HEAVY defeat at Carterton's Killkenny Ground saw Pewsey Vale relegated from the Hellenic Premier Division.

Another good performance from a youthful Vale side was not enough to save them as Carterton's stronger physical presence saw Vale return home with nothing but division one status.

But departing Vale boss, Steve Wootton, believes the club have the ability to bounce back up. "I think it's beneficial for the club to go down a league," he said.

"With a little bit of luck next year they may come straight back up again and the younger players will have a bit more experience and can go from strength to strength."

Vale went behind in the fourth minute after an unmarked Keith Holmes found plenty of space at the near post.

Minutes later the alert Danny Holdcroft in Vale's goal made a great save following a deflection from one of his own defenders.

Pewsey had a good deal of possession but Holmes scored again midway through the first half after the Vale defence failed to cut out a Ben Bolder corner.

Pewsey went in at the break three down after an own goal.

Kenny Clark's diving header crushed Pewsey's determined spirit with Vale seeing out the game soaking up Carterton's pressure.

Only another fine save from Holdcroft on 77 minutes stopped Holmes from getting his hat trick.

Wootton said he was proud of the performance of his young players, five of which were under 18.