PREMIER Division sides Corsham FC and Melksham Motor Spares were sent crashing from the preliminary round of the PPL Presto Print sponsored Eric Hughes Memorial Knockout Cup as Third Division Somerford FC and First Division Atworth United claimed the major cup upsets of the day.
Somerford defeated the Spares 3-2, this after Steve Purnell had given the Melksham team an early lead. Chris Yeo tied the game before Simeon Mills edged the Spares back in front. Gavin Klukowski and Yeo earned Somerford their win.
Atworth overcame the highly rated Corsham FC side 3-1. Both teams were guilty of missing a number of easy chances before Atworth won with goals from Dan Adams (2) and Paul Burns. Corsham's consolation came from Craig Gingell. Atworth were indebted to their keeper Chris Healy who produced a number of outstanding saves.
Wayne Kibble and Alan Webb both hit hat tricks for Premier Division Malmesbury Victoria as they brushed aside the challenge of Second Division Old Lane United 10-0. Anthony Vizard (2), Jamie Thompson and Stuart Wright completed the rout.
Last season's beaten finalists Gladstone Liberal Club were unable to match the exploits of last term as they lost 2-1 to All Cannings A, who needed extra-time before over coming the First Division side. Martin Baker's first half strike for Cannings was cancelled out by James Pope's effort. Cannings' winner came from Nigel Hiscocks in the second period of added time.
Robbie Coombs' first goal for two seasons for Wingfield was cancelled out by North Star B's Christian Simpson. In extra time Wingfield added efforts from Andy Harding and Mark Barnett (penalty) to secure a far from convincing 3-1 victory.
The first half between Biddestone Social Club and AFC Unicorn was a tightly contested affair with Biddestone producing the better finishing to go in 2-0 up at half-time, thanks to a 35-yard free kick from John O'Meara and a strike from Danny Jones.
Unicorn started the second period the better and were rewarded when Clint Cabral smashed home from eight yards after great work from Lee Scutter. Unicorn continued to press for an equaliser but were caught on the brake as O'Meara crashed home from 20 yards to move Biddestone 3-1 in front.
Unicorn earned a further consolation as Trevor Whicello headed past his own goalkeeper to make the final score 3-2 in favour of the village side.
Premier Division Bradford News overcame a potential banana skin as they defeated Division Two outfit Spencer Sports 4-2.
Fourth Division Classic FC's Nick Spill netted a brace for his team but his double was not enough to save his side from going down 6-2 to Division One Maud Heath Sports, whose goals came from Dean Slade (2), Dave Beal (2), Adie Simpkins and Matthew Waite scored.
Phil Conrath bagged Four Seasons' solitary goal against Corsham Park Rangers who gained sweet revenge over the Chippenham based team who, as the King Alfred, knocked them out of the cup last season. Paul Smith (2) and an own goal saw Rangers home 3-1.
Steve Lucas (2), Rob Varley, Steve McCall and Andy Long were on target for Colerne B, who needed extra-time before disposing of KSM 5-2. Jason Cole (penalty) and Andy Scott were the losers' marksmen.
Chippenham Police and Farmhouse FC were involved in an eight- goal thriller, with the boys in Blue picking up their first victory of the new campaign by battling to a 5-3 victory. Farmhouse goalkeeper Neil Taylor opened the scoring for the Police with a bizarre own goal that saw the keeper rifle the ball into his own net to the dismay of everyone watching. Paul Dodimead, Mark Simpson, Dan Strong and Craig Dolby shared the other goals. Ulian Serafimov, Lee Hayward and substitute Gary Wright replied.
All Cannings B were no match for Premier Division Hullavington who coasted to a 4-0 victory, Craig Samuels (3) and Nick Cole doing the damage.
Pack Horse could field only 10 players for their match with Division Four side the Plough, but they still managed ed a 3-0 win with goals from Richard Chaffey, Pete Humphrey and an own goal.
Craig Chaplin volleyed home Percy's opener against Old Road Tavern and from then on the outcome was never in doubt as the top flight team cruised to a comfortable 8-2 win. Tom Laver (3), Frank Rogers (2), Steve Curtis, and Chris Curry made up the eight, with Martin Woolford and Adam Taylor on target for the Tavern.
Roadrunners' fine form continued as they overcame their Third Division rivals Corsham Centre 6-4. Andy Zuk's solo effort put Roadrunners ahead and Carl Gilbert (2) and Keith Taylor moved their side 4-0 in front before John Horne reduced the arrears. Steve Ivin set up Gilbert for his hat-trick as Roadrunners took control at 5-1. The deficit was dragged right back as United scored through Horne, Ashley Rich and Dave Bolland to make the score 5-4, but just as it looked as though a remarkable fightback was about to happen, Gilbert completed the scoring as he took his tally to four as Roadrunners eased home 6-4.
A 25th minute goal from Lee Campbell gave Rowde a 1-0 victory over near neighbours Potterne FC.
Sir Audley's Arms were made to fight for 90 minutes before over coming the challenge of Trowbridge Town Supporters' Club 2-1. John Witts netted from the penalty spot and Wayne Burry hit the Arms' winner in controversial fashion in the 85th minute.
A Paul McCarthy treble, including a goal after just 20 seconds, was unable to save Pig and Whistle United from defeat by First Division The George Lacock. Martin Symcox (3), Andy Joad (penalty), Roger Gordon and Tim Culling scored in the George's 6-3 win.
Cup favourites Box Rovers needed all their experience to keep out the threat from an in-form West Lavington side. Rovers won 4-1 with James Lye, Kirk Boobyer, Ben Sammut and Ryan Bush sharing the goals and Mark Roberts hitting Lavington's solitary strike.
The Westbury derby between Blue Circle Saints and Westbury Rangers B saw the Saints come back from a Shane Rendell goal to claim a 2-1 win, Wayne Wheeler and Steve Martin hitting the net for the Saints.
Fourth Division White Horse FC gave Bradford Sports an almighty fright before succumbing to the Division One side 5-4. John Burt, Craig Guthrie and Ricky Trott scored to put the Sports in control at 3-1. Paul Phelps (2) and Mark Pugh (2) then reversed the score to edge the Horse 4-3 ahead. Gary Williamson pouched an equaliser for the Sports before hitting a fine winner at the death. Things would have been easier had Chris Maskrey not missed a host of easy chances for Sports.
Division Two
SUTTON Benger gained revenge for their recent 3-0 defeat by North Star A.
In a very competitive game Benger went behind early in the first half, as Ron Smythe netted for the Star. Benger netted their equaliser through Steve Gawke just before the break when he latched on to a deflection to volley the ball home.
Brad Jenkins went close to giving Benger the lead as he outpaced the opposition before firing just wide. Benger got the breakthrough they were looking for midway through the second period when North Star were unlucky to be penalised for a handball in the box. Ian Dawkins stepped up to dispatch the penalty home with ease to earn Benger a 2-1 win.
Division Three
COOPER-AVON are still searching for their first win in over two seasons after losing 5-3 to the Hare and Hounds.
An own goal and a double for Merv Cox gave them hope but they were out gunned by Paul Revening (2), Nick Mooney (2) and Paul Young.
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