SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: WESTBURY United manager Derek Graham saluted strikers Wayne Wheeler and Carl Clarke as his side clinched a surprise victory over sixth placed Elmore at Meadow Lane on Saturday.

Wheeler and Clarke combined to stifle the threat of visiting sweeper Damon Palfrey, who had been so influential in Elmore's 3-0 FA Vase success over Westbury in September.

And Graham felt the goal Wheeler scored 12 minutes from time to secure victory was a just reward for their hard work.

He said: "They are a good side and when we went there in the cup Damon Palfrey ripped us to pieces. The front lads were given the job of closing him down on Saturday and it worked.

"Wayne and Carl worked defensively from the front and did what they were told."

Graham was delighted with only his side's second three-point haul of the season.

He said: "I said a draw would do us before the start but any win we get is a bonus.

"We could have won it by more in the end and had two cleared off the line. That's also two clean sheets in a row after the cup game at Downton, which is really good."

The game got off to a scrappy start with Elmore having the best of the early play before, in the 22nd minute, Colin Last brought a save out of Lewis in the Elmore goal. United then dominated until half-time with Dan Dominey and Wayne Wheeler having half chances to score.

The second half was much more open with both teams looking for goals. Wheeler had a chance straight away but put his lob wide. Elmore had a period of heavy pressure which saw Philpott strike a 30-yard effort inches over and the same player forced a great save out of Mark Batters. From the resulting corner Batters had to save again from Cole. Two minutes later Batters made a third great save from Palfrey's 25-yard free kick.

Again United took control and a lovely passing move involving Dominey and Loic Heroard put Wheeler in but he shot just over. Heroard went close but Lewis saved his shot and from the corner Dominey headed wide. Still United pressed and Carl Clarke's hard work went unrewarded when his 25-yard drive went inches wide.

The goal came in the 82nd minute when, following Elmore's claims for a penalty, a long ball put Wheeler clear with only Lewis to beat. The keeper pushed his first shot onto the post but Wheeler struck the rebound in to give United the three points. United should have scored again in injury time but Matt Burton put his header wide.

Westbury play their third home game in a week tomorrow when Bideford, the Screwfix Direct League's only unbeaten side, visit Meadow Lane.

Said Graham: "It will be a tough game but you never know. Stranger things have happened."