Perfect conditions and a fantastic playing surface on a warm evening at Meadow Lane were made all the better for the hosts with their 3rd win in four home games that see them move to 5th in the league.
Westbury had to dig deep and defend stoutly to hold off a 2nd half surge from Calne who adopted something of a shoot on sight policy in this action packed encounter.
An even first half hour saw chances at both ends with Town coming close when Nathan Phillimore’s header drifted just wide while United’s Dave Atkinson cut in from the right and sent a left footed shot off target. Home keeper Charlie Heydon did well to hold Stuart Windsor’s 20 yarder before Otis Young sent a 25 yard free kick over the bar at the other end.
Calne took the lead in spectacular style on 32 minutes when Oliver Webb received the ball fully 40 yards from goal and hit a stunning strike that flew past Heydon!
Further good play saw more opportunities for both sides; Young had an attempt blocked during a spell of pressure as did Phillimore when the visitors got into the danger area. Westbury counter attacked and it took good work by former United keeper Lewis Porter to deny George Bendle who had done excellently to evade 3 defenders!
Another great goal drew United level on 44 when Young played the ball to Conor McKay who curled a lovely 20 yarder into the top corner.
Parity lasted barely a minute before Bendle put his side into the lead just before half time with an accomplished 18 yard finish, although there was still time for a glorious opening at the other end when Jake Jefferies set up Mark Dolman whose volley was bravely blocked by Jordan Pinder.
McKay was full of confidence after his earlier goal and he really should have given his side a more comfortable lead after more good play by Young but somehow his finish went wide. He then hit a superb shot from outside the box that only narrowly missed the target. Jamie Jordan also had an effort go just wide.
Calne came very close to making their hosts pay for not opening up more than a single goal lead and it took several fine saves by Heydon to deny Webb and Tom Boakes’ long range strikes while Kris Beasley hit a fierce 25 yarder that clipped the bar.
With 15 minutes remaining Jordan sent in a fine low ball and Bendle got a touch forcing Porter to save, then with time running out Heydon made the save of the evening from a Windsor header to win the points for Westbury.
Star man: Charlie Heydon. Team: Charlie Heydon, Jordan Pinder, Jordan Lawrence, Dean Caslake, Matt Jones, Pete Sturman, Dave Atkinson, Jamie Jordan, Otis Young, Conor McKay, George Bendle. Substitutes: Marc Scammell, James Hounsell, Ben Forester (used) Matty Mantay, Karl Freeman (unused).
