TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE: BETTER days are ahead that's the opinion of Freshford United boss Hugh Fulton, not of his own side but that of Division One basement rivals Blue Circle.

After Freshford's 3-1 victory, fashioned by Matt Arnold's superb individual goal and two from Robin Walker with Wayne Bristow replying, Fulton was full of admiration for Steve Martin's battling babes. "There is every reason why Steve should remain upbeat. If this very young side start to convert their chances, they will be a force to be reckoned with. I was just delighted to collect the two points," remarked Fulton.

Another manager remaining optimistic that a first league win is just around the corner is Steeple Ashton's Neil Taylor whose Division Two outfit were right out of luck in a 4-2 defeat by The Deverills Reserves. "We played very well, hit the woodwork several times and hardly deserved to lose," commented Taylor. Mark Sheppard hit a double but Paul Clarke did the damage at the other end with a hat-trick with Mike Payne adding a superb free kick.

Semington Magpies have recorded a league win but they will add to that solitary success if they can eliminate woeful defensive errors. The Division Three bottom side hardly looked strugglers against fellow newcomers FC Northbridge who gained a fortunate 4-3 victory.

Against the run of play James Starr put Northbridge ahead from the 25th minute before Ben Phillips delivered a Magpies' double. Starr turned provider for Gareth Colebrooke to equalise for the fourth goal in a seven-minute first half spell. A superb Jamie McDine strike put Magpies back in front only for Starr to add two more for his hat-trick.

If these teams are looking for aspirations they need look no further than Colin Dicks' Dursley Arms. After years of struggle, Arms' 3-2 Division Two win over Bratton extended their unbeaten run to six league and cup matches. They were forced to show great character when Marc Lanfear and Jamie Bloor wiped out Richard Stevens' early lead before Gary Gilling levelled. Paul Farion's 75-minute penalty proved sufficient to take Arms into third spot.

The Stiffs are another example of how good things can get. From a tough league baptism last season, a 5-1 double over Hilperton Reserves brought win number five, one more than in the whole of last term. Evergreen Nick Bush notched a double, a Steve Appleyard own goal, Nathan Litterick and Barry Robinson completed Stiffs' nap hand with Jason Butcher replying.

Fortunes are also still on the up for two other Division Three sides Dilton Marsh and Castle Combe Reserves who clash in tomorrow's top game. Dave Cooper's 20-minute strike at Bromham who missed two late chances, gave Terry Hunt's newcomers their fourth win in five unbeaten matches.

First team calls forced Castle Combe to face Rowde Sports with a depleted side but Shawn House's outfit, despite going behind to a Gary Neate effort, still managed to record a fourth straight success, two goals from Nick Jefferies and a third from substitute Chris Lloyd secured a 3-2 double over Rowde for whom Shane Holloway produced a second.

On the other side of the coin, Bradford United Reserves are experiencing a reverse. Marking their debut with five victories in seven league matches, Bradford crashed to a third successive defeat, Frank Rogers and Chris Bishop delivering two second half goals to keep Division Three leaders Seend United two points clear.

In the other Division Three games, Frome Town Sports A's Steve Huckle reduced two opening goals from Jason Gurney but a third from Darren Carter clinched Apetito a 3-1 victory.

After their 3-3 Division One draw the previous week Seend United and Castle Combe figured in another high scoring fluctuating 4-4 return. For the second week Jamie Winks proved the scourge of Seend with a hat-trick including another from the penalty spot. Paul Smith was Combe's other scorer while Seend, forced to play Kai Miller in goal following Craig Woodruff's non appearance, also had a hat-trick hero in teenager Luke Ballinger. Aaron Richardson was Seend's other marksman.