CORSHAM Town avenged their recent league defeat with a convincing Les Phillips Cup first round victory over the Somerset side at The Southbank on Saturday 1 December.

Andy Wicks and assistant manager Rob Humphries netted in the first half to seal Corsham's passage to round two and the hosts might have added to their tally as they swept aside the Screwfix Direct League newcomers.

The home side went in front with a breakaway goal. The ball was played out of the Corsham penalty area to winger James Lye, who beat a defender on the left before centring for Wicks to fire home from close range.

Humphries' turn and volley following a corner made it two moments later and Corsham were only denied a third when nine-goal top scorer Matt Pratley saw an effort ruled out by an assistant referee's flag.

The visitors, 2-1 victors at The Southbank in a league clash on November 17, stepped up a gear after the break but were restricted to long-range efforts by some resolute Corsham defending.

Corsham have now only been beaten once in 12 matches since early September and manager Mark Godley was delighted with his side's performance.

He said: "We completely dominated the game. I'm just disappointed we weren't 4-0 up in the first half because it would have made our lives a bit easier in the second.

"The lads worked their socks off. It was tremendous and I'm really pleased with them.

"That's one defeat since September 8 now and that's great form. Everyone who has come in has worked very, very hard. We are a side who have to work hard for anything we get and the work ethic is certainly paying dividends."

Corsham are riding high in fifth place in the First Division table, but manager Godley is putting a high priority on a Les Phillips Cup run.

He said: "It keeps your season going and gives you a break from the league and the pressure of getting three points every week.

"I would settle for a home tie in the next round. One of the Premier Division sides would be a great experience for some of the players."

Corsham, who hope to complete the signing of Melksham Town centre half Andy Hunt this week, will take on Street in their fourth consecutive home match on Saturday.

Gerry Pearson's side, who have lost six games on their travels already this term, defeated Corsham 2-0 at the Tannery Ground on the opening day of the season.

Said Godley: "They've started to hit a bit of form and it is important for us to get something from the game in order to keep pace.

"I still believe we are as good as them. If we perform like we can on the day then we will get a result. It is all about us and our performance.

"We just need to continue showing the heart, desire and hunger we have been showing. The First Division is all about that and I don't see that there are any outstanding teams in there."

MELKSHAM Town suffered only their second defeat in 17 matches as they were defeated 2-1 at resurgent University outfit Team Bath on Saturday.

The hosts gained a deserved victory thanks to goals from Matt Lewis and Sean Carr, although Matty Bown's late penalty gave Robbie Lardner's side some late hope.

The defeat leaves Melksham in mid-table, level on points with local rivals Devizes Town.

Westbury's hopes of bouncing back from their 3-0 midweek defeat at the hands of Bishop Sutton were dashed when their home game with unbeaten Bideford was postponed due to a waterlogged Meadow Lane pitch.

Derek Graham's side, who were in action at home to Bristol Manor Farm last night, are without a game until December 22.

Warminster Town's Les Phillips Cup clash at Elmore suffered the same fate and will be rearranged.

The First Division's bottom club face a crunch home clash with struggling Wiltshire rivals Calne Town on Saturday.