Saturday 27th December
Westbury Utd 1-2 Melksham Town
Melksham snatched a late winner away against local rivals Westbury in a captivating game of football on a freezing December afternoon.
Bevan Cross put the home side ahead just five minutes into the game. His teammate won ball on the left-hand side after a defensive blunder from Melksham, set up Cross perfectly who drilled it home to open the scoring.
Melksham regained some confidence following their concession; beginning to cause problems for Westbury and having the occasional half-chance. There were even shouts for a Melksham penalty which the referee controversially brushed off.
After another 10 minutes of exciting end-to-end football, there was a second shout for a Melksham penalty. This time, the referee didn’t hesitate to point to the spot after Olly Mehew was bundled over, much to the delight of the travelling supporters. Jamal Lawrence calmly picked his spot and rifled the ball into the bottom right corner to level matters.
Both teams were fighting hard to put their side back in front, but the closest either side got was a Westbury overhead kick which was put just over. As a result, the teams headed down the half time-tunnel all square.
The second half saw a change in Melksham, opting to go direct on occasions. Westbury kept firmly pressing for a goal but the Melksham defence showed no signs of cracking.
Melksham’s second goal came late on in the game when a clever flicked header from Levi Irving after a pinpoint cross from Finn Bell, beat the Westbury keeper at the near post. Irving wheeled away in celebration as he was met with pure elation from the away supporters.
With the game creeping to an end, a last-minute volleyed effort from captain Mark Cooper smashed against the crossbar, inches away from putting his side two goals in front.
The boys in black and yellow head into the new year delighted to have made the comeback against their rivals, while Westbury returned to the dressing room disheartened to have let their early lead slip.
MOTM: Nathan Davis
Report: Lewis Kent
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