HEYTESTESBURY COMPLETE TREBLE, TO EDGE CLOSER TO HISTORIC QUAD
Founded in 1900, and after their latest success Trowbridge & District League side Heytesbury are just one more victory away from completing a never before achieved League and cup quadruple.
Already crowned Division One champions and Wiltshire Junior Cup winners, they arrived at Oakfield Stadium, home of Melksham Town FC last night looking to add the Chantry Digital Ltd sponsored Knockout Cup to their already bulging trophy cabinet and on a perfect evening for football and in front of a healthy crowd, Heytesbury prevailed as their better finishing saw of spirited Second division outfit FC Devizes United who despite having their moments in the game suffered a 3-0 loss.
Heytesbury went close to breaking the deadlock on 3 minutes when Reece Collyer’s hopeful 30 yard thunderbolt looked to sailing over the frame of the goal, before dipping at the last moment and rattling the crossbar, much to the surprise of Devizes keeper Aram Hussain who though well beaten by the original shot was alert enough to scramble the rebound to safety.
FC Devizes were knocking the ball around really well, but when it came to the final third of the field they were devoid of ideas and when they did get into a shooting position they found the green wall of Heytesbury defenders in fine form as they protected stand in keeper Connor North.
On 18 minutes, Heytesbury were awarded a free kick, 25 yard from goal, an excellent delivery from Myles Woodward saw the ball fall to Sam Wright who sent the ball across to face of goal to brother Jake who turned the ball home to give Heytesbury the lead.
Heytesbury had the chance to double their lead in the 35th minute after they were awarded a penalty for a push in the area. Reece Collyer stepped up. But could only look on as his effort from 12 yards smash against the post.
Two minutes later Collyer tested the keeper again, although his long range strike was spilled by keeper Hussain he was able to claim it at the second attempt.
On the stroke of half time, Heytesbury made it 2-0 and once again Collyer was in the thick of the action, his cross found Liam Gibbens who made no mistake from close range as gave the villagers a much needed second.
After the break, Devizes knew they had to go in search of goals if they were to have any chance of upsetting the odds and although they huffed and puffed they were let down again by a lack of composure in the finally third and especially the 18 yard box when it really mattered.
The introduction of Cameron Lee and Dalton Bridewell seemed to breath a new life into Devizes and on 70 minutes Lee, forced the first real save of note from keep North, but he was up for the job as he kept the score at 2-0.
Moments later only a great block from Sam Wright denied Jordan Anning and with that chance gone. Devizes, although they never gave up were left deflated and with minutes remaining Heytesbury finally ended any lingering hopes of a Devizes fightback, sloppy play by both teams, resulted in Jake Wright bundling the ball home for his second of the evening.
A few minutes later referee Declan McEniry blew the final whistle to start Heytesbury’s Knockout Cup winning celebrations, ahead of what promises to be one hell of a party if they manage to beat Westbury United Reserves at Meadow Lane next Tuesday in the PAH Accounting sponsored A&B Cup Final.
Match officials George Rabczak (Assistant Referee), Referee, Declan McEniry and Assistant Referee Oderico Rossi and Fourth Official Ali Brewer.
The Knockout Cup – sponsored by Chantry Digital Ltd was presented to Heytesbury Club Captain Dan Dicks and match day captain Sam Wright by League Chair, Sam Gooding along with Colin Kennerson.
The Man of the match trophy was awarded to Heytesbury’s Sam Wright.