North Gloucester League
Premier Division
Westbury on Severn 2, Mushet United 2
THIS was the tester for Westbury. A home clash against the league leaders offered the opportunity to see whether or not promotion this season is a realistic proposition.
It was a game both teams were anxious to win and it was fast and furious – occasionally too furious as Mushet had a player sent off – encounter in which the honours were shared.
Mushet have made no secret of their ambition to gain promotion and this, they say, is their season.
But Westbury are just as ambitious and determined.
"We were in the Northern Senior League three years ago and we would very much like to get back there," said manager Clive Tempest.
Sporting new kit and watched by Stephen Freed representing Castle, Westbury held their own in this classic local derby and they certainly looked good enough to play a standard higher.
They are presently in fourth place in the Premier Division and still in with a chance of success in the Hospital Cup competition having reached the quarter finals.
Tempest said that after a slow start performances had improved week on week and they had now gone four weeks without defeat.
Saturday's goals were scored by Andrew Jayne and Martyn Webb and Webb together with Rob Snellgrove are the club's leading scorers this term.
Strength in depth is important and Tempest is pleased Westbury's reserve team is also doing well – they are in a mid-table position in North Gloucester League Division Two.
Most of the players have village connections and Tempest praised the players for their loyalty to the club.
Football has always played a part in Westbury's social life and there has been a club in the village for many years. They celebrate their centenary in 2007.