WILTSHIRE PREMIER SHIELD: THE Wiltshire Premier Shield will be contested by just four clubs next season after County Football Association council members agreed on a shake-up of the local cup competitions.
Nationwide League Swindon Town will join Dr Martens League sides Chippenham Town, Salisbury City and Swindon Supermarine in the Premier Shield, with all other senior clubs competing in the Wiltshire Senior Cup.
Devizes Town and Melksham Town have lined up alongside the county's top clubs in the Premier Shield for 20 years, but FA chiefs want to restore the cup to its former glories.
County FA secretary Mike Benson said: "It goes back to the format we used to have, with all clubs at levels one and two playing in the Premier Shield and all other senior clubs playing in the Senior Cup.
"It will bring back the strength of the Senior Cup and we could see minnows playing the top sides in the area. That will bring back a lot of interest. It is our most senior competition and we've just decided to get it back on an even keel."
Corsham Town manager Mark Godley is disappointed his side will not have the chance to take on opposition from the higher grade next term.
He said: "The Wiltshire FA are obviously trying to strengthen the Senior Cup. The Premier Shield is good for revenue and clubs like ourselves will lose out."
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