Last season these 2 sides shared 14 goals in 2 matches and that trend continued in what was a thrilling encounter! Ultimately it was a good point for Westbury, but they were disappointed to let a 3-1 lead slip away. Due to injuries and unavailability, United utilised their 4th goalkeeper of the season!
The stage was set by a pulsating opening 5 minutes which though goalless, saw several chances at each end; home keeper Adam Sheppard saved twice from the excellent Sam Clark and his opposite number Nathan Whatley denied Mark Young, while Grant Gunning saw a rasping shot rebound off Whatley’s left hand post!
United took the lead on 17 when Craig Sheppard’s corner was met by a bullet header from Nathan Hallett-Young – the left back had a superb match both defensively and when going forward.
Chard drew level on 25 when, after Whatley had held Marc Scammell’s header, they counter attacked and Clark raced into the box before finishing clinically.
Further chances came at both ends before half time; Whatley saving well from Gunning and Ben Mear firing off target at the other end.
A breathless 2nd half got off to the perfect start for the hosts when they scored twice in 7 minutes to open up a 3-1 lead. Firstly Mark Young received the ball from Matt Mead and fired in a stunning 20 yarder that flew past Whatley. Then, after Town had come within inches of equalising through a mishit cross by Mear which rebounded off the bar, Westbury counter attacked with pace and Young raced into the box where he was upended by Ben Haines and a penalty was awarded; Craig Sheppard struck the spot kick confidently into the net.
Chard went into attacking overdrive which seemed to catch United off guard and, after they had gone close through Andy Martin and Mear, Clark managed to break through the defence, lob the ball over the advancing Adam Sheppard and run on to apply his finishing touch to make it 3-2.
Westbury had opportunities to get a 4th goal as Mead shot a 25 yard free kick just over the bar and Hallett-Young saw a fierce goalbound volley blocked!
It was Clark who turned provider for Town’s point saving goal on 83 as he ran forward before pulling the ball back to Oscar Latas who made no mistake with a simple finish.
At 3-3 both sides went all out for a winner; United had a period of pressure where Craig Sheppard dragged an attempt wide and then, with time running out, the visitors got the upper hand and Martin shot straight at Adam Sheppard while Jamie Underwood headed wide when well placed.
*STAR MAN – Nathan Hallett-Young (Westbury United) TEAM – Adam Sheppard, Gary Tugwell, Nathan Hallett-Young, Callum Cooper, Dan Hurkett, Craig Sheppard, Grant Gunning, Marc Scammell, Kevin Shinn, Matt Mead, Mark Young.
SUBS – Simon Millard, Drew Adams (used)
