An energetic performance by midfielder Ashley Groves, who did a great job on Longwell Green playmaker Neil Rosslee, along with another fine display by goalkeeper Nick Evans paved the way for Westbury holding their promotion chasing visitors to a draw.

In some respects second placed Green only have themselves to blame for not winning as striker Dave Parnell was guilty of several bad misses, however they should also have had a penalty in the first half.

And United, who were largely outplayed in the opening period, came to the fore in an exciting second half where both teams could have snatched the points.

Rosslee played the ball through to Parnell early on and, with just Evans to beat, he saw the Westbury keeper make a fine save with his legs.

Evans then made a fingertip save to turn Simon Warren's 25 yarder round his right hand post.

There was quite a battle between Groves and Rosslee, the latter being booked for his part in an off the ball incident, and it took until the 25th minute for Westbury's first chance : Wayne Wheeler stretching to make contact in the box but the ball bouncing out of his reach.

Somehow Green failed to take the lead before half time : Parnell broke through and set up Chris Dauncey but Evans saved at point blank range, Parnell again denied by Evans after he'd worked a good opening and after the ball wasn't cleared he conspired to put the ball wide when in acres of space!

The penalty incident came on 35 : again it was Parnell creating the opening and he was brought down inside the box by Lee Morgan, but no spot kick was awarded to the surprise of people from both sides.

As the half drew to a close Nick Ridout tried his luck with a free kick but the ball sailed a yard over the bar, before Sayeed Ibrahim defended well to stop Warren in his tracks.

The second half started in much the same vein with Parnell bursting through but, one on one with Evans, he again dragged the ball wide of the target.

Westbury became much more dangerous from that point on with Wheeler and Nathan Hallett attacking quickly. Groves had an effort deflected over the bar and Hallett struck the ball over after good work by Ibrahim. Wheeler outpaced Ryan Gardiner and, after his cross-shot had been deflected for a corner, Matty Smith's flag kick was scrambled away.

Play flowed from end to end : Longwell's Chris Churchill setting up Ben Pope who fizzed an angled drive inches wide, Wheeler crossing to Dan Kovacs but his header went over the bar and Evans doing well to save when Chris Alway had time and space to shoot.

Hallett had the best chances in the closing stages with Mark Britton making his only meaningful save of the day and another strike going wide.

*STAR MEN - Ashley Groves & Nick Evans (Westbury United) TEAM - Nick Evans, Sayeed Ibrahim, Bobby Mitchell, Dan Dominy, Nick Ridout, Lee Morgan, Ashley Groves, Matty Smith, Dan Kovacs, Wayne Wheeler, Nathan Hallett. SUBS - Tarick Yachou (used) Matt Mead, Mark Pearce (unused)

First Team Remaining Fixtures

Westbury United have just two home matches left, with the most important being the Easter Monday local derby against Shrewton United which kicks off at 3pm.

The remaining away fixtures are mostly against fellow mid-table sides so represent a good chance to push for a top half finish in the league.

Tues 31 March, Shepton Mallet, HOME, 7.45pm

Sat 4 April, Clevedon Utd, Away, 3pm

Sat 11 April, Minehead Town, Away, 3pm

Easter Monday 13 April, Shrewton Utd, HOME, 3pm

Sat 18 April, Bridport, Away, 3pm

Sat 25 April, Hengrove Athletic, Away, 3pm

Sat 2 May, Roman Glass St George, Away, 3pm