett Partner. SUBS – Tony McElhone, Doug Dickson, Sam Clift (used) Marc Scammell (unused).