Saturday 7th September, FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round Westbury 1 Ashton & Backwell 3

Westbury fell at the first hurdle in this season’s national FA competition to a good attacking performance by Ashton & Backwell who then dug deep to keep their lead intact after having a man sent off.

Wingers Jack Dicker and Conor Biggins were Ashton’s match-winners, with Dicker scoring the opening goal on 27 after outpacing the home defence and Biggins a constant threat on the left wing.

Prior to the first goal Westbury had a few opportunities with Joe Murray threatening to create chances for Simon Millard and Dan Letchford. At the other end Lewis Porter did well to save from Aaron Read’s header.

Further chances came for both teams before half time, home captain Dan Dominy firing off target after a Mark Young corner kick and Lee Nichols off target twice when well placed to double Ashton’s lead. Westbury had a fine chance to draw level soon after half time but Millard headed wide after good play between Letchford and Murray. Biggins set up the 2nd goal on 51 with an accurate corner that was headed in powerfully by Adam Crooks, but Westbury pulled a goal back quickly when young midfielder Charlie Walton produced an excellent low drive from outside the box after being set up by a clever move between Lee Salter and Murray.

Dicker provided the pass that led to Aaron Read restoring the visitors’ 2 goal advantage on 63 and, despite captain Brendon Abood seeing red for 2 bookable offences, they prevented Westbury from creating any clear chances in the closing stages.

*STAR MAN – Jack Dicker (Ashton & Backwell United)

TEAM – Lewis Porter, Ally Bradley, David Whyte, Dan Dominy, Matty Jones, Lee Salter, Mark Young, Charlie Walton, Joe Murray, Simon Millard, Dan Letchford

SUBS – Phil Hampson, Jamie Broom, Jake Cooper, Alex Shaftoe, Matty Bown.