Westbury United 1-1 Bridport – Sat. 30th March. Toolstation Premier Div.

THERE was a sense of frustration around Meadow Lane as Westbury put an end to their barren run by picking up a point, but were denied victory by a 93rd minute equaliser.

Midfielder Jordan Pinder and defender Dan Price were at the heart of a much-improved all-round performance, while Jamie Jordan was back to his creative best.

An end-to-end opening saw the excellent Ed Butcher force Ed Baldy into a save while at the other end, Callum Demkiv headed weakly at Jason Hutchings before a spell of United pressure was rewarded when Price headed in Ian Jeffery’s corner on 17 minutes.

Inspired by the early goal, United began to play with the confidence which has been lacking recently and Jamie Jordan was back to his creative best.

Baldy saved well at close range to deny Mark Salter after more fine play by Butcher, the latter also had a penalty claim waved away. Ricky Hulbert and Joe Stradling combined to set up Dan Kovacs whose spectacular overhead kick was just off target. Then Demkiv clipped the ball to the back post where Jamie Jordan mishit his shot.

United were denied a 2nd goal on three occasions in only a few seconds when Jamie Jordan’s effort was pushed onto the post by Hutchings, Kovacs’ rebound was cleared off the line, then Stradling fired over. Butcher really came to the fore towards half time; he was involved in three attacks, firstly setting up Leighton Thomas whose strike flew low across goal, secondly bringing the best out of Baldy, then crossing to Salter who headed wide.

The visitors got off to the better start after the break, Butcher again causing problems for the home defence. Then Kameron Andrews went on a bustling run from deep, but after ghosting past three Westbury players, he lost the ball and a counter attack led to the ball being played into Kovacs, who couldn’t quite connect.

Ricky Hulbert showed excellent strength to hold off his marker and play the ball to Jeffery, whose deep cross was well headed by Demkiv and equally well saved by Hutchings.

Pinder and Kovacs were substituted, forcing something of a reshuffle and soon after, Butcher teed up Ben Morris whose shot was blocked on the edge of the box. Demkiv, Mark Robinson and Jamie Jordan were all off target and unable to double their side’s lead and Bridport began to sense that they might get something from the game. 

This became even more likely when Demkiv received a 2nd yellow card and against 10 men Bridport, had a real go late on. The home defence, with Price pipping Pinder to star man, looked to have seen it through with a series of last ditch challenges until Luke King rifled in following a corner to make it 1-1 on 93!

There was still time for a winner, but Robinson sent the last kick of the game inches over.

Star man – Dan Price. Team; Ed Baldy, Steve Hulbert, Ian Jeffery, Jordan Pinder, Dan Price, Dan Jordan, Jamie Jordan, Joe Stradling, Ricky Hulbert, Dan Kovacs, Callum Demkiv. Subs; Jason Henley, Mark Robinson (used) Joe Kirkpatrick, Josh Ferguson, Ben Griffiths (unused)

Above: Dan Jordan clearing the Westbury lines.