TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE

ONLY two ties survived the weather in the second round of the knockout cup (sponsored by Reflections Niteclub Westbury).

Heytesbury were 2-0 up against Hilperton United, through John Mills and Craig Short, by the interval. Darren Elloway (2) and Derek Taylor took the scoreline to 5-1 before Hilperton hit their second goal of the game.

Setyres and Bradford United both fielded emergency goalkeepers in their tie, with Ian Bennett (Setyres) and Billy McCafferty (United) taking the jerseys.

United were in front inside five minutes when Jason Uncles headed in after goalkeeper Bennett pushed out Damien Fricker's cross.

In the second half a Simon Morris free-kick was headed home by John Williams to make it 2-0 for United. Uncles side-footed home after good approach work by Williams.

A diving header by Mark Jones from Mark Powell's cross gave Setyres some hope, but United settled the tie on 89 minutes when Alex Edwards' 30-yard lob found the net. In the last minute Mark Powell (Setyres) found the net from close range.

In Division One of the league (sponsored by Just Signs Trowbridge), Avon Bradford adapted to the heavy conditions at Seend United.

The visitors took advantage of defensive slips to score four times before the break. Adie Evans, Derek Burke, Charlie Powell and Russell Francis shared the goal tally. Both defences held out in the second period to make the final score 4-0 to Avon.

With Gypsy Lane waterlogged, Frome Sportshouse travelled to Steeple Ashton in Division Two. The visitors took the lead through Simon Keates (21 minutes), with James L'Esteve equalising from Ashton (33 minutes).

Frome scored twice in a six-minute spell before the interval through Simon Keates to complete his hat-trick. Two quick goals on 62 and 64 minutes killed the game as Stewart Bryant and Damien Mead scored for Frome.

Division Three leaders Rudloe were held 0-0 by Chippenham Athletic in the opening half.

Two quick goals from Tom Smart and Dave Morgan gave Rudloe the advantage. Athletic lost goalkeeper Gerry Archer with an ankle injury at this stage. Jay Sharkey went in goal and conceded further goals to Smart, Morgan and Matt Dancey. Further injuries to Darren Legg and Tony Brown left the visitors with eight players and a 5-0 defeat.

Avon Bradford Reserves lost ground on Rudloe when they went down 3-1 at home to Westbury United A. Avon took a 1-0 lead through Derek Phillips. The visitors hit back with goals from McCackin and Hopkins and then missed a penalty. McCackin settled the game at 3-1 with his second for United.

l IN the West Wilts Five-a-Side League, Ian Smith's team, Direct Sports, made light work of their opposition on Sunday and cruised through to the semi-finals of the league cup.

Mike Kelso, Matt Jordan and Justin Tugwell all produced fine performances to win all three matches and win Group A comfortably.

Ocean Black players Simon and Dan Mercer (father and son) linked up to score four goals in the final match against Frome Rangers and progress to the semi-finals.

In Group B, Untouchables gained a place in the semi-finals with two wins, but were beaten by Phil's Five who have had a bad run of late. Keith Murray's ferocious piledriver from well inside his own half could only be parried into his own goal by Roger Ingram.

Castle needed to beat Red Five in their encounter to graduate into the semis, but could only manage a draw thanks to player of the day Andy Lawson, Red Five's ever improving goalkeeper.

The Castle had to rely on Phil's Five to beat Red Five in the final game and save the day. Owain Walcroft hit five goals for Phil's Five and Guy Rowley with a lovely chip to score one.

The top two from each group qualify for the semi-finals to be played on February 4: 3pm, Direct Sports v Castle and 3.30pm Ocean Black v Untouchables. Each game will last approximately 15 minutes each way.