Trowbridge League

After their thrilling 4-4 A and B Cup semi-final three weeks ago, both sides again put their outstanding records on the line in tomorrow's replay which will go to penalties if necessary.

Gifford's 2-0 Knockout Cup semi-final triumph over Bradford United extended the Wiltshire Junior Cup finalists' unbeaten run to 23 matches.

Saints, thanks to early headers from Stuart Greenwood and Brent Murden, repeated a 2-0 opening day win over Bratton..

Pride of place in Saturday's league programme was reserved for Division One relegated outfit Blue Circle. After 15 defeats Steve Martin's side finally collected their first spoils of the season, Ryan Mead's 70-minute match winner delivering a shock 1-0 reverse for second place Heytesbury whose chances of emulating last season's runners up spot greatly diminished at the same time.

History-making county cup finalists Rudloe are now favourites to pick up more silverware after a 4-2 double ended Seend United's seven match unbeaten run. Hot property Luke Ballinger and Ralph Plummer twice wiped out a glancing header from Simon Gray his 20th goal of the campaign and a Matt Dancey volley before joint manager Tim Jefferies struck a late double, the second with the last kick.

Steve Tadhunter's Castle Combe, who visit Heytesbury tomorrow and have still to play Rudloe twice, maintained an outside chance of honours with a 2-1 success at Freshford where both sides were quick off the mark. Paul Smith put Combe ahead before Neil Davies equalised direct from a corner, all in the first five minutes. A Jamie Winks' second half free kick settled the issue.

Biggest shock of the day was suffered by Division Two promotion candidates Trowbridge United who, after missing first half chances and striking the woodwork, had their unbeaten league record shattered by faltering leaders Deverills Reserves. Spencer Willmott put Trowbridge ahead at the interval but Mike Payne and two from Paul Clarke gave Deverills a well deserved 3-1 success.

Paul Shanley's youngsters lost second spot to Hilperton United whose 4-1 victory at basement side Lavington and Easterton left Kevin Hendy's Division Two cup finalists unbeaten in the league since November. A four-goal first half blitz from Sami Bakali (2), John Harris and Andy Harding with Paul Brewitt replying from a second half penalty, gives Hilperton a whiff of promotion should Trowbridge or Bradford United slip up.

After a five match unbeaten run Steeple Ashton suffered a third reverse, a 55-minute goal from Duncan Knight in a very close game producing few changes, condemning Neil Taylor's side to a 1-0 defeat at Broughton Gifford Reserves who recorded a second double of the season.

There is still sleepless nights for Dursley Arms' Colin Dicks. A 90-minute free kick from Mark Williams provided little consolation as Westbury United A continued to blow away their own relegation blues by inflicting a ninth defeat in 10 matches on Arms for whom keeper Mark Bosworth was again outstanding. Matt Fry and Adam McMackin netted in each half for Westbury.

Castle Combe Reserves kept the Division Three promotion issue on a knife edge in a 10-goal thriller at Apetito where Combe keeper Les Donohue brilliantly saved an early penalty from Nigel Penelhum. Two goals each from Marcus Young and Scott Evans and one from Paul Maddox gave a Combe a 5-0 interval lead only for Alan House to reduce the deficit twice inside six minutes of the restart. Evans completed his hat-trick and another from Maddox who also hit the crossbar, put Combe 7-2 up before Jason Gurney hit a third for Apetito.

The Stiffs, despite Simon Marks levelling Anthony Burkenshaw's effort, could not prevent Frome Town Sports A from avenging a 3-1 defeat when Mike Stride's effort separated the sides in an even contest.