Liden 2, Broughton Gifford 3

CHRIS Stiles, with a hand in two goals and the scorer of a classy and decisive third, led Broughton Gifford's injury-hit side into the third round of the Wiltshire Junior Cup at sunny Maunsell Way.

Apart from Stiles' contribution, it was easy to see why Gifford are the flagship team of the Trowbridge League.

In the full face of adversity, first round matchwinner John Burt aggravating a thigh injury after just three minutes and 15 minutes from time relatively untried Marcus Lovesey joining a crippling casualty list including skipper Steve Jacques (broken ankle), they never knew the meaning of being beaten.

Lovesey's enforced departure led to Gifford's grey haired warrior-in-chief Bob Radcliffe coming on to assist his depleted battlers as an already incident-packed five-goal second half unfolded more drama.

Micky Baggs conceded a blatant 76th minute penalty which Sean Cox converted to make it 3-2 and Simon Donavan was only inches away from an equaliser.

Gifford, with deputy skipper Thomas Donnelly leading by example, survived and deservedly so. A goal-less first half was not short of action, as the dangerous looking Swindon Premier Division outfit were thwarted by resolute Gifford defending, particularly by Pete Singer, Baggs and goalkeeper Craig Woodruff.

At the other end Stiles was robbed by Mike Redford's defending and goalkeeper Dave Mutlow was fully extended by a Stiles' cross. Both sides missed fine chances, Cox lobbing over for Liden and Stiles failing to steer home Ronnie Kallmeier's 24 minute cross.

Stiles however was to atone in the best possible way, but not until Gifford had been shaken just two minutes after the break when Mark Hancock firmly headed home Cox's corner. Four minutes later debutant Kallmeier had only to stroke the ball into an empty net after Stiles' nagging presence had forced a mix-up between Mutlow and Redford. Though Donavan shaved a post for Liden, Kallmeier could have had a hat-trick as Gifford's recovery continued. In the 63 rd minute Stiles was fouled by Tony Law and Mark James scored from the spot.

A brilliant effort by Lovesey prior to his departure, was matched by Mutlow, who then was superbly beaten when Stiles cut in from the right to deliver a fine strike.