PEWSEY put up a strong second half performance against Devizes-based Selectabook at Nursteed Road on Thursday but they could not find an equaliser.

Marcus Wallen fired Selectabook in front after Pewsey's goalkeeper misjudged his shot and the ball flew into the corner.

Andy Coombes then doubled the home side's lead on 25 minutes when he was left unmarked to head home from a corner.

Barry Flippance crossed for Gary Ashcroft to reduce the arrears for Vale and in the second half they produced a much better display and were unlucky not to earn a draw.

Flippance twice rounded the Selectabook goalkeeper but could not finish off his good work and the home side held on to take the victory.

Pewsey manager Steve Wootton said: "I was very pleased with how it went. They had a squad of 20 but I only took a squad of 14 because that's how I want to use these friendlies.

"That way everyone gets a good run out."

He was disappointed at the way his team conceded the goals but felt the match had been beneficial.

"The keeper misjudged the first goal and though it was going wide and we were then a little bit sloppy from the corner," added Wootton.

"But I was chatting to their manager afterwards and he agreed that we were much the better side in the second half."

Selectabook boss Dave Hopkins added: "It was a very good run out and gave me the chance to play a few youngsters."

Pewsey Vale 0, Cray Wanderers 3

THESE two sides met for the first time on Saturday and after a successful day are now set to link up on an annual basis.

Cray Wanderers went into the game with a good pedigree having reached the last 16 of FA Vase last season.

But Pewsey battled hard and were only defeated by three goals late in the second half.

Manager Steve Wootton said: "Barry Flippance had a good chance for us early on and Dave Marsley headed just over from a corner.

"Things looked good at half-time when it was still 0-0. But it was Cray's fourth friendly and they are a good side."

The first team clash followed on from a meeting between the two clubs' reserve teams.

Cray again ran out victors with a 5-1 scoreline. The Pewsey goal-scorer was 15-year-old Jimmy Blake.

Wootton was pleased that the two matches had proved so successful and said that the teams would now play every other every pre-season on the back of last weekend.

"They enjoyed coming to us and we will now go to their place next summer," he added.

"From what the two chairman were saying, there will probably be a cup put up for the fixture each year."

MEANWHILE, Wootton will be joining his coaching colleagues and the Pewsey Vale club committee on a 50-mile bike ride around the local area on Saturday.

The event aims to raise money for the club and the plucky cyclists, who will set off from the club at 9am, are currently collecting sponsorship money.