CHERRY RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE: PEWSEY Vale's successful league campaign came to a disappointing end on Saturday as they were soundly beaten by third placed Ardley United at the Recreation Ground.

A late goal from Paul Day had given Pewsey a promotion-clinching 1-0 victory over Old Woodstock on Thursday evening, meaning both sides went into Saturday's clash with little other than pride to play for.

The rigours of four matches in the space of eight days clearly caught up with Division One West runners-up Pewsey, although they took an early lead through in-form frontman Day.

But doubles from Beavon and Green, plus a single from Gardner, saw the visitors race into a four goal-lead before Adam Stephens pulled one back a mainute from time.

The result meant Ardley became the first and only side to complete a league double over Don Rogers' men this term, although the Pewsey boss was not unduly worried by the heavy defeat.

Said Rogers: "I've got so many injury problems at the moment and all of them wanted to come off on Saturday. The problem is I've only got three subs and not ten.

"We were struggling. We had to win those two games in the week and we did that and got promoted.

"Those games took a lot out of the team, not just physically, but mentally as well. They'd had enough by Saturday.

"It was just like a typical end-of-season game for us. Ardley had a lot of youngsters in their side and they do tend to try harder. I thought they did well."

Pewsey have the chance to end their season on a high on Tuesday when they take on Malmesbury Vics in an all-Hellenic League Wiltshire Senior Cup final at Melksham Town, kick-off 7.30pm.

Malmesbury finished 12th in the Division One West table with a fine end-of-season run and triumphed 5-1 over Middle Barton on Saturday thanks to a hat-trick from Alan Griffin.

Rogers is expecting a tough game.

He said: "The Wiltshire Senior Cup is the priority for us now that we have won promotion. We've done part one now and have to finish the job on Tuesday night.

"But I have noticed they have been scoring some goals lately. I'd have been more confident if we had been playing this game at Christmas."

Before Tuesday's final, Rogers men must meet Division One East champions Finchampstead in the semi-final of the Brian Wells Memorial Trophy at Hartney Whitney on Saturday, kick-off 6.30pm.

The trophy is contested by the top two in both regional sections of the Hellenic League Division One, with the final to be played on May 18 at a neutral venue.

Said Rogers: "It is a handy game to have, because it will give the players a chance to warm up for Tuesday night."