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Subs: Middleton, Olver, Sinclair 

A late kick off for the team this morning, hopefully that will not effect them, and they can build on the last two impressive displays.  Malvern Town Wanderers are another team who have split into two, again both in our league, so we will have to find out what the split is.  Again another perfect footballing day, bright sunshine, not too cold not to hot, the Malvern pitch is bigger than our home ground, but hopefully this will not cause an issue.  The match got underway and right from the off Russell started off how he ended the last game, pushing down the wing, and forcing an early corner.  It was easily defended by Malvern who look quite a nice side even this early in the game.  Our defensive duo of Price and Woodland, who have been the pick of the team in the first two games rightfully kept their place in the staring line up, and it was Price who was again having a storming start dealing with most balls that come near him.  McNab was getting into the game the ball landed to him and he got off a quick shot but couldn’t get any power behind it.  Again we have another team looking to use the long ball to spring the attacker free, but with the closing down from Price and Woodland, and Howl making himself big, the Malvern striker shot wide, good defence but a warning for us.  McNab and Lister had a lovely 1 – 2 down the line but the final ball was just too strong and it ran out.  Malvern are very good at working themselves up the line using throw-ins and on a number of occasions they used this to great effect, the resulting cross was expertly dealt with by Howl.  A fine punt up field from Howl put the Malvern defence under pressure an attempted clearance landed at Hood who put his foot right through the ball unfortunately straight at the keeper, good effort though. 

The game at this point was evenly balanced, the coaches decided to make a double change, McNab off Middleton on, Lister off Sinclair on.  Remember both McNab and Sinclair are now to the team and in fact new to competitive matches, and so far they are acquitting themselves very well. 

Russell is again trying to work down the wing and feed off Hood, who is having a tough game against the two best Malvern players who are the spine of the opposition team. 

Sub – Russell off Olver on 

Olver fresh from his international break headed off on one of his trademark runs down the line, with rugby esq handoffs!  All of a sudden the ref blew for half time, the time seamed to have flown by. 

Half Time 0 - 0 

Second half and Malvern started with force, but it was the Westbury wall of Price and Woodland, who where solid in defence and are looking like a great pairing, clearing the ball up field and leaving the Malvern striker ball less next to the goal.  Now either a wonderful bit of vision or good fortune, the clearance, was punted back by Malvern and the ball landed right at the feet of the, previously stranded Malvern striker, in a few years time he would have been offside by a country mile, not today though 1- 0, it must be said the first touch and the strike, was excellent from the Malvern front man,  nothing Howl could do. 

Bit of a swap round bringing McNab back on into defence, Price coming off, who has had another solid game so far, against a quick and tall Malvern striker.  Malvern are pressing hard, to double the lead, but the Westbury defence is holding firm, everyone except Middleton, who is waiting attack on the counter, are back helping out. 

Lister back on in the middle of the park this time on for Hood who has had a good and tough game, battling I would say the 2 stronger Malvern players who are the spine of the opposition, well done.  Malvern again are pressing, Middleton is back helping out in midfield, giving as good as he gets for the no nonsense Malvern player, good battle Sam, 

The Malvern pressure eventually paid off and they managed to squeeze a ball through the Westbury defence, to the fast striker, who again it must be said finished very well.  2 - 0 Howl again could not do any more than he did, I don’t think anyone would have saved the goals, in fact the score would have been higher if it had not been for Howl’s keeping. .  Almost again straight from the restart a wide ball to the Malvern playing who had been patiently waiting on the wing, an accurate cross, and a strong volley. 3-0. Even 3 goals down the lads kept battling which is a credit to them and the team spirit they have at the moment,   the coach decided to change to formation and go 2 -2 – 2 bringing Woodland on up front, hoping his physical play will be able to nick a goal. Olver now on the wing is aching to press forward, on one of his jinking runs, but this is not nearly 40 minutes in, and understandable all the lads a tired, excellent effort lads. 

The whistle blew it was all over, Westbury look a little down, but not out by any means, they know that a few tweaks here and there and the next game will be a lot closer. 

Full Time 3 - 0 

A difficult one to sum up really, Malvern are a good side nothing special, but do do the basics very well, Westbury battled well and never gave up hope which has to be applauded, well done all don’t forget we get a chance to avenge the defeat next week as we have the same team in the Cup !