A young Town reserve side gave a good account of themselves before going down 2-1 at home to a more experienced Cardiff City team.

Jon Stevenson and Ben Martin were the only senior players to figure in a team managed for the day by youth development officer Jimmy Fraser.

He said: "The lads came out of the game with credit. They tried to spread the play and created several chances.

"Unfortunately we didn't really make their keeper work hard enough.

"Ashan Holgate in particular has had a couple of decent opportunities in the game, with one effort being blocked by the keepers' legs while another chance was cleared off the line."

Goals from Stewart Fleetwood and Gavin Gordon gave Cardiff a 2-0 lead with Andy Campbell also striking a post with a harshly-awarded penalty after Dave Bampton had been penalised.

Ian Oliver was halted unfairly at the other end but Town's spot-kick plea was ignored.

Fraser's men reduced the deficit in the dying stages when substitute David Stroud timed his run well to head home Chris Taylor's right wing cross.

Wootton Bassett picked up a valuable three Hellenic Premier Division points at Henley last night, beating the home side 1-0, writes Ray Burroughs.

Geoff Swatton's half- volley won the game in the first half.

Highworth Town boss John Fisher was unable to travel to North Leigh, but deputy Dave Webb saw his side draw 2-2.

With Matt Saye and Pete Macklin unable to get to the game, Paul Hunt stepped in and netted to level, Matt Jack adding a second.

Cirencester United Reserves defeated hosts Malmesbury Vics 3-2 with a late goal.

In the Wiltshire League, Trowbridge Town kept up the pressure on Premier Division leaders AFC Stratton with a 3-0 win at Warminster Town.

Bottom club Pewsey Vale Reserves beat neighbours Marlborough Town 2-1, while Devizes Town Reserves had a surprise 1-0 win over Bradford Town. Corsham beat Melksham 2-1.

In Junior One, Cricklade Town Reserves beat Down Ampney 2-1, Martin Swaddon scoring the winner inside the last five minutes.

Steven Gerrard has been appointed England captain for the Euro 2004 warm-up friendly against Sweden in Gothenburg tonight.