Written by Sam Russell
The Acorns are back on the road this Tuesday, 20th October, as Hartpury travel to face Westbury United in the Southern League Division One South.
Hartpury make the trip to Meadow Lane for their fifth consecutive away fixture, as they look to build on Saturday's 1–1 draw against Exmouth Town and continue their push up the league table.
With Westbury arriving in positive form following a dramatic late victory over Hungerford Town, the Acorns will face a tough test as they look to secure another important result on the road.
Ahead of Tuesday night's clash, here is everything you need to know about the hosts.
THE OPPOSITION – WESTBURY UNITED
STADIUM – Meadow Lane
NICKNAME – The White Horse Men
FOUNDED – 1920
MANAGERS – Ricky Hulbert & Lewis Porter
LEAGUE POSITION – 5th
FORM GUIDE – W-W-W-L-W
Based in Westbury, Wiltshire, Westbury United were formed in 1920 following the merger of two local sides: Westbury Old Comrades FC and Westbury Great Western Railway XI.
The club has played at Meadow Lane since 1934, making it a long-standing part of the local football community.
Westbury finished 10th in the Southern League Division One South last season, recording 17 wins and 58 points across their 42 league fixtures. They will be looking to build on that finish and push further up the table during the current campaign.
SO FAR THIS SEASON
Westbury have enjoyed an encouraging run of results in recent weeks, recording four wins in their last five league fixtures, ahead of Tuesday night's meeting with Hartpury.
The White Horse Men produced one of their most impressive performances on 29th September, defeating Swindon Supermarine 3–0 at Meadow Lane.
Josh Jenkins opened the scoring with a spectacular free kick before Ben Starr added two goals to complete a convincing victory.
Westbury continued their positive form with a 2–1 comeback win against Exmouth Town on 3rd October, with Leighton Thomas scoring twice in the second half to secure all three points.
They then recorded an emphatic 4–1 away victory against Bristol Manor Farm before suffering a narrow 1–0 defeat to Weymouth.
Most recently, Westbury secured a dramatic 1–0 win over Hungerford Town on Saturday, as Eben Mortimer-Taylor scored the decisive goal in the 96th minute, handing his side a late victory and extending their winning run at Meadow Lane.
With confidence growing following another important result, Westbury will be looking to continue their strong form when Hartpury arrive on Tuesday evening.
PLAYER TO WATCH – LEIGHTON THOMAS
Leighton Thomas will be one for the Acorns to keep an eye on as they prepare for Tuesday night's fixture.
The Westbury forward played a decisive role in his side's 2–1 victory over Exmouth Town earlier this month, scoring both second-half goals to turn the game around and secure all three points.
Thomas has also featured prominently in Westbury's attacking performances throughout the season, including their recent victory over Hungerford Town, where he won a penalty before seeing his spot-kick saved.
With Thomas capable of making an impact in the final third, Hartpury will need to remain organised defensively and limit the opportunities available to the forward.
IN THE DUGOUT - RICKY HULBERT & LEWIS PORTER
Westbury United are managed by joint managers Ricky Hulbert and Lewis Porter, who took charge of the first team ahead of the 2020–21 season.
The pair have overseen a period of progress at Meadow Lane, guiding the club to promotion into the Southern League following an impressive 2021–22 campaign in the Hellenic League, where Westbury finished second.
Since returning to the Southern League, the management duo has continued to establish Westbury at Step 4 of the English football pyramid.
Their experience of building a competitive side at this level will be important as the White Horse Men look to maintain their recent form and challenge towards the top end of the division.
RECENT FORM
17.10.26 – Westbury United 1–0 Hungerford Town (Southern League Division One South)
13.10.26 – Weymouth 1–0 Westbury United (Southern League Division One South)
10.10.26 – Bristol Manor Farm 1–4 Westbury United (Southern League Division One South)
03.10.26 – Westbury United 2–1 Exmouth Town (Southern League Division One South)
29.09.26 – Westbury United 3–0 Swindon Supermarine (Southern League Division One South)
