Report

This was Westbury’s third consecutive win, an achievement they haven’t managed for nearly 2 years, and it was thoroughly deserved after a strong all round performance against a side who had won their last 4 games. New signing Jamie Mines made his debut up front and set up the second goal after scoring the opener from the penalty spot.

The match got off to a fast start with chances at both ends, home winger Simon Millard firing just wide in the opening minute and Lewis Dunn going close twice for Hengrove with Alex Shaftoe making a fine save from the first shot.

When United launched a rapid counter attack on seven minutes, Mark Young played the ball to Millard who ran into the penalty area and was tripped up by Hengrove keeper Courtney Redwood to win a penalty. Mines took responsibility for the spot kick and struck it low to Redwood’s right and into the net to open the scoring.

The visitors drew level on 11 when Westbury’s defence allowed Marcus Maggs too much space and he squared the ball to Ricky Clarke who had all the time in the world to pick his spot.

Maggs came within inches of giving his side the lead on 35 when a fine move between Clarke and Ben Crewe created an opening for Maggs to make a fierce attempt that crashed against the crossbar and bounced down just in front of the goal line!

Westbury pushed forward towards half time and, after David Whyte had forced Redwood to save an on-target 30 yarder, they went ahead again on 42. Mines showed excellent speed to retrieve the ball on the left wing and played it to Beau Blakeman who sent Millard running into the box and he finished well with his left foot.

United started the second half at a great pace and had three chances to increase their lead. First Mines went on a run and forced Redwood to save a 20 yard shot. Blakeman then played in Young and he curled his shot wide from the edge of the box. Finally, with the Hengrove defence stretched, Young set up Millard who missed a glorious opening when one-on-one with Redwood by skewing his finish wide.

Having failed to go further ahead Westbury then came under increasing pressure as Hengrove pushed men forward in search of an equaliser. Shaftoe made routine saves from shots by Clarke and Ricky Charlton while Ben Crewe dragged an effort wide when well placed. United managed to hold on to their lead and almost added a third goal when Mines headed over from Gary Tugwell’s corner.