MATCH REPORT: Chippenham Town 3-3 Westbury United (5-4 pens) | Wiltshire Premier Shield Semi-Final | Tuesday 9th January 2024
The Bluebirds progress to the final.
A match played in sub-zero temperatures appeared to be heading the way of current holders Westbury United after they fought back from a goal down to lead 1-3 shortly after the break only for Bluebirds substitute Caine Bradbury to score twice in the final quarter of an hour, the equalizer coming in the ninetieth minute.
That saw the tie decided on penalties which the Bluebirds won 5-4. It was Chippenham’s first Wiltshire Premier Shield game of the season after receiving a bye and then scheduled opponents Swindon Town withdrawing meaning the Bluebirds went through to the final which will be against Swindon Supermarine.
Chippenham started with six regular members of the first team squad but it was the Southern League South who visitors were the first to show on two minutes as Emmanuel Adepitan’s free kick was saved by Alex Avenell.
Nine minutes later Craig Fasanmade broke the Westbury back line and laid the ball to Tyreke Johnson whose sho was blocked and Pele Kouissoue’s follow-up effort was off target. Bevan Cross, who is on loan to Westbury from Chippenham then saw Avenall save his shot whilst Ryan Bole’s effort from distance was high and wide.
The Bluebirds took the lead on nineteen minutes after keeper Jonathan Hill repelled a shot but Fasanmade was on hand to tap home.
Midway through the half Bole’s free kick saw Avenell save Kieran Bailey’s headed effort.
Just before the half hour George Box’s shot hit a post whilst Cross’s shot was easily saved.
On thirty two minutes Kouisseoue latched on to a through ball and his shot dipped over the bar.
A minute later Westbury equalized as a short corner routine was headed home by another Chippenham loanee Jasper Jones.
Cross then saw another effort saved before Westbury took the lead on thirty seven minutes with a fine strike from Cross.
Before the break Ethan Witchel’s scuffed shot was saved whilst at the other end Jones was off target whilst the final action of the half saw Avenell pull off a fine save.
HALF TIME: Chippenham Town 1-2 Westbury United
At the start of the second half Charlie Walton shot wide before he found the net on fifty minutes after beating two defenders.
That goal seemed to galvanise the Bluebirds and Tom Owen-Evans twice went close with headed efforts the first from a Tom Mehew cross was touched over by Hill and the second from a Johnson cross went wide.
Chippenham brought on Caine Bradbury, Harley Vozza and Darren McAllister and foughrt their way back in the match although Westbury wasted several chances to extend their lead before Bradbury poked home on seventy eight minutes and that set up a grand stand finish with Bradbury equalizing in the final minute of normal time.
The game ended 3-3 and went straight to penalties, with the Bluebirds scoring all five whilst Westbury’s third penalty was saved by Alex Avenell.
FULL TIME: Chippenham Town 3-3 Westbury United
Chippenham: Alex Avenell, Ethan Witchell, Sam Hill, Nat Williams, Tom Mehew, Owen Allison, Mal Nicholls, Tom Owen-Evans, Pele Kouisseoue, Tyreke Johnson, Craig Fasanmade subs used: Darren McAllister, Caine Bradbury, Harley Vozza unused: Leo Rendal, Will Henry
Westbury: Jonathan Hill, Stephen Hulber, Ryan Bole, Emmanuel Adepitan, Kieran Bailey, Sean Keet,, Harvey Flippance, Charlie Walton, George Box, Jasper Jones, Bevan Cross subs used: Craig Loxton, Ben Starr unused: Jacob Hutchings, Ashton Stanley, Ricky Hulbert, Ben Griffiths, Aaron Cockerill
Ref: Dan Lamport
Ass Refs: Ben Williamson, Adam Bewley
4th Official: Robert Herrett
Att: 130
