Westbury United 2011 - 2012

[Andy]

A delayed start to this thread due to ones' wedding and honeymoon!

Club Website : www.westburyunited.co.uk
Stats website for the Western League, link is to league table : http://www.football.mitoo.co.uk/LeagueTab.cfm?TblName=Matches&DivisionID=16219&LeagueCode=SDWFL2011

Westbury United Season Preview

Westbury United go into the new season with another new Manager following Steve Seals resignation in pre season due to work pressure.

The new Manager is long serving Reserve team player Sam Gooding who will be assisted by Club Chairman and long serving Reserve Team Manager Phil Alford. Sam and Phil’s aim is to bring some much needed stability to the Club and to have as good a season as possible in Toolstation league Division One.

New signings include goalkeeper Alex Shaftoe from Forresters FC and utility player Ally Rose from Warminster Town.

Results in friendlies have seen the Bert Back Memorial Trophy won 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw versus Warminster Town on Saturday 30 July. United’s goals were scored by Mark Young and Simon Millard. Then on Wednesday 3 August Westbury beat Amesbury Town 2-1 with headed goals by Jason Collier and Ally Rose.


TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Saturday 20 August 2011

GERRISH’S HEADER WINS A POINT FOR UNITED
Westbury United 1-1 Keynsham Town

Westbury United made it 5 points from their first 3 matches as they snatched a late equaliser for the second consecutive game! After the opening day’s 2-0 home win over Almondsbury UWE and a thrilling 3-3 draw at Chard Town, new signing Mark Gerrish scored his first goal for the Club as time was running out!

Despite a fast opening by United, with visiting keeper Jermaine Jones saving both Ali Rose’s 25 yard free kick and Mark Young’s header from the resulting corner, it was Keynsham who dominated most of the first half with forward Jake Mawford involved in every chance they created.

They took the lead on the counter attack following Jones’ aforementioned save ; the keeper played the ball to Mawford who passed it on to Steve Machin and he ran past David Whyte before finishing low to Alex Shaftoe’s left.

Shaftoe did well to block another Machin effort after he had again been set up by Mawford who then forced United’s keeper into a fine save from a 25 yard free kick. Shaftoe also saved well when Ricky Bennett threatened. Mawford had a few chances to increase Town’s lead before half time but he dragged a shot wide when well placed and put another fine free kick just wide.

The second half was a totally different story as Westbury attacked for much of the time and thoroughly deserved the point they finally secured! Jon Mayo made a great tackle on Young as he ran towards the box a few minutes into the half. Then Beau Blakeman’s direct set piece was nodded into Paul Beavers’ path by Simon Millard and Beavers looked on in disbelief as his goalbound blast was blocked!

Jones made a good save after lovely play by Millard had set up Young and a period of pressure was bought to an end when Nick Mead’s 25 yarder flew a foot over the bar.
 
With United pushing men forward the visitors managed a few opportunities which were wasted by Bennett and Mawford.

The final stages were all about whether the score would remain the same. Westbury forced a series of corners which led to Jones saving from Jake Antell as well as blocking a few other efforts. Captain Jason Collier had a shot blocked before the equalising goal came on 91 ; Millard showed good skill to create a crossing chance from the left wing and his ball to the back post found Gerrish who headed powerfully into the net.

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Stephen Fox, David Whyte, Jake Antell, Jason Collier, Ashley Groves,
          Beau Blakeman, Paul Beavers, Simon Millard, Mark Young, Ali Rose
SUBS – Matt Mead, Nick Mead, Mark Gerrish (used) Gary Tugwell, Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Saturday 27 August 2011

LAST MINUTE PENALTY SEES UNITED LOSE FOR FIRST TIME
Gillingham Town 3-2 Westbury United

Gillingham striker Lee Gale scored a hattrick as his team came from behind to consign Westbury to their first defeat of the season, the winning goal coming from a last minute penalty awarded for handball!

A blustery wind meant conditions were awkward and the first half saw few chances at either end, however United went close in just the 2nd minute when Jake Antell’s header from Nick Mead’s set piece was touched over by keeper Johnny Hill.

Only a few more minutes had passed when Town opened the scoring, Gale latching onto the ball and finishing powerfully over Stuart Powell. Gale went on to have several long range efforts that went narrowly wide, while Danny Thompson shot wide and forced Powell into a save.

The visitors built up some pressure towards half time but were met by strong defending and confident goalkeeping. However after the break the same pressure was rewarded with two goals in a superb period of play!

Mark Gerrish and Simon Millard were narrowly off target before the equalising goal came on 53 ; Stephen Fox’s long ball was played on by Millard to Nick Mead who finished powerfully to Hill’s left after a pacy run forward.

More chances followed with Ashley Groves firing wide from 35 yards then forcing Hill into a save. Matt Mead began to get into the game on the right wing and Gerrish headed his cross straight at Hill before the same combination put their side ahead on 66 with an identical move, however this time Gerrish’s header went past Hill and into the net.

Nick Thomson with a header and Gale from 6 yards went close to drawing The Gills level while Millard tried his luck at the other end but saw the chance blocked.

United lost Groves to injury with 15 minutes remaining and his absence from the midfield caused the team to lose energy. Soon after a Thompson corner found Gale unmarked and he drew Town level with a fine header.

Both teams went all out for a winning goal ; Jake Antell, Gerrish and Matt Mead were all close to doing so for Westbury. However with the Gillingham pressure building and time running out, a ball into the box was handled by a defender and a penalty awarded ; Gale stepped up and scored from the spot to make it 3-2.

*STAR MEN – Lee Gale (Gillingham Town) & Nick Mead (Westbury United)

TEAM – Stuart Powell, Stephen Fox, David Whyte, Jake Antell, Jason Collier, Ashley Groves,
           Matt Mead, Paul Beavers, Simon Millard, Mark Gerrish, Nick Mead
SUBS – Gary Tugwell (used) Beau Blakeman, Mark Young, Sam Gooding (unused)

Westbury United September Fixtures
Sat 3 Sept, Roman Glass St George, HOME, League, 3pm
Sat 10 Sept, Bradford Town, HOME, FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round, 3pm
Sat 17 Sept, Ilfracombe Town, HOME, Les Phillips League Cup 1st Round, 3pm
Tues 20 Sept, Shepton Mallet, Away, League, 7.30pm
Sat 24 Sept, Possible FA Vase
Tues 27 Sept, Chard Town, HOME, League, 7.45pm

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Tuesday 30 August 2011

HARD TO BEAT WESTBURY SUFFER FIRST HOME DEFEAT
Westbury United 1-2 Cadbury Heath

Westbury came into this match knowing that their opponents had made a flying start to the season including winning 6-1 and 7-1 in their previous few matches. However after Cadbury Heath had gone 2 goals ahead, United can think themselves unlucky to have ended up losing. Several changes were necessary due to injuries to defenders Stephen Fox, Jake Antell and midfielder Ashley Groves. Mark Young came back into the team and had a fine match at right back while there was a promising full debut for defender Tom Whyte.

Cadbury flew out of the blocks with a series of fast  attacks : Nick Dyer’s shot came back off the crossbar to Mark Reynolds who headed it in but the goal was disallowed for offside. The striker wasn’t denied for long though as he opened the scoring on 12 after receiving the ball from Sacha Tong and powering a 20 yarder into the net.

After a quiet period of play Heath doubled their lead on 28 when the pacy Tong turned on the edge of the box and hit a low shot that beat Alex Shaftoe by his right hand post.

Westbury finally got a foothold in the play in the closing stages of the half when Beau Blakeman went on a mazy run that ended with a weak effort straight at Simon Crawford. They then forced a few corners ; captain Jason Collier stayed forward after one of the flag kicks and was rewarded with a goal as he was able to send a bullet header past Crawford after a great cross by Matt Mead.

Woken from their scrappy play, the visitors almost scored a 3rd just before the break ; Chris Astley’s deep ball was headed onto the bar by Reynolds and the same player then brought a fingertip save out of Shaftoe.

The second half had more periods of quiet play, with attacking moves ended by wasted passes by both teams. Jason Base hit a 30 yarder that Shaftoe parried before claiming and at the other end Crawford saved well when Simon Millard shot from the edge of the box.

A welcome return to First Team action for Wayne Wheeler and a debut for fellow striker Dan Cox signalled Manager Sam Gooding’s intent to attack in the last 15 minutes. David Whyte curled wide after Blakeman’s  corner had only been half cleared, but that was the closest to an equaliser that Westbury came despite a number of balls being played into the visitor’s box.

Heath almost took advantage of their hosts’ attacking intent but weren’t able to make the points fully safe despite chances for Dyer and Tong.

*STAR MEN – Mark Young (Westbury United) & Sacha Tong (Cadbury Heath)
TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Mark Young, Tom Whyte, Nick Mead, Jason Collier, David Whyte,
      Beau Blakeman, Paul Beavers, Simon Millard, Mark Gerrish, Matt Mead
SUBS – Dan Cox, Wayne Wheeler, Gary Tugwell (used) Adam Bishop, Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Saturday 3 September 2011

SUPERB UNITED SWEEP ROMAN GLASS ASIDE
Westbury United 4-1 Roman Glass St George

Westbury achieved their best home win for nearly a year as they swept aside a team who had won 3 of their first 4 matches! United raced into a 2 goal lead, conceded quickly, and then wrapped up the points with 2 late goals. Sam Gooding’s team now have 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats from their opening 6 matches and could easily still be unbeaten. Every player put in a good performance to help the team to victory.

Westbury flew at Roman Glass from the kick off with the impressive Beau Blakeman striking a 25 yarder that Adam Growcott tipped wide ; Blakeman took the resulting corner and the ball fell to David Whyte who lashed it in from 20 yards to open the scoring – Whyte had a superb match at the heart of his sides’ midfield.

The 2nd goal followed quickly as Simon Millard latched on to a ball played over the top and, one on one with Growcott, Millard lobbed the keeper with ease.

Barely before anyone had time to draw breath St George had pulled a goal back on 6 minutes! David Doe ran on to the ball and hit a stunning 35 yarder that flew into the top corner!

For periods of the opening half United played some brilliant, quick paced football and it took some fine saves by Growcott to keep the score at 2-1! He saved Mark Gerrish’s half volley and Millard’s overhead while the latter also hit a 25 yard shot that flew just wide.

The visitors managed to break forward once and Alex Shaftoe did well to save low after Paul Coles had shot from outside the box. Aside from that their neat passing football was well defended by Mark Young, Aaron Houghton, Nick Mead and Tom Whyte while on another occasion Gary Tugwell strongly tackled Mikey Golding as he threatened to get a cross in.

Towards the break Growcott excelled to keep his team in the game ; Paul Beavers set up Millard with an unchallenged run into the box but Millard’s effort was saved and then, with his defence all over the place, Growcott denied Millard twice more in quick succession!

After half time the play could hardly have been more different and until the 75th minute it was as if a totally different match was being played! Neither side could put a series of passes together let alone create a decent scoring chance! The nearest was when Coles put a 25 yard strike over while Andrew Hamilton-Dunn put the ball wide.

With 15 minutes remaining Millard curled a beautiful attempt that Growcott saved excellently by turning it around his right hand post. Then, with his side pushing men forward, Hamilton-Dunn brought an equally fine save out of Shaftoe.

United opened up a 2 goal lead on 82 when Millard ran through and forced Growcott to save again, however Westbury were not to be denied any further as Kieron Kiff tapped in the rebound.

St George put everything into the closing stages and Nathan Bell’s shot through a crowded penalty area was well saved by Shaftoe and, as the rebound looked set to make it 3-2, the ball was cleared off the line!

Blakeman closed the game as he had started by setting up a goal as his excellent right wing play allowed Matt Mead the chance to bury the ball from the edge of the box to complete the scoring.

*STAR MEN – David Whyte & Beau Blakeman (Westbury United) & Adam Growcott (RGSG)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Mark Young, Tom Whyte, Nick Mead, Aaron Houghton, David Whyte,
            Beau Blakeman, Paul Beavers, Simon Millard, Mark Gerrish, Gary Tugwell
SUBS – Matt Mead, Kieron Kiff, Adam Bishop (used) Stephen Fox, Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

FA VASE FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND
Saturday 10 September 2011

BRADFORD BEAT UNITED IN POOR LOCAL DERBY
Westbury United 0-2 Bradford Town

Westbury bowed out at the first hurdle in this year’s national competition after 2 goals in 2 minutes by prolific striker Matt Minnis put Bradford through.

For the most part this was a poor local derby and the first half was particularly forgettable ; both defences came out on top along with both teams being at the wrong end of some bizarre refereeing decisions.

The match changed immediately after the break when United’s Paul Beavers hit a super effort that crashed against the crossbar! The ball was then adjudged to have been handled by Town’s Nick Ross and a penalty was awarded ; Nick Mead took the spot kick but it was saved by Lewis Porter’s outstretched left hand.

Minnis was brought on as a substitute just after the hour and he had won the match for his side within 5 minutes! The opening goal came on 66 when Minnis met Dan Shanley’s deep ball and sent a towering header beyond Alex Shaftoe. It became 0-2 in the next attack with Sam Jordan leading a break and playing in Minnis who scored with a lovely finish.

Westbury pushed men forward and Wayne Wheeler’s off target 20 yarder was diverted towards goal by Ashley Groves but the ball found the side netting. Porter also saved twice in quick succession from Simon Millard, but it was Minnis who came closest to scoring but his hattrick attempts were narrowly off target and blocked on the line.

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Mark Young, Tom Whyte, Nick Mead, Stephen Fox, David Whyte,
            Beau Blakeman, Paul Beavers, Simon Millard, Mark Gerrish, Gary Tugwell
SUBS – Matt Mead, Ashley Groves, Wayne Wheeler (used) Aaron Houghton, Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE LES PHILLIPS CUP
Saturday 17 September 2011

ILFRACOMBE REPEAT PREVIOUS SEASON’S DOSE
Westbury United 0-4 Ilfracombe Town

Visiting team Ilfracombe Town from the Premier Division repeated last season’s scoreline that they achieved on their way to lifting the Cup. On this occasion Westbury played better than last time around, but were soundly beaten by a team playing neat football on a pitch made very slick by heavy showers. Manager Sam Gooding gave debuts to Ethan Cox and Paul Gittins,

The opening goal came on just 5 minutes and United keeper Alex Shaftoe was left helpless as  Ross Middleton’s shot, which he called “keepers” to save, was deflected past him by defender Jake Antell.

Westbury had a few periods of pressure with shots from outside the box by Simon Millard, Beau Blakeman and Ashley Groves, while new signing Gittins headed wide after Matt Mead’s cross.

Town’s passing football began to create a series of chances with crosses going unrewarded and when they did have attempts Shaftoe saved excellently from Rob Gough and Shaun Lewis. The second goal seemed inevitable and it came in unfortunate style with Tom Rossiter’s low 18 yarder beating the United keeper as he appeared to slip on the greasy surface.

The hosts built up a head of steam before half time and created several openings from corner kicks with David Whyte and Mark Gerrish having efforts blocked in the goalmouth scramble.

The second half was dominated by Ilfracombe and, after Antell had cleared Rossiter’s header off the line, Middleton crossed into the box to Lewis who tapped in the next goal on 51.

Play flowed from end to end soon after ; Steve Holland’s chip cross found Rossiter who headed wide and Shaftoe sent Mead running down the left wing and his attempt was deflected wide for a corner. From the flag kick Town cleared the ball and Jon Vooght, who had a superb match in their midfield, forced Shaftoe to tip the ball over the bar.

More chances followed quickly with Vooght releasing Holland whose lob went over Shaftoe but was cleared by Ethan Cox. Then a long kick from Steve Oliver allowed Lewis to run in behind, round Shaftoe and roll the ball goalwards only to see Gerrish race back to deny him another goal!
Gooding made several attacking substitutions but to no avail as Ilfracombe continued to threaten another goal and, after Holland and Vooght had failed to do so, Scott Huxtable dispossessed Blakeman and fired the best finish of the day into the net with 5 minutes remaining.

*STAR MAN – Jon Vooght (Ilfracombe Town)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Ethan Cox, Mark Gerrish, Stephen Fox, Jake Antell, David Whyte,
            Beau Blakeman, Ashley Groves, Simon Millard, Paul Gittins, Matt Mead
SUBS – Mark Young, Paul Beavers, Tom Whyte (used) Kieran Nunn, Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Tuesday 20 September 2011

UNITED UP TO 5TH IN LEAGUE AFTER EXCITING MATCH
Shepton Mallet 1-2 Westbury United

Full credit must go to Westbury’s whole squad for a hard fought, hard working victory in atrocious conditions that led to then going up to 5th place in the league.

Both teams had suffered heavy defeats at the weekend (United losing 0-4 in the League Cup and Shepton 1-7 in the League) and it was the visitors who settled first. Paul Gittins got in on the right and home keeper Jamie Rothwell slipped outside of his box and handballed as he attempted to challenge Gittins ; Beau Blakeman’s resulting free kick found Paul Beavers whose first time effort went over.

Gittins’ pace caused problems for Shepton’s defence and his cross to Gerrish set up a strike at goal which Rothwell did well to hold. Soon after, Blakeman’s pace took him in behind and, with Rothwell exiting his area again, United’s right winger rushed his attempt and the ball went well wide.

With the rain now pouring down Gittins and Beavers combined well with the latter firing an 18 yarder that made Rothwell save well.

It took around half an hour for Mallet to create any chances and when they did so Lucas Ward’s 25 yarder went a few feet wide. They came much closer a few minutes later though when Chris Gardner’s corner found Brad Allen who headed powerfully but saw the ball blocked as did David Thorne when he connected on the rebound.

A lovely move between Stephen Fox, Ashley Groves and Blakeman should have been rewarded with a Westbury goal but Blakeman’s great cross eluded everyone! Then a similar move at the other end closed the first half action when Thorne played in Aaron Blakemore whose pacy low ball was cleared from danger by Tom Whyte.

Play continued in a similarly attacking vein after the break with chances aplenty but no breakthrough until after the hour. As in the opening of the match it was United who started brighter ; Nick Mead’s long set piece nearly led to an own goal by Sam King and another fine piece of play by Gittins forced Rothwell into good save.

Jason Collier, returning to the side after being unavailable for 3 weeks, thought he had put United ahead but his finish from a Blakeman corner was disallowed for a foul.

The home side managed to break out of their half and win a corner which Gardner took and King headed powerfully only to be denied by Alex Shaftoe’s excellent parry.

Having survived a rare scare, Westbury put their all into finding a goal ; good passing by Gittins, Groves and Mark Young set up an opening which brought the best out of Rothwell and then Beavers looked certain to score on 65 but, just as the ball seemed destined to go in, Brad Allen got in a brave block ; Young took the resulting corner and finally the ball went in to open the scoring when Beavers arrived unmarked to claim the goal!

Having got the lead which they deserved, Sam Gooding’s men were their own worst enemies as they took their foot off the pedal and allowed an avoidable equaliser 10 minutes later! Collier decided to try and let the ball roll out of play instead of clearing his lines and Danny Collins nipped in to dispossess him and set up Blakemore who lashed it in to make the score 1-1.

Shepton then had their best period of the match and had several chances to go ahead ; Blakemore’s cross found Joe Morgan who headed over, Ashley Wilmott’s run and cross led to Blakemore heading wide when very well placed and Collins went on a mazy run into the box only to see his low ball cleared.

Gittins became his team’s match winner on 87 when he ran onto a long ball and, just as he looked set to shoot from just inside the box, Allen brought him down and a penalty was awarded ; Gittins stepped up and won the points for Westbury with a confident spot kick.

STAR TEAM – Westbury United

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Stephen Fox, Tom Whyte, Nick Mead, Jason Collier, Ashley Groves,
            Beau Blakeman, Paul Beavers, Paul Gittins, Mark Gerrish, Mark Young
SUBS – Simon Millard, Matt Mead, Jake Antell (used) David Whyte, Stuart Powell (unused)         

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Saturday 24 September 2011

POOR WESTBURY ALLOW PORTISHEAD THEIR FIRST WIN
Portishead Town 2-0 Westbury United

Westbury wasted a chance to go 3rd in the league with a surprisingly insipid performance away to a team who achieved their first win of the season! Coming on the back of such an excellent team display at Shepton Mallet, this game could hardly have been much different and the hosts climbed off the bottom of the league.

On a perfect day for football both teams wasted great early chances in one on one situations, Simon Kelly and James Clarke erring for Town and Simon Millard for United. Kelly and Lee Brice were also off target while Kelly brought a fine save out of Alex Shaftoe as their team all too easily and regularly got in behind the visiting defence.

Westbury forced a number of corner kicks and from 3 of these Jason Collier managed to break clear of his marker but headed off target each time!

Clarke and Kelly were still finding too much space towards half time and, after Kelly had a headed goal disallowed for offside, Clarke broke through a minute before half time and finished past Shaftoe to make it 1-0.

Despite the half time break and a chance to reassess, the United performance continued in the same vein at the start of the second half. However the defence did manage to rouse themselves to clear a succession of corner kicks.

Finally, at just past the hour mark there was something to cheer for the visiting fans! Mark Young’s pacy run and cross found Paul Gittins who saw a header blocked by Rich Gill and, when Jake Antell latched onto the ball from the resulting corner, he showed good skill before playing a low ball in which Gill sliced over his own crossbar.

Chances were few and far between at both ends in the final 25 minutes ; long range efforts by Collier and Mark Gerrish never seriously troubled the home keeper and, when Gittins found space after good work by Millard, his strike from the edge of the box went narrowly wide.

The clinching goal came 5 minutes from the end when Mark Mapstone ran past several United defenders and pulled the ball back to Clarke who scored his 2nd of the afternoon.

Gittins did come close to a consolation goal in injury time but, after being set up by Nick Mead, his first time shot went wide.

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, David Whyte, Tom Whyte, Nick Mead, Jason Collier, Jake Antell,
           Beau Blakeman, Ashley Groves, Paul Gittins, Simon Millard, Mark Young
SUBS – Mark Gerrish, Matt Mead, Kieron Kiff (used) Matt Friendship, Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

Westbury United Fixtures

Tues 27 Sept, Chard Town, HOME, League, 7.45pm
Sat 1 Oct, Welton Rovers, Away, League, 3pm
Tues 4 Oct, Oldland Abbotonians, HOME, League, 7.45pm
Sat 8 Oct, Amesbury Town, Away, Wiltshire Senior Cup, 3pm
Weds 12 Oct, Cadbury Heath, Away, League, 7.45pm
Sat 15 Oct, Hengrove Athletic, Away, League, 3pm
Sat 22 Oct, Elmore, Away, League, 3pm
Sat 29 Oct, Melksham Town, HOME, League, 3pm

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Saturday 1 October 2011

HEAT GETS TO UNITED IN 3RD STRAIGHT DEFEAT
Welton Rovers 4-1 Westbury United

Westbury’s heads dropped as early as the 52nd minute when Welton went 3-1 up, it was almost as if the effort needed to get back into the match would be too much on a very hot and sunny afternoon. Several players became guilty of giving the ball away all too easily and that, combined with some strong defending from the hosts, paved the way for a comfortable home win.

The match started in frantic fashion and the score was 1-1 after just 10 minutes ; Rovers notched the opening goal on 3 minutes when Andrew Keen ran in at the back post to head Tom Pawley’s free kick past Alex Shaftoe. Then at the other end United equalised through Gary Tugwell who ran forward and got the final touch to Mark Young’s lob after a Shaftoe clearance.

Welton had an intense period of pressure around the 20th minute ; Paul Beavers’ weak clearance only found Andrew Forward and he set up Jack Nix who shot off target. In the next attack, with the visiting defence all over the place, Pawley was allowed to run into the box and set up Kai Hammond who struck the ball wide. Then, with too much space afforded to the Rovers’ attackers, Forward played in Hammond and he finished excellently from 20 yards into the top corner to make it 2-1.

Further chances followed for Welton with Nix shooting wide, Hammond chipping onto the roof of the net after a neat Keen backheel and the latter then had an effort blocked by Jason Collier before he put the rebound wide.

Westbury did have a few opportunities in between the home attacks ; Beau Blakeman and Stephen Fox combined with Blakeman’s low cross-shot flying across the face of goal, while Blakeman also combined with Tugwell who crossed into the box where Paul Gittins headed over.

Rovers dominated right from the start of the second half and Hammond got in one on one with Shaftoe which led to the keeper saving with his legs ; Dan Scrivens took the resulting corner and a goalmouth scramble ensued in which the ball hit a post!

Just a few minutes later there was a penalty appeal for handball against Jason Collier which the referee didn’t give, however the home side kept possession and Forward pulled the ball back to Keen who notched his second goal of the game with a powerful finish to make it 3-1.

This was when the United heads went down and too many passes went astray, even when substitutions were made and a more attacking formation played. The nearest they came to getting a goal back was when Mark Young set up Beavers who shot over and on another occasion Beavers passed to Matt Mead who then played it on to Mark Gerrish and he sent a 20 yarder over the bar.

Welton scored their final goal on 79 ; Collier blocked a strike by Hammond but Scrivens sent in the corner kick and, when the ball wasn’t cleared, Craig Coles stabbed it in.

*STAR MAN – Kai Hammond (Welton Rovers)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Stephen Fox, Tom Whyte, Jake Antell, Jason Collier, Matt Friendship,
            Beau Blakeman, Paul Beavers, Paul Gittins, Mark Young, Gary Tugwell
SUBS – Matt Mead, Nick Mead, Mark Gerrish (used) Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Tuesday 4 October 2011

OLDLAND’S CAMM IS STAR OF THE SHOW
Westbury United 2-3 Oldland Abbotonians

Westbury slipped to their 4th defeat in 10 days and on this occasion they were outdone by several moments of individual brilliance by Oldland playmaker Jack Camm.

Most of the opening half was very even and United played some lovely football with several fine passing moves going unrewarded. Visiting keeper Dan Jackson saved long range shots from Mark Young, Luke Stanley and Matt Mead. Alex Shaftoe in the home goal was also busy and left his area a few times to make clearances.

Camm began to get in on the act as half time drew nearer and on 44 minutes he hit a fierce 25 yarder that flew just over ; Shaftoe’s resulting goal kick was charged down by an Abbots’ player near the half way line and the ball broke to Robbie Maggs who ran through and finished with a low cross shot to make it 0-1.

The 2nd half got off to a blistering start with 3 goals in 10 minutes! Westbury drew level on 48 when Stanley sent in a pinpoint free kick that was met by Paul Beavers’ fine header with the ball nestling in the top of the net.

However parity lasted less than a minute as Camm received the ball from the kick off and unleashed a wonder-strike that left Shaftoe rooted to the spot!

Having regained their lead, Oldland took advantage of some slack home defending to go 1-3 in front on 55. Again Camm was the scorer as he got in around the back and produced a clever finish from just inside the box as Shaftoe tried to close him down.

The game turned scrappy and fractious with tackles and bad tempered flare ups ; this seemed to affect the visitors more than United and Sam Gooding made several attacking substitutions in an attempt to get back into the game.

This his side did on 77 when Paul Gittins was fouled in the penalty area by Rob Smith and a spot kick was awarded which Gittins himself scored confidently to make it 2-3.

With gaps left in the home defence, Camm tried his luck 4 times in search of a hattrick goal but was off target with a 30 yard strike and sent a fine 20 yarder just wide. He also brought 2 saves out of Shaftoe with a well struck free kick and a header from Tyrone Fudgell’s right wing cross!

Westbury had a few chances to snatch a point but Beau Blakeman curled the ball over the bar after a fast move between Stanley, Mead and Beavers while the latter headed a yard wide with time running out.

*STAR MEN – Luke Stanley (Westbury United) & Jack Camm (Oldland Abbotonians)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Luke Stanley, Tom Whyte, Stephen Fox, Mark Gerrish, David Whyte,
           Paul Gittins, Paul Beavers, Mark Young, Matt Mead, Gary Tugwell
SUBS – Jason Collier, Beau Blakeman (used) Adam Bishop, Matt Friendship, Stuart Powell (unused)

[Andy]

WILTSHIRE SENIOR CUP 1ST ROUND
Saturday 8 October 2011

GRITTY UNITED THROUGH ON PENALTIES
Amesbury Town 0-0 Westbury United (after extra time, Westbury win 4-5 on penalties)

Westbury won through to the next round of this season’s Wiltshire Senior Cup with a gritty, hard fought performance that led to a win on penalties. The match somehow ended goalless after extra time despite United having many chances and Amesbury some seemingly easy opportunities. That the match didn’t have a goal was down to excellent goalkeeping by Town’s Danny Harrison and wasteful finishing by the hosts added to some strong defending by the visitors.

Amesbury almost scored within the first 10 seconds! Craig Wheeler broke through right from the kick off and, as Alex Shaftoe closed him down, Wheeler tried a lob which dropped inches wide! Play switched quickly to the other end where Gary Tugwell, who had his best match in midfield for the First Team with a hard working performance, had a 25 yarder saved by Harrison.

Tugwell then came agonisingly close with efforts from 2 set pieces while Paul Beavers struck over from the edge of the box. As both teams continued to attack, Shaftoe did well to deny Wheeler who was then tackled superbly by Luke Stanley as he threatened again. Town’s Jason Bates tried his luck twice from long range but both were off target and it was United who ended the opening half as the better team. A strong appeal for a penalty was turned down when Simon Millard appeared to be fouled before Harrison beat Paul Gittins to the ball as the striker ran into the box.

Westbury continued after the break  where they’d left off and Gittins fired wide from the edge of the box while Millard set up Matt Mead who was very well tackled by Ryan Jones.

Amesbury withstood the pressure and Bates went close twice more, heading wide from Ben Pryce’s left wing cross and then tackled superbly by David Whyte after a pacy run into the penalty area.

Mead thought he had created a penalty chance on 68 when his fierce shot was blocked by Jones whose hands were in front of his face, but again the referee waved away the appeals. The home side did concede a spot kick on 75 when Tom Whyte sent in a long throw in which was handballed by Tyler Brockway ; Gittins, with 2 penalties to his name in recent league matches, stepped up but saw the kick well saved by the impressive Harrison!

As with most of the match the play was end to end going into the final 10 minutes. Mead stepped up his work rate and a clever run and cross led to a goalmouth scramble which ended with Harrison saving a Millard shot. Brockway set up Wheeler at the other end but he was wayward from 6 yards, Millard glanced a header wide from Beau Blakeman’s corner and Shaftoe made a fine parried save from Bates’ 20 yard blast!

With extra time looming Westbury were rocked by a straight red card for Stanley ; he clashed with Pryce and appeared to raise a hand in the aftermath of the incident, however the home player made a meal of the incident!

Down to 10 men, Sam Gooding’s team had to dig even deeper going into the extra half hour and that they did with a high work rate all over the pitch. With both teams tiring the pace of the play was understandably slower, but chances were still created.

Shaftoe committed himself to a brave piece of work on 96 as he advanced out of his goal and tackled Wheeler and Brockway, United counter attacked with Millard finding himself set free only to send his shot wide. Home right winger Ollie Vines, who had been quiet until this point, came to the fore with a curling 30 yard effort that went a foot wide then soon after he ghosted past 2 defenders and passed to Brockway who brought a save out of Shaftoe.

The teams switched around for the final period of play still locked at a surprising 0-0. Wheeler glanced a header wide from Bates’ free kick before Harrison did even better with a stunning double save as Blakeman and Millard seemed certain to score!

The Whyte brothers and Tugwell all did their bit to keep the game heading to a penalty shoot out with a series of blocks in a goalmouth scramble that included a few efforts at goal by Darren Crook and that was the last action of the 120 minutes.

*STAR MEN – Danny Harrison (Amesbury Town) & Gary Tugwell (Westbury United)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Luke Stanley, Tom Whyte, David Whyte, Jason Collier, Gary Tugwell,
           Matt Mead, Paul Beavers, Simon Millard, Paul Gittins, Mark Young
SUBS – Beau Blakeman, Matt Friendship, Neil Grant (used) Carl Crabtree (unused)

Penalty Shoot Out
United took first and with the score at 2-2 Millard had his kick saved by Harrison. Amesbury then went on to almost clinch victory until Shaftoe saved from Jones who could have sealed his teams’ win. Tugwell then put his side ahead and Shaftoe saved decisively as former United player Myles Gorey took a poor penalty.

Westbury : Blakeman scored, 0-1
Amesbury : Gareth Horner scored, 1-1
Westbury : Neil Grant scored, 1-2
Amesbury : Bates scored, 2-2
Westbury : Millard – saved by Harrison, 2-2
Amesbury : Brockway scored, 3-2
Westbury : Shaftoe scored, 3-3
Amesbury : Pryce scored, 4-3
Westbury : Gittins scored, 4-4
Amesbury : Jones – saved by Shaftoe, 4-4

Sudden death ...

Westbury : Tugwell scored, 4-5
Amesbury : Myles Gorey – saved by Shaftoe and Westbury United win 4-5

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Wednesday 12 October 2011

10 MAN HEATH SEE OFF UNITED
Cadbury Heath 4-1 Westbury United

Likely promotion contenders Cadbury Heath completed a league double over Westbury United despite having to play with 10 men for two thirds of the game. For Westbury the match was a disappointing return to league action after the morale boosting Wiltshire Senior Cup win over Amesbury, they were simply unable to put their hosts under enough pressure even though they had the man advantage.

The match got off to a flying start and the score was 1-1 after just 8 minutes! Luke Cornish and Mark Reynolds combined to set up Sacha Tong whose shot from the edge of the box was saved by Alex Shaftoe in the visiting goal, however Tong was on hand in the next attack when his team piled men forward and, after Shaftoe had made a save, Tong was on hand to tap in the rebound.

To their credit United went straight on the attack and, after Paul Beavers had been denied by a combination of keeper Simon Crawford and his crossbar, Mark Young’s resulting corner found Simon Millard unmarked and he headed in to equalise.

That was as close as Westbury got to parity all evening as they were torn apart by Cadbury’s pacy attacking play! A quick free kick on 18 was played by Jason Thatcher to Reynolds and back to Thatcher again and he finished with ease to restore the home side’s lead.

Nick Dyer fired a 20 yarder just wide and Joe Chandler headed a George Boon corner over before their team had Cornish red carded for a flying challenge on David Whyte after half an hour of play. The turning point of the game came with Whyte off the pitch receiving treatment after Cornish’s challenge and, with the teams briefly playing 10 v 10, Thatcher rifled in an unstoppable 30 yarder into the top corner to make it 3-1!

Heath continued to attack with pace, dropping the impressive Tong back into midfield where he was arguably more dangerous than up front. They could have scored again before half time ; Danny Hallett shot over the bar, while after another Boon corner kick Gary Tugwell did well to block efforts  by Reynolds and Dwain James.

Westbury did have a spell of pressure with the break approaching, but were unable to make any clear cut chances out of several corner kicks and crosses which were well defended.

Any hope United had of making a comeback after half time was ended by Tong on 51 when his pace allowed him to cut inside from the left wing and fire in a fine strike that wrong footed Shaftoe.

There were a few openings which gave the chance to reduce their arrears ; Luke Stanley had a cross deflected towards the goal which Crawford did well to parry and Young headed over from Tugwell’s resulting corner. Crawford’s best piece of work of the night came when Young set up Stephen Fox who saw an excellent shot tipped over the bar.

Reynolds and substitute Jason Base had opportunities to score a 5th for the home team but Reynolds skewed an effort wide after Tong had set him up, while Shaftoe saved Base’s header from another Boon corner.

The last chance fell to Tugwell with a 20 yard free kick but his low shot went narrowly wide.

*STAR MAN – Sacha Tong (Cadbury Heath)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Luke Stanley, Tom Whyte, David Whyte, Mark Gerrish, Gary Tugwell,
          Beau Blakeman, Paul Beavers, Paul Gittins, Simon Millard, Mark Young
SUBS – Stephen Fox, Matt Friendship, Jason Collier (used) Nick Mead, Carl Crabtree (unused)

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Saturday 15 October 2011

UNITED END THE ROT BUT A POINT COULD HAVE BEEN THREE!
Hengrove Athletic 1-1 Westbury United

Westbury ended their 5 match losing run in the league, but the point they gained from this highly entertaining draw really could have been 3 points for a win! After a surprisingly goalless first half, United scored first before conceding a penalty just a few minutes after the home side had had a man sent off. With his squad ravaged by injuries to 5 first choice players, Sam Gooding brought Bobby Mitchell back to the Club and he played an important guiding role in the centre of midfield.

Goalscoring chances came thick and fast throughout the opening 45 minutes with play flowing in an attacking end to end style and both sides hit the woodwork with excellent strikes. For Westbury, Beau Blakeman went close on 4 occasions with home keeper Courtney Redwood saving twice, Simon Millard had a few efforts while both Gary Tugwell and Matt Mead also had attempts. For Hengrove, Shane Cummins had 3 shots, Ricky Charlton went close twice and James Dunn had a single attempt and of those Westbury keeper Alex Shaftoe saved well twice.

The nearest Westbury came was when Bobby Mitchell struck a wonderful 35 yarder that crashed against the crossbar on 31 and at the other end Charlton almost put his side ahead a minute before the break when his lovely 20 yard free kick hit Shaftoe’s right hand post.

Millard opened the scoring with his 2nd goal in consecutive games on 53 when he got in behind and, after taking a moment to weigh up his options, took the correct one by finishing well across the face of goal and into the far corner.

The match then continued where it had left off with yet more end to end play and plenty of opportunities for both teams. Athletic had openings for Lee Webb, Scott Lewis twice, and Ben Crewe with Shaftoe making several fine saves. United could have doubled their lead through Luke Stanley, Jason Collier and Nick Mead twice with most of those chances coming from set pieces and Redwood saved his side with 2 good pieces of work.

With 15 minutes remaining there was an incident between Tugwell and Dunn which saw the home player raise his hands and receive a straight red card and Tugwell a yellow card. Within a minute however Hengrove were gifted an opportunity to equalise when Tom Whyte handled the ball inside the box and a penalty was awarded ; Crewe stepped up and scored with ease to make it 1-1.

From that point on only United came close to winning as Neil Grant from close range and Stanley with a free kick forced Redwood into saves.

*STAR MEN – Courtney Redwood (Hengrove Athletic) & Bobby Mitchell (Westbury United)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Luke Stanley, Tom Whyte, David Whyte, Jason Collier, Gary Tugwell,
           Matt Mead, Bobby Mitchell, Simon Millard, Beau Blakeman, Nick Mead
SUBS – Mark Young, Neil Grant (used) Luke Mitten, Allan Clarke (unused)

[Andy]

TOOLSTATION LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
Saturday 22 October 2011

6TH DEFEAT IN 7 AND A CONTROVERSIAL DECISION HURTS UNITED
Elmore 2-0 Westbury United

Westbury slipped to their 6th defeat in their last 7 league matches away to surprise league pace setters Elmore. The home side have improved significantly from the last few seasons, playing the same open, attacking style of football but with a stronger defence leading to better results. As for United, their team spirit couldn’t be denied and they were the victims of a few poor refereeing decisions.

Westbury had the better of the opening half hour and Elmore keeper Luke Phillips did well to save from Simon Millard and Beau Blakeman while the same players also had efforts that went off target.

Elmore’s young strike trio began to cause problems towards half time with Alex Shaftoe forced into fine goalkeeping to deny Tom Kelly, Aaron Deeks and Kieron Rapo, however Shaftoe was helpless on 38 minutes when Kelly and Rapo combined to set up Luke Passmore who hit a fine first time strike to make it 1-0.

Play flowed from end to end after half time and Paul Beavers came agonisingly close to equalising when Phillips flapped at Nick Mead’s corner and Beavers touched the ball just wide! Nick Mead himself then got in and skewed his effort into the side netting. At the other end Rapo and Deeks were guilty of poor finishing from close range before Shaftoe saved well after a fine piece of skilful play by Kelly. Millard headed one chance wide and in his United’s next attack Beavers had a shot blocked which Millard latched on to and put an overhead effort wide.

More chances came at both ends when Luke Stanley’s superb fizzing cross was put wide by Beavers and Deeks played in Rapo who forced Shaftoe into another save. However the game’s main talking point came on 81 when, with Westbury seeking an equaliser, the home team launched a pacy counter attack that saw Rapo break into the box and be challenged by David Whyte ; the referee awarded a penalty and then consulted with his Assistant (he went ahead with the spot kick decision despite the consultation and later admitted to not wanting to be seen to change his original decision!) ;  Rapo struck the kick past Shaftoe to seal the points for his side.

*STAR MEN – Kieron Rapo (Elmore) & Alex Shaftoe (Westbury United)

TEAM – Alex Shaftoe, Luke Stanley, Tom Whyte, David Whyte, Matt Friendship, Gary Tugwell,
            Mark Young, Paul Beavers, Simon Millard, Beau Blakeman, Nick Mead,
SUBS – Matt Mead, Kieron Kiff, Neil Grant (used) Sam Gooding (unused)

Forthcoming Fixtures
Sat 29 Oct, Melksham Town, HOME, League, 3pm
Sat 5 Nov, Wellington Town, HOME, League, 3pm
Sat 12 Nov, Downton, Away, Wiltshire Senior Cup 2nd Round, 3pm
Sat 19 Nov, Calne Town, Away, League, 3pm
Sat 26 Nov, Shepton Mallet, HOME, League, 3pm