HAVING lifted the Briken Motors & A M Print & Copy-sponsored A&B Cup for the first time in their 44-year history last season, Freshford United defended the trophy with a 2-1 victory that saw them withstand a battling display from first division leaders Westbury Town in the final at Westbury United’s Meadow Lane ground last night.

Freshford, who suffered Wiltshire Junior Cup heartache at the same venue a fortnight ago, made a blistering start and were unlucky not to take the lead on two minutes when Nick Ross saw his header hooked off the line.

However four minutes later they were ahead, as a Tom Rooney free kick was headed onto Jason Povey by Ross and the striker tucked the ball home to make it 1-0.

Westbury, who had been second best for most of the first half, fell further behind in the 40th minute. Once again they were undone from a set piece, as a Gavin Eyres free kick was met by Ross, whose header fell to Povey, who calmly stroked the ball beyond keeper Cameron Miller for 2-0.

If the first half belonged to Freshford the second period was bossed by Westbury Town who were only denied an goal in the 50th minute by a brilliant stop from keeper Steve Sims who somehow kept out Wayne Wheeler’s 20-yard thunderbolt.

Westbury had the bit between their teeth and on 55 minutes Freshford had Lee Wilson sent off after bringing Gary Tugwell on the edge of the area.

Wheeler saw his free kick brilliantly saved by keeper Sims, but Mark Young was on hand to smash home the rebound, although Sims almost produced another great save to keep the ball out.

Freshford tested the Westbury keeper Cam Miller in the 62nd minute and his excellent stop denied Dave Percival from making it 3-1.

At the other end Wheeler pounced on a defensive error and really should have squared things up, but once again keeper Sims came to his team's rescue with another supurb block to keep his team in front.

With 15 minutes remaining Westbury introduced the lively Jack Hayward, who almost made an instant impact. A great one-two between Hayward and Mark Young saw the latter thump a shot against the bar.

With Freshford down to 10 men, Westbury were now finding the gaps, however the villagers back line, marshalled by Gavin Eyre, were great under the constant pressure from Westbury who were unable to find a way through the stubborn defence and force extra time.

The trophies were presented by Roxi Meaden, on behalf of sponsors Briken Motors & A M Print & Copy.

Ross received the Kevin Mounty memorial player of the match award.

The final was also a first for the league with a female referee, Megan Fear, taking charge of a league final for the first time.