Tues 12th Dec. Southern League Division One South Frome Town 3 Westbury United 1
THE local derby saw three goals and most importantly three points for Frome Town as they defeated local side Westbury United.
With the clubs’ stadiums just a 14-minute drive apart, stakes for the match were always going to be high, and Frome will be delighted to get one over their noisy neighbours. However, they didn’t find it easy, especially in the first-half which was a scrappy affair to say the least, with neither side able to get a proper foothold in the game.
A match with plenty of long balls and fouls, Frome recorded their first proper chance in the 34th minute, as a cross from the right caused problems amongst the Westbury defence and James Ollis was there to meet it, unfortunately he couldn’t connect with it properly and the ball was subsequently cleared.
Skilful winger Marcus Day created a good chance just a few minutes later, receiving the ball down the left, he cut inside, beating his man, but could only curl his effort wide of the post. Half-time arrived and some magic was needed to get Frome back playing to the levels we’ve seen before, and that is exactly what manager Danny Greaves provided.
Straight after half-time the Robins found themselves ahead through Kane Simpson, as he got on to the end of Alex Monks’ through ball, composed himself as he always does and slotted past keeper Jonny Hill.
The BA11 side weren’t ahead for long however, in the 51st minute another Westbury cross was finally met at the back post and slotted home by Harvey Flippance.
Frome were under the cosh for the next five minutes having to deal with plenty of long balls and corners, but Maidment, Mitchell and Wood marshalled the back line expertly and continued exchanging passes whenever possible.
This is what led to Frome’s second goal in the 64th minute. Sticking to the game plan, the defence kept the ball until an opening was spotted – a pass played in to Simpson was flicked forward by the number nine and although Zak Drew’s low cross evaded Ollis, Marcus Day was there to make amends, picking the ball up, cutting in and this time firing his effort in to the back of the net.
The next 25 minutes saw plenty of substitutes with Jon Davies and Sam Teale coming on, with both having a big impact, but no real action, with Frome nullifying the White Horse men’s attack for the majority.
The three points were then secured in the 91st minute with a third goal, Frome’s substitutes being at the forefront of it, with Teale’s cut back being met by Davies, who side footed his effort in to the bottom corner, another Greaves masterclass.
Match report and live updates by Harrison Richards.
