WILTS SENIOR CUP

Biddestone 3, Westbury United 1

BIDDESTONE dismissed the challenge of a leg-weary Westbury to book their place in the second round of the Wilts Senior Cup.

For several members of the Westbury squad this was their fifth match in seven days and the fatigue soon set in for the White Horse men.

Biddestone, on the contrary, played like thoroughbreds, easily leaping every hurdle their visitors from Meadow Lane put up.

The hosts had obviously learned from last Wednesday's mauling at Larkhall, because the defence stuck to the Westbury forwards like glue.

Such was their dominance that 17-year-old goalkeeper Luke Purnell had just one task on his Biddestone debut - to pick the ball out of his own net in stoppage time.

Lee Meaden's 91st minute strike did little to lift the Westbury spirits as Biddestone rejoiced at a gloomy Yatton Road.

Manager Graham Learmonth praised his defenders for the way they protected Purnell on his first start for the club.

He said: "I thought the back four were superb. Tim Tasker and Ryan Trowbridge won everything in the air and on the ground.

"We started very well and I thought the 2-0 scoreline flattered Westbury at half-time.

"But give credit to them, they had a good go at it in the second half. Even so, I thought it was a comfortable victory."

Westbury boss Paul Brickley said Saturday's match was "one game too far" for his players, who were out on their feet at the final whistle.

He said: "Some of these lads have played nine matches in 11 days. I have never seen a side get in behind us like Biddestone did today - that can only be down to tiredness. Well done to Leo and Biddestone. they were the better side on the day.

"I've told my lads they must make a choice between our under 18s side and the first team - it will be one or the other from now on."

Biddestone were already in total control before Dan Harvey's opener after 25 minutes.

From Dan Lardner's corner, Westbury stopper Nick Evans misjudged his punch and the ball cannoned off Harvey's head into the empty net.

Lardner made it 2-0 five minutes later when he arrived unmarked to turn Ollie Gee's centre beyond Evans.

James Tindle struck a post before the break as the home side threatened to score at will.

Another mistake from Evans presented substitute Rob Pocock with an easy finish 10 minutes from time.

Meaden's consolation was perhaps more than Westbury deserved.