Highworth Town 2, Almondsbury Town 1

HIGHWORTH pulled six points clear at the top of the Premier Division with this narrow success on Saturday.

The Highworth line-up included former Swindon Town boss Jimmy Quinn, who was making his home debut, and it was Quinn's far post header that led to the late winner from Peter Moss.

Highworth received an early shock when a speculative long range shot by Almondsbury's Phil Seargant deceived goalkeeper Anthony Betterton and crept just inside the right hand post.

Stung by the reverse, Highworth fought back, with Quinn and Peter Moss linking up well in attack and they gained a deserved equaliser on 20 minutes when Moss shot from the edge of the box to beat the goalkeeper at the near post.

For the rest of the half there was little goal mouth action as both sides struggled to master the heavy pitch and at the break honours remained even.

After the break Highworth pushed forward looking for the winner. Quinn had a couple of headers cleared off the line and then missed with a free header at the far post.

Youngster Jamie Webb, making his debut for the senior side, also had a good effort scrambled off the line and Peter Moss was a constant threat to the Almondsbury defence. The visitors for their part still looked dangerous on the break and as the game wore on it looked to be heading for a draw until three minutes from time. A corner from Jon Reeves was headed back across the goal by Quinn and Peter Moss brought the ball under control and shot past the Almondsbury goalkeeper.

Wootton Bassett's home game with North Leigh was also postponed.

Purton's home game with Bishops Cleeve got the go ahead after club officials worked on the pitch for most of the morning. Unfortunately all the hard work failed to spur on the side to their first league victory but they battled well to share the points with Bishops Cleeve.

The visitors had the edge in the opening 45 minutes and took a goal lead through John Skeen on the half hour. Purton continued to battle after the break, with goalkeeper Luke Alford making a string of great saves. They were rewarded for their efforts ten minutes from time when an excellent chip from Mickey Heath was converted by Courtney Chessell to gain a well deserved point.

l THE weather again caused the postponement of all but four games in the Trowbridge League (sponsored by Just Signs Trowbridge).

In Division Three Chippenham Athletic recorded a rare win at Hilperton United Reserves. Jason Cole (2), Jay Sharkey and Martin Woolford shared the goals in a 4-1 victory. Brendon Leitch replied for Hilperton.

Rowde Sports went to three different grounds before finding Avon Bradford's ground and the start was delayed for 45 minutes. Avon Reserves took a third minute lead through Gary Hacker, but Rowde recovered to win 3-1 with goals from Ian Baker (2) and Andy Morrison. Avon's Derek Phillips should have pulled a goal back but missed from four yards in front of an empty net.

Black Horse Devizes took a 2-0 lead against Bromham Reserves through Jonathan Schofield and Philip Read. The visitors equalised with goals from Barry John Chapman and Darren Jones. Paul Mason's two goals settled the game for Black Horse and Schofield completed a 5-2 victory.

Five ties involving Trowbridge League sides were completed in the Wilts Junior Cup.

Charlie Powell put Avon Bradford ahead at Castle Combe (West End) after 40 minutes, but Combe won the tie with three goals in three minutes after the break. Substitute Micky Lloyd (52 minutes), Scott McMullen (53 minutes) and Jamie Winks (55 minutes) got the goals.

Rudloe's tie with Upavon was held up for 35 minutes when Michael Drewitt (Upavon) sustained a broken ankle after 37 minutes. Rudloe took the tie with goals from Tom Smart (65 minutes) and Simon Matthews (78 minutes).