On Tuesday, January 18th, Warminster Town made the short trip to Nursteed Road, Devizes for the Les Phillips Cup qualifying round. Unbeaten in 11 games, the visitors looked to make it a round dozen. In a competitive match, Warminster came off victorious with a two-nil win.
Warminster’s players were energetic and pressed Devizes all over the pitch throughout the game. It was not one-sided, and although the home side is bottom of the league table, they were much improved from the previous league encounter. The match proved to be highly entertaining for the fans and those watching the livestream on YouTube.
Warminster spent much of the early period in the home side’s half and looked the more likely to score. The opening goal came in the 19th minute. Sheppard charged forward towards the goal, the keeper came out but only managed a touch with his right foot, which played the ball to the feet of Mckay, who just inside the 18-yard line lobbed the ball past the keeper. (See the goal on Youtube)
A minute later, Devizes went close. A last-ditch tackle by Jordan De-Silva on Devizes’ number 11 prevented the first shot; however, the attacker saved the ball from crossing the line and fired it back at goal. Thomson produced a fine save, and the ball cleared by Cockerill only up to the edge of the D, which invited another shot from Devizes requiring a good save by Thomson. (See the saves on YouTube)
The second half continued to be a competitive battle between two teams, both working hard. The second goal came on 52 minutes with good work down the right between Gardner and McKay and got the ball through to Wain. Eighteen yards out, Wain struck the ball accurately and gave the keeper little chance of saving it. (See the goal on YouTube)
Warminster played for ten minutes with ten men after the left-back Cockerill was sent to the sin bin. The visitors stayed compact whilst down to ten and battled through the period. This match also saw the return of James Vincent to the club. Vincent moved to Corsham a few seasons ago and made his return off the subs bench. Warminster continues to build the squad and press on to progress, not just in this cup but, more importantly, the league.
Team: Thomson, Humphrey, Cockerill, Graham(c), De Silva, Bartley, Gardner(s), Mortimer-Taylor(s), Sheppard(s), Wain, McKay
Subs: (used) Johnson M, Vincent, Seviour
(unused) Pollock, Miluk