WESTBURY UNITED 2-1 FALMOUTH TOWN
Falmouth Town were unable to capitalise on a promising first half display here at Westbury United, and ultimately succumbed to another narrow 2-1 away defeat as they endeavour to secure their safety in the Southern League South Division 1 for another season.
A few changes were rung by manager Andy Westgarth after the disappointing performance against Helston Athletic on Tuesday, with Ned Symons starting at right full- back, Luke Brabyn selected wide on the right, Ollie Walker lining up wide on the left and Luke Barner moving into the #10 role.
In an even first 10 minutes there were no chances created from either side but 15 minutes in came an opportunity for Westbury. A good move down the right flank resulted in a cut-back to the edge of the box, but the on-rushing midfielder could only launch it over the bar as he struck it first time.
The game remained at 0-0 until 21 minutes. Another home attack was launched and the ball broke to Westbury’s Ben Starr in the penalty box. He curled a left foot shot in the top corner of the Falmouth goal past Morgan Coxhead. A quality finish and Falmouth had it all to do.
Falmouth were equal to the challenge though and 4 minutes later Rubin Wilson latched on to a great through ball from Luke Brabyn. As he rounded Rob Brown in the Westbury goal, he was brought down in the box and it was a penalty to Falmouth. Top scorer Wilson got up and confidently placed the penalty down the middle for the equaliser.
Soon after, a long clearance found Falmouth’s Luke Barner on the half-way line. With a clever touch he evaded the Westbury centre-half and bore down on the goal. With only the keeper to beat he took his shot early but Brown was equal to it and the chance was gone.
The half finished at 1-1 which was a fair reflection of the game.
The second half started with Westbury on the front foot. Ten minutes had elapsed when manager Westgarth opted to replace Ned Symons with Freddie Walter after Symons had picked up a booking, but it had been a solid performance from the promising young defender.
Falmouth’s intensity seemed to have dropped marginally and they started to concede a number of corners. However, it was Falmouth who created the next chance of note 20 minutes in. A good Falmouth attack resulted in Ollie Walker receiving the ball in space on the edge of the Westbury area. Unselfishly he opted to square it to Barner but his effort was thwarted by a good defensive block.
Falmouth replaced Luke Brabyn with Jared Sims after 24minutes as they tried to take control of the game, but 4 minutes later they had conceded again. A Falmouth corner was cleared to just outside the area but possession could not be retained and the pacy Westbury left-winger broke clear and carried the ball all the way into the Falmouth box. Keeping his cool he picked out Ben Starr who bagged his brace with a cool finish past Coxhead.
Although still not being on top it was Falmouth who created the next chance when a cross from the left flank found Rubin Wilson at the far post, but his header forced a quality reflex save from Brown and Westbury retained their lead.
Westbury continued to force lots of corners but in the end the game finished at 2-1. It was another narrow defeat but, in summary, Falmouth were guilty of missing chances at key points of the game and the final result, although close, was probably a fair one given Westbury’s superiority in 2nd half.
GOALS:
Westbury United
Ben Starr: 15′ & 63′
Falmouth Town
Rubin Wilson: 25′ (Pen)
Att: 325
Falmouth now look forward to another tough challenge as they welcome in-form Malvern Town to Bickland Park on Tuesday evening. They will need all the support their loyal followers can offer as they bid to turn some of their games-in-hand into wins to finish as high up the league table as possible.
Westbury: Rob Brown, Steve Hulbert, Aaron Cockerill, Dan Restorick, Jack Witcombe, Charlie Wooding, Bevan Cross, Ben Starr, Ben Ashfield, Will Taylor, Jamie Jordan. Subs: Jake Hutchings, Keegan Smart, Leon Greenland, Ed Butcher, Thomas Mack.