Wootton Bassett Town 2-2 Westbury United
In a match of fluctuating fortunes, Westbury striker Wayne Wheeler netted a late header to take the tie to a replay. United had actually taken an early lead before their hosts dominated much of the second half, including scoring twice to give them a chance of progressing in the competition.
New signing Rhys Schell opened the scoring on 18 minutes after a long period of pressure when he took advantage of an error by home keeper Stewart Thompson to prod the ball into the net.
Schell went close again soon after when his smart turn and strike was turned over the cross bar by Thompson, while an excellent tackle by Luke Sharps denied Wheeler an opening.
Bassett stepped up the pace around the half hour mark and a series of efforts led to last ditch defending by Westbury : Nick Evans saved from Marcus Hall, Alex Green and Sam Collier, the latter save when Collier had already seen a fierce shot cleared off the line by Dan Dominy.
The second half started slowly and only came to life when United defender Lee Morgan was slow to react to clear the ball and allowed Ryan Banks to play it low into the six yard box where Adam Field tapped in the equaliser.
Westbury almost regained their lead immediately but Tarick Yachou’s low shot was saved by Thompson and it was Bassett who scored next on 69 : Green’s goal bound blast was parried by Evans but the ball ran to Banks who powered it into the roof of Evans’ goal.
Westbury attacked in the last ten minutes and two long throw ins by Sayeed Ibrahim caused panic in the home defence : from the first Nathan Hallett had a shot saved by Thompson, but the second flicked off a defender’s head to Wheeler and he looped his header over Thompson to earn the replay.
*STAR MEN : Marcus Hall (Wootton Bassett) & Dan Dominy (Westbury United)
Westbury United: Nick Evans, Sayeed Ibrahim, Luke Smith, Dan Dominy, Mark Pearce, Lee Morgan, Ashley Groves, Matty Smith, Rhys Schell, Wayne Wheeler, Tarick Yachou
Subs – Bobby Mitchell, Dan Kovacs, Nathan Hallett (all used)
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