A DAVE Percival double helped Trowbridge Town into the second round of the Wiltshire Senior Cup on Saturday with a 3-0 home win over rivals Biddestone.

The two sides have been battling it out at the top of the Wiltshire League at the start of this season but it was the league leaders who eased to a comfortable victory.

Biddestone's preparations were dealt a blow before the match by injuries to key players. Tim Tasker, Simon Gardner and Ben Lang were all missing from the defence while long-term absentee Steve Healy was still unavailable.

To make matters worse, a leg strain to John O'Meara forced the midfielder to come off after five minutes and from then there was only going to be one winner.

Trowbridge manager Neil Kirkpatrick said: "It was a very good win and probably one of our best performances of the season.

"They did have a number of players missing but to be honest so did we. I think it shows the difference between us.

"We have got the strength in depth now and all the lads who came in played really well."

Neither side created many chances in a tight first half but the deadlock was broken just before the break when Percival tapped home after Waleed Bakali's shot had been partially blocked.

Biddestone nearly equalised on 50 minutes when a quickly-taken free kick presented Darren Holcombe with a golden opportunity.

But the 16-year-old hesitated and allowed Craig Guthrie in the Trowbridge goal to come out and smother the ball.

Trowbridge then took control and on 56 minutes Percival doubled the lead with a fierce shot from 20 yards.

Mike Little wrapped the game up minutes later with a 30 yard free-kick that flew into the top corner of the net.

Trowbridge entertain Biddestone again tomorrow in the Wiltshire League.

In the league programme, AFC Stratton edged closer to the Premier Division leaders following a 1-0 win over Melksham Town Reserves in one of only four games played in the top flight.

Gareth Davies struck midway through the second half to enable his side to move to within four points of leaders Trowbridge Town.

"We didn't play all that well this week," said Stratton boss Stef Kucynski. "But we managed to win and keep the leaders in our sights."

Bottom club Malmesbury Vics picked up a point at Corsham Town Reserves in a 2-2 draw, Darren Andrews and Jamie West scoring for the home side and Pete Brock and Ed Wilkins replying.

Purton Reserves shared a goal-less home draw with Westbury United Reserves.

In Junior Division One Trowbridge Town ensured a good day for the club by beating Ferndale Rodbourne 5-3.

The Swindon side were trailing 5-0 at one stage but a late rally enabled them to get back in the game with three goals by Terry Bown, Terry Offer and Arran Hellewell. Matt Minnus and Adam Glover (2 each) and Adam Shackel scored for Town.

Leaders Calne Town Reserves were pleased to come away from Wootton Bassett with a point in a 1-1 draw. Simon Green put through his own goal to give Calne the lead, Gary Loveday equalising.

Third-placed Bromham were held to a goal-less draw by visitors AFC Stratton Reserves.