Westbury Utd 2-1 Folland Sports – FA Vase 1st Round, Sat. 10th September

Westbury made rare progress in the FA Vase this month and will play home versus Cribbs in the next round on the 24th September.

United had to fight hard to see off a determined Folland who led until the latter stages, and it took an inspired substitute performance by Nathan Hallett-Young to turn the match around.

The visitors opened the scoring in fine style after just 4 minutes when Dan Penfold set up Liam Nolan who scored with a great left footed strike.

Westbury had plenty of possession but no chances to show for it until they changed formation towards half time which opened the game up. Opportunities came the way of Dean Caslake, Jake Stephenson, George Bendle and Connor McKay but they were either wayward or denied by Joe Hunt in the Folland goal.

The 2nd half got off to a slow start and it was United who took control after making two substitutions around the hour mark as Hallet-Young and Matty Mantay brought much needed energy. However, Hunt made saves from Matt Jones, Bendle and McKay to keep his side in the lead.

A rare break saw Matt Watts set up Penfold whose well-struck volley was excellently saved by Heydon, and a quick break led to a corner which was taken by Jamie Jordan and met by Hallett-Young’s bullet header to equalise on 75.

Hallett-Young had an effort ruled out for offside before his pace set up the winning goal 10 minutes later when he was fouled and a penalty awarded; Jordan Pinder scored from the spot despite Hunt getting his hand to the ball!

“Folland came close to forcing extra time when Penfold forced Heydon into another fine save but Westbury kept possession well in added time to hold on for their victory.

Star man: Nathan Hallett-Young. Team: Charlie Heydon, Jordan Pinder, Jordan Lawrence, Jake Stephenson, Matt Jones, Dean Caslake, Grant Gunning, Jamie Jordan, Connor McKay, George Bendle, James Hounsell. Subs: Nathan Hallett Young, Matty Mantay, Ben Forester (used) Pete Sturman (unused).