Western League Div One
AJN Stadium
17/01/15
Att 53

Report by Westbury United club website

It was a wet and cold afternoon, but neither side could complain about conditions on the perfect 3G artificial playing surface at Keynsham. Westbury, however, found themselves two goals down at the break before playing better after half time as with several recent matches.

Town flew at United from the off and could easily have led by more than the 2-0 advantage they held by the 17th minute. Left winger Jordan Hawkins stole the show, and was first to go close only to be denied by Grant Gunning’s headed clearance and a save by Callum Hotine.

An amazing passage of play saw Rob Sheriton’s free kick hit one post and rebound to Pat Davison who struck the other post. The ball then fell to Tom Morgan who was denied by a great save by Hotine.

Westbury drew breath at their fortune and could have taken the lead when Matt Mead released Sam Clift, but with just Ashley Wintle to beat his touch was poor allowing the keeper to claim the ball.

Hawkins opened the scoring on 14 minutes with a powerful left footed shot that deflected in off Josh Maguire. The lead became 2-0 a few minutes later when Ben Harris cut in from the right wing and saw his low shot elude Hotine.

United were all over the place at this stage and it took alert defending by Gunning again to clear off the line before Davison dragged an effort wide and Hotine saved well when Sheriton had another attempt.

Finally Shaun Gardiner’s side got out of their half and a spell of pressure forced a corner which was taken by Mark Young allowing Callum Cooper a header that flew over the bar.

In comparison, the second half was something of a non-event although Westbury acquitted themselves far better, Ryan Elliott twice trying his luck from long range with Wintle doing well to save one of those efforts.

Brett Partner tried his best to drive United forward and showed great skill to get into a shooting position only to be brought down with no free kick being awarded.

With the game petering out the hosts had a few opportunities to extend their lead, but Morgan wasted his chances by firing over the bar and being denied by Hotine in a one on one situation.