A GROUP of local footballers have etched their names into the history of Wiltshire sport by recording an all-time record win.
The Wiltshire Under-18 representative team travelled to face their Devon counterparts at the weekend for their first game of the South West Youth Championships.
The side, which includes a number of players selected from local Screwfix League clubs, won 11-0 and became the first team in Wiltshire football history to hit double figures in a competitive match.
Coach Mel Gingell said he was proud of his record-breaking players and hopes they can go on to play at a higher level.
"It was just one of those days when everything went in. I couldn't believe it really," said Gingell.
"It was nice to make a bit of history and good to enjoy the moment because it will probably never be done again. Even for myself, to go down in Wiltshire football history is nice.
"This side is the best set of players I have ever worked with. They are physically strong and the good thing is that we have a squad of 20 players who are as good as each other.
"The sign of a good side is to have a strong substitutes' bench. Our bench is as strong as the lads on the field."
Gingell now wants his players to fulfil their potential and get some silverware in the trophy cabinet.
"I would be very disappointed if we don't win something this season and if these lads go on to play for the Wiltshire senior side I would be more than chuffed. It is great for the local football scene and this team is right up there they are as good as anyone at under-18 level in the country.
"Devon didn't have a chance really."
The historic match saw a number of local players get on the score-sheet with Warminster Town's Lee Davison giving Wiltshire an early lead and Calne Town's Yan Klukowski making it two soon after.
Rob Ivermee, of Bemerton Heath Harlequins, then bagged a quick-fire hat-trick to see Wiltshire lead 5-0 at half-time.
But the Wiltshire boys refused to sit back and go easy on Devon, and Trowbridge Town's Ricky Hulbert added the sixth soon after half-time.
Corsham Town's Luke Denham netted number seven close to the hour mark and Ivermee got his fourth of the game minutes later.
Denham's Corsham team-mate Rob Stephens then fired the ninth and tenth goals in the space of three minutes before Westbury United's Tom Welsh completed the scoring late on.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article