A dour local derby that never threatened to match the beautiful autumn sunshine at Meadow Lane was settled by a fortunate goal early in the 2nd half.
Both sides wasted possession countless times in the opening period, with the nearest chances falling to United’s Dan Dominy who headed wide at Nathan Hallett’s corner kick, and Town’s Gary Higdon who shot off target twice. Towards the end of the half, home striker Simon Millard went on a good run but dragged his effort wide. The only goal came on 47 minutes when Will Stead’s curling cross from the left eluded home keeper Alex Shaftoe and found the far top corner.
Melksham then had a few chances to double their lead, with Matt Cooper and Ethan Cox heading off target at set pieces, before end to end play saw Lee Salter’s effort saved by Gareth Evans who sent Higdon running, and his swerving shot was parried away by Shaftoe.
Try as they might Westbury just couldn’t force a clear cut equalising opportunity, with Simon Millard the most likely to do so, but seeing several attempts blocked, one of which struck his own team mate Marc Lanfear! United’s task was made even harder when Dominy was shown two yellow cards for dissent forcing his side to play out the remaining 10 minutes with 10 men.
