WESTBURY manager Paul Brickley has told his players to toughen up if they want to be considered genuine contenders for promotion next season.
Brickley has not given up hope of catching third-placed Street, but the Meadow Lane chief knows time is running out for his mis-firing side.
Two calamitous errors by goalkeeper Nick Evans condemned Westbury to defeat against neighbours Shrewton on Tuesday night in a game that was dominated by the White Horse men from start to finish.
Westbury hit the woodwork twice, had a penalty saved and found the side netting three times, but the game will ultimately be remembered for Evans' misfortune.
Manager and former goalkeeper Brickley said: "Nick could be a top-drawer goalkeeper but he needs to be stronger both physically and mentally. I used to shout and scream at my defenders and that's something Nick needs to learn. He's done really well this year, but it's tough in the Western League.
"Sometimes in football you don't get what you deserve. We battered Shrewton for 90 minutes. I thought we played as well as we have done since Christmas." Shrewton defender Michael Ball escaped punishment for a clear hand-ball in the first minute as the visitors pressured the home defence.
Four minutes later the hosts took a surprise lead when Evans dropped Michael Brownless' long ball and Lee Weekes fired home from close range. Westbury rattled the woodwork twice in as many minutes. First Aaron Billett directed Matty Bown's centre onto the crossbar and then Wayne Wheeler saw his strike hit a post and roll across the line to safety.
Shrewton doubled their lead after 14 minutes. Slack marking allowed Dean Foot space to side-foot past Evans from the edge of the box.
Luke Kerley's clumsy challenge on Wheeler gave Steve Seals the chance to reduce the arrears from the spot, but his tame strike was easily gathered by goalkeeper Adam Burwell.
After the action-packed first half, the second period failed to live up to expectations.
Foot wasted Shrewton's only clear chance when he was denied by Evans after a mistake by Seals. Westbury's best effort came courtesy of Pete Ayton's free kick, which was tipped wide by Burwell.
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