United went down to a single goal defeat for the second weekend in a row on a warm sunny afternoon in Somerset.
Both teams did well to play some decent football on a hard, bouncy pitch with the only goal of the match came a few minutes after half time.
Wellington started brightly and went close through Ian Bellinger, whose shot was blocked by the outstanding Grant Gunning and Luke Redrup with a header that crashed off the crossbar. Redrup was then denied by Callum Hotine who made a good save!
It was then Westbury’s turn to have a good spell only for the final ball to go begging after fine play between Sam Clift and Jordan Mathews. Gary Tugwell and Brett Partner were prominent in build up play but no clear chances were created.
The home sides’ Bryant brothers combined before the break with Luke’s cross leading to a header for Connor which superbly finger tipped away by Hotine.
With increasing Wellington pressure before half time Westbury were pleased to get to the break at 0-0, however the hosts scored their winner soon after the restart ; Ryan Elliott committed a foul just outside the box and Bellinger’s low strike found the bottom left hand corner of Hotine’s net.
Wellington could have doubled their advantage but Hotine showed bravery in a goalmouth scramble before Elliott cleared the ball off the line then a minute later Redrup found the side netting.
United plugged away and a change in formation saw them begin to create openings but not hit the target ; Callum Cooper fired over and had a header saved by Jake Viney from 2 Gary Tugwell set pieces while Sam Clift burst forward only to see his fierce shot fly inches over the bar!
*STAR MEN – Luke Redrup (Wellington) & Grant Gunning (Westbury United)
TEAM – Callum Hotine, Josh Maguire, Grant Gunning, Ryan Elliott, Callum Cooper, Sam Clift, Matt Mead, Gary Tugwell, Tony McElhone, Jordan Mathews, Brett Partner SUBS – Mark Young, Jake Herd, Joe Cavalla (all used)
Live Music at Meadow Lane
Local band Colourless will be performing in the Club House at Westbury United’s Meadow Lane ground from 9pm on the evening of Saturday 11th April, entry will be free.
