THE Villagers travelled to Westlands to play one of the Worcester Sunday League division three title favourites in what proved to be a much closer game than had been expected.

WESTBURY CELTIC 3, VILLAGERS 1

Neil Stokes playing in his first game for the club shone at the back and with the reliable Paul Knivett beside him, the Villagers went in search of the opening goal.

The home side took the lead with a penalty after 20 minutes that was struck hard to Sadi Ali's left, giving him no chance.

Half-time came but, as with previous games, the Villagers did not look dejected and after some positive words from captain John Tilley the second-half started quite differently.

Phil Wild looked dangerous in possession on his favoured wing and with Nathan Wanklin moving into midfield, the Villagers began to win the midfield battle.

Carl Regan came on and in no time at all had worked his way free to equalise from close range after a ball from substitute Neil Morgan.

The Villagers began to take the initiative and worked the ball forward early at every opportunity.

Westbury hit back in the 82nd minute when a corner was whipped in with pace to the far post and rising high the Westbury defender scored with ease past a helpless Sadi Ali.

Villagers played out the final 10 minutes in a confident manner and felt unlucky to be turned down a penalty of their own.

Westbury grabbed their third goal from a long kick down field that Stokes managed to get a foot to, but this time deflected it past keeper Ali.

Man-of-the-match was Neil Stokes.

Villagers meet fellow newcomers UCW in the league on Sunday and hope for a similar performance.

The Villagers are sponsored by Simply Mobile Solutions and E&E Engineering.