Two goals in injury-time hand Larks victory in dramatic derby

Larkhall Athletic scored twice in injury-time to secure a dramatic Pitching In Southern League victory over neighbours Westbury United on Saturday 18th October.

Dawid Regula, on the ground, watches his header nestle in the net to put Larkhall 3-2 up against Westbury United on Saturday 18th October | Photo © Phil Scovell

The White Horse Men looked to have earned a point from the Division One South match at the Camella Stadium when they came from 2-0 down to level late on.

But the Larks netted in the fourth and eighth additional minutes to snatch a remarkable 4-2 win from a thrilling derby that was watched by a crowd of 253.

The result ensured Athletic took their points haul to seven from three matches across eight days and lifted them into ninth place in the table.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Larkhall created a chance in the second minute. Dawid Regula moved into the box, held off Westbury’s Jamie Jordan and shot – but his low effort was too weak to cause keeper Joel Manning-Butler any problems.

Dawid Regula celebrates his goal for Larkhall Athletic against Westbury United at the Camella Stadium on Saturday 18th October | Photo © Phil Scovell

However, the home side went ahead 10 minutes later, Max Williams beating Manning-Butler with a low angled drive after good work by Matt Bowman.

United’s first attempt on goal saw Aaron Cockerill shoot into the side netting in the 19th minute.

But back came Larkhall. Ryan Beckinsale fired high and wide from 22 yards in the 23rd minute. And five minutes later, Regula set up Bowman, whose goalbound drive was blocked at the expense of a throw by Westbury captain Ryan Bole.

In the 31st minute, Bowman’s shot went across the face of goal – and Alex Camm was just unable to connect from a couple of yards out.

The White Horse men shaded the remainder of the first half.

Bole drove wide from the edge of the box in the 37th minute. And two minutes later, Josh Jenkins was narrowly off target from 20 yards.

Sam Boulton shoots into the empty net to give Larkhall Athletic their fourth goal against Westbury United on Saturday 18th October | Photo © Phil Scovell

Ethan Cannings drove over from long range in the 43rd minute – and shortly afterwards, Ben Starr hooked the ball across the face of goal from 12 yards.

However, Larkhall doubled their advantage in the 51st minute. Beckinsale did the spadework and Regula shot. Manning-Butler spilled the ball and Camm put it away.

Soon Starr fired over from 18 yards for the guests, who made four changes in the 54th minute. But Starr found the target in the 66th minute. A shot from one of the substitutes, Aaron Witchell, deflected off Larkhall defender Ewan McMillan, and Starr followed up to reduce the arrears.

Beckinsale tried his luck from an angle eight yards out in the 82nd minute but Manning-Butler blocked with one of his feet.

United equalised in the 88th minute. Ali Sen, another of the replacements, sent in a curling shot from out on the left – and the ball crashed off the far post and entered the net. It was a superb goal.

Westbury were not finished, though, and Jenkins forced home gloveman Liam Armstrong to claim a 25-yard low free-kick in the 89th minute.

But in the third minute of injury-time, Camm slammed the ball off the Westbury bar following a cross from Beckinsale. “That’s their last chance,” shouted a United fan in an attempt to gee up the visitors. How wrong he was.

Almost immediately, Milo Murgatroyd crossed and Regula headed in from close range to restore the Larks’ advantage.

The hosts sealed their success when skipper Sam Boulton broke on the left and – with Manning-Butler still out of his box having moved up for a Westbury free-kick – shot low into the empty net, the ball going in via a post.

The loud singing coming from the Larkhall dressing room after the game told you everything you needed to know about the scoreline.

Larkhall: Liam Armstrong, Max Williams, Will Banks, Sam Boulton, Ewan McMillan, Sam Tisdale, Alex Camm, Matt Bowman, James Horrocks, Ryan Beckinsale, Dawid Regula. Subs (all used): Spencer Dymond-Hall, Jeff Forkuo, Asa White, Lewis Graham, Milo Murgatroyd.

The Larks are next in league action on Saturday 25th October, when they go to Exmouth Town (3pm). And they follow up by making the short trip to Frome Town on Wednesday 29th October (7.45pm).

Larkhall Development could only draw 0-0 at mid-table Purton Kingsdown in a physical Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division encounter on Saturday 18th October.

The Larks stay in third place – but Shrewton United, who started the day in second spot, took over in pole position by seeing off visitors Melksham Town Reserves 2-1.

Shrewton top the table by one point from Swindon Supermarine Development, with Athletic four points further behind. However, the Larks have two games in hand on Supermarine and have played one game fewer than the Shrews.

Larkhall Development will be at home to Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the Premier Division on Saturday 25th October (3pm).