A confidence boosting if not prolific victory for Westbury saw them advance into the 2nd round thanks to Marc Scammell’s 53rd minute goal.
For the 3rd home match in 10 days, United found the opposition keeper, Ernest Osai in great form keeping his side in the tie and probably disappointed that his teammates were wasteful in front of goal when a few glorious chances came their way.
Westbury played some lovely football at times and frequently got into the danger area via wide men Sean Brereton and George Bendle while Jamie Jordan was influential from midfield as well as with a number of set pieces. All created chances for others as Martin Johnson, Otis Young and Scammell found the Calne defence in fine form.
Ben Forester, gaining much needed minutes in goal ahead of Charlie Heydon’s two game absence, had to be alert to save Connor Brown’s free kick and Jamie Crump’s low attempt.
The best move of the match between Johnson and Brereton saw the former have a shot saved and Jordan’s rebound blocked. Bendle managed to get himself onto a loose ball but his finish was wild then a fine cross by Young led to Johnson heading over.
United were sloppy at the back on a few occasions and one such incident allowed Alex Lewis a chance to beat Forester but he chipped the ball just wide. Bendle attacked at the other end just before half time and forced Osai into a save.
Town actually began better after the break but weren’t able to punish more defensive errors by their hosts. This allowed Westbury to breathe again and they scored the only goal in brilliant style on 53 ; Bendle played the ball to Young who knocked it across to Scammell 20 yards from goal and he hit an excellent drive that flew low into the net
As with other recent games a 2nd goal just wouldn’t come. Brereton’s pace set up Bendle but Osai did well to deny him again and another fast attack led to Young having an effort saved by Osai after fine play by Bendle and Johnson. Brereton then tried his luck from long range but the curling shot was off target.
Calne really should have equalised on 63. George Bettles wasted a 25 yard free kick but his side regained the ball with a great run and cross by Jordon Murphy going unrewarded as Crump somehow blazed over the bar from six yards.
Matt Mantay burst forward only to find Osai in continued fine form with Jordan’s resulting corner leading to an excellent block on the line to deny Bendle! Jordan Pinder stayed forward after another set piece and found himself in position to receive Jordan’s cross with his effort being deflected wide.
Further chances came to settle the tie in the closing stages but Westbury were never able to put it to bed despite Jordan’s swerving flag kick being palmed away by Osai then Young having 2 quick attempts, the first of which was saved by Osai and the follow up blocked.
Star man: Jamie Jordan. Team: Ben Forester, Ian Groves, James Hounsell, Jordan Pinder, Matthew Mantay, Marc Scammell, Sean Brereton, Jamie Jordan, Martin Johnson, Otis Young, George Bendle
Subs: Dave Atkinson, Grant Gunning, Nathan Hallett-Young (used) Charlie Heydon (unused)
