Westbury Utd 0-1 Chippenham Park – Tuesday 15 September

This was much more like it from Westbury as their youthful team played some lovely football against another good footballing side. 

Heavy rain had made the surface slick and both sides passed the ball around excellently, all that the match lacked was what would have been a fully deserved United goal.

There were assured performances all round from the home team’s youngsters, with Adam Kenich in defence, midfielder Matty Mantay and pacy attacker Levi Wood catching the eye, while Nathan Hallett-Young turned in a star man performance.

Chippenham started quickly with home keeper Charlie Heydon saving well from Callum McCormack, then having to be alert when Gary Lock’s cross swerved towards goal. Park came closer still when Robbie Burton saw a powerful shot rebound off Heydon’s left hand post.

Westbury got their passing going and their first attempt really should have been scored, but Dave Macey’s finish flew over the bar after he had been set up by Mark Young. Macey then turned creator but his set piece was headed wide by Hallett-Young.

Young himself went close soon after with a low drive which was spilt and then claimed by Sam Thomson. The best chance fell to Tony McElhone who had burst forward to meet Jordan Cain’s cross, but somehow headed over from close range!

The only goal of the evening came on 37 minutes when United failed to properly clear a corner and, despite what seemed a clear foul in the build up, Darrin Moss was allowed to set up Charlie Norman to score.

Park had a goal disallowed for offside straight after half time and, despite the overall play being scrappier than before the break, United got on top with some excellent moves.

Macey chipped the ball forward and Wood’s pace allowed him to reach the ball but he miscontrolled with just Thomson to beat! Wood threatened again soon after and his cross appeared to be handballed but the referee waved away penalty appeals.

The closest the hosts came was with 15 minutes remaining when Wood excelled again with his cross finding Ben Forester, whose header was superbly saved by Thomson! Despite further pressure, no more chances were created and the visitors held on to claim the points.

*STAR MAN – Nathan Hallett-Young. TEAM – Charlie Heydon, Tony McElhone, James Hounsell, Nathan Hallett-Young, Adam Kenich, Dave Macey, Mark Young, Marc Scammell, Levi Wood, Matty Mantay, Jordan Cain. SUBS – Sam Clift, Jordan Matthews, Ben Forester (used) Grant Gunning, Josh Wozniak (unused)