Westbury make history with stunning FA Cup comeback

An incredible, history making afternoon as Westbury came from 0-2 down to defeat National League North side Oxford City in a classic FA Cup tie!

This is now the furthest United have progressed in the FA Cup for 76 years! And it has set up another home tie against another National League side, Farnborough Town, this Saturday, 27th September. 

Despite trailing 0-2 by 35 minutes, the hosts had been playing well and creating chances; Ben Starr had shot wide early on and Sam Francis saw an effort blocked! 

City opened the scoring on 16 when Ewan Clark’s corner fell to Josh Ashby who rifled a strike in off the underside of the crossbar. 

A flowing cross pitch move ended with Starr having an attempt blocked then a few minutes later Starr received a quick corner from Jack Witcombe and shot over. 

Oxford doubled their lead on 35 with an incisive move that ended with Tom Scott setting up Josh Parker who finished confidently. 

Westbury kept attacking and visiting keeper Sam Lewis brilliantly tipped away Josh Jenkins’ free kick and he then saved well to deny Starr. 

Defender Dan Restorick got a fully deserved goal back in spectacular style on 44 with a stunning long -range strike into the top corner! 

City had a spell of consolidation after the break and twice could have extended their lead through Parker. 

All the while the home side kept going forward and the introduction of Ryan Bole then Ali Sen gave the attack fresh impetus.  

United drew level on 73 when Joel Mannings’ long ball was allowed to bounce and, after the Oxford defence hesitated, Ethan Cannings finished from the edge of the box. 

Jamie Jordan, Aaron Cockerill, Leon Greenland and Restorick all excelled at the back to keep their opponents at bay then an incredible minute saw the tie swing Westbury’s way deep in added time! 

Greenland played a weak pass which forced Mannings into sharp action to deny the City striker and from there the ball went forward to Sen who nipped in from the left before unleashing a great winning strike into the roof of the net! 

*Star Man; Westbury United’s squad 

Team: Joel Mannings, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Sam Francis, CJ Stewart, Aaron Witchell, Ben Starr, Leon Greenland, Ethan Witchell, Josh Jenkins. Subs: Steve Hulbert, Ryan Bole, Ethan Cannings, Ali Sen, Jamie Jordan (used); Will Taylor, Lewis Porter (unused). 

Report: Andy Bown

Pictures: Martin Pearce