A LATE freak goal helped put Hallen in the driving seat for the league title on Tuesday night but Westbury manager Derek Graham was full of praise for his side's performance.

With one game remaining Hallen are three points ahead of Bristol Manor Farm and Bitton but they were made to work hard for Tuesday's three points.

With the score at 1-0 with minutes remaining a long clearance was carried by the wind and Westbury keeper Mark Batters missed it to give their striker an open goal to seal the points.

Before this Westbury has defended stoically and should have taken the lead early on when Wayne Wheeler put a header wide of goal.

The defeat means Westbury have now lost 13 of their last 16 games.

Said Graham: "We played really well on Tuesday against the top side in the division. Their winning goal was a fluke and that finished us. Youngsters Mike Little and Rob Taylor both played very well for us."

Westbury can still play a big part in the title race as they entertain Bristol Manor Farm tomorrow.

Graham said: "Having been looking as though we were going to win something it has been hard. We have gone to places where we normally win easily but we have played with no heart and lost. It shouldn't happen but I can understand it."