Derby victory gets Durbin’s reign at Larkhall off to a flier

John Durbin’s reign as Larkhall Athletic’s permanent manager got off to the perfect start as his charges secured a 1-0 derby success at Westbury United on Saturday 10th January.

John Durbin’s first game as Larkhall Athletic’s permanent manager resulted in a 1-0 victory here at Westbury United on Saturday 10th January | Photo © Richard Briggs

The former Paulton Rovers joint boss had guided the Larks to three wins on the trot after being named interim gaffer last month.

And a day after being installed as Athletic’s chief on Friday 9th January, he masterminded the Pitching In Southern League Division One South triumph at Platinum Hyundai Park.

A goal from Dawid Regula settled the encounter, which was watched by a crowd of 257.

Regula struck in the 57th minute after the White Horse Men gave away possession.

Man of the match for the visitors was keeper Liam Armstrong for a string of superb saves, including tipping onto his bar an effort from Ben Starr just before half-time.

Larkhall starting XI: Liam Armstrong, Jeff Forkuo, Spencer Dymond-Hall, Sam Boulton, Lewis Graham, Will Banks, Alex Camm, Jack Camm, Dawid Regula, Milo Murgatroyd, Freddie King.

The Larks will take on Exmouth Town at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 17th January in another league game (3pm).

Athletic hold eighth place in the table, one place and two points behind the Devon club.

Meanwhile, Durbin has announced his backroom team.

A statement from the Larks said: “Andy Crabtree remains with the club and will continue as the assistant manager and goalkeeper coach.

“Crabby has been a constant at the Larks and will continue to provide a wealth of experience and knowledge to the club.

“Durbs has added a new face into the management team, as Ryan King joins as a first-team coach.

“During his playing career, Ryan featured for Salisbury, Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon Town, Bridgwater and Backwell United before making the transition into coaching, initially as a player-coach at Nailsea.

“Ryan spent six years with Clevedon Town as an under-18s’ coach and first-team coach.

“Ben Harris will continue as the strength and conditioning coach, and Chelsie Hextall remains as the sports therapist.”

Subsequently, Rob York returned to Plain Ham as kit manager.

Larkhall Development got the better of visitors Devizes Town Reserves to move into second place in the Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division.

The Larks recorded a 4-1 victory at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 10th January for their second big win in two games after their shock reverse at Park United over Christmas.

Home keeper Kit Bond saved a 25th-minute penalty from Liam Moffat to keep the game goal-less. And James Okell headed Athletic in front two minutes later.

Ben Wickens doubled the advantage in the 75th minute but a 25-yarder from the guests’ Luke Reed reduced the arears.

However, Arlo Stone’s 18-yarder restored the Larks’ two-goal cushion and, with two minutes remaining, Angus Williamson curled the ball home to finish off a 10-pass move and make it 4-1.

Larkhall acknowledged that the scoreline was harsh on Devizes.

The Devs face a crucial league match on Saturday 17th January – away to their Swindon Supermarine counterparts, who are third in the table. Kick-off will be at 2pm.