DEVIZES failed to build on last weekend's win over Torrington as they slumped to their eighth defeat in nine games.

Dave Hopkins' side were level at the break and looked sharp in the second half but they failed to get in front and Backwell took the points.

"We were playing a strong Backwell side," Hopkins said. "They were slightly different to when we played them at our place. Their goalkeeper made some great saves and their second goal was very good indeed.

"But the game could have gone either way and there were quite a few plus points for us to take."

Devizes caused an early scare when they broke through on goal but Backwell's Craig Patch cleared the danger.

On 15 minutes it was Backwell who struck the first blow when Richard Hewitt evaded three challenges and calmly scored.

A minute later they nearly went 2-0 in front when Ryan King put in a good cross for Dave Morrissey who finished poorly. But it was Hopkins' men who hit back in first-half stoppage time when Nathan Perkins volleyed in a spectacular first-time effort beyond the reach of Luke Buckingham.

In the second half Devizes looked sharper without really threatening the Backwell goal.

With 65 minutes on the clock it was the home team who regained the lead when King broke on the right and crossed for Morrisey to volley home.

The score was soon 3-1 when Marcus Bloomfield was involved in a good move that was finished off by Hewitt.

The same two players combined again two minutes from time with Hewitt once again on the end of the move to complete his treble.

The last word went to Devizes though who broke clear from the restart and reduced the deficit with a good strike from Dave Lloyd.

Hopkins' side are at home to Bridport on Saturday. They suffered a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture back in October with Chris Armstrong notching a hat-trick. Bridport are two places and two points above Devizes.

"Like us they have just had a bad run of seven defeats but they picked up a good 3-0 win on Saturday," Hopkins added. "I'm hopeful we can get a result against them.

"Justin Porter played well at Backwell and was unlucky not to score and he will give us some extra threat in attack.

"Kev Bush will also be back in the side as well after suspension which is a boost."