Ilfracombe 3, Pewsey Vale 0

PEWSEY Vale manager Don Rogers still remains confident that his troops can survive, despite the 3-0 loss at Ilfracombe pushing them closer towards the drop from the First Division.

Saturday's loss puts a lot of pressure on the Vale side, who, according to Rogers, started promisingly.

He said: "After the first ten minutes, I thought we could do well. We played well at the start, but that was about it.

"We gave away a silly first goal. They didn't seem to want to play because of the weather. The wind moved the ball everywhere it shouldn't go and the team that wanted it more won the game."

But Rogers is still confident his side can stay in the Screwfix Direct League First Division, but admitted he faces a huge task.

"The task to survive is getting bigger by the minute," admitted Rogers. "The main problem is that all of our games are away. We've only just started the task of survival, and it's just a matter of time before we get better," he insisted.

Vale spent much of the afternoon on the defensive, apart from two early attempts by Stuart Card to test the Ilfracombe goalkeeper Ian Holmes.

Ilfracombe took an early lead in the fifth minute when Jamie Richards converted Danny Robinson's cross.

But Ilfracombe, despite having many chances to go further into the lead, had to wait until the 72nd minute before increasing their lead when, after a three man move started by Richards, Kevin Squires hit the back of Vale's net from close in.

The Vale was further punished seven minutes later when Ilfracombe were awarded a free kick from just inside the 18 yard area and Tony Reed flicked the ball over the top of the Vale defensive wall to give the home side the three points that keep the Vale still at the foot of the division one table.

The game was spoiled by the gale force winds.

PROBLEMS continue to mount for Devizes Town manager Brian Newlands, who is coming to terms with playing away games only for the foreseeable future and the loss of highly rated goalkeeper Paul Thompson.

More problems with drainage at the Nursteed Road mean Devizes and their reserve team will only be able to play away for the next two or three weeks while remedial work is carried out.

Drainage problems have made the pitch unplayable, and work is beginning this week. A two to three foot strip across the pitch near the centre line will be dug up and re-turfed.

This is the third time this year work has had to be done to the pitch and Devizes hope to play their next home match on Boxing Day, an enforced decision that could have a big affect on the club's income.

Club secretary Chris Dodd said: "The main problem will be the club's finances. We're losing the income that helps keep the club going."

The drainage of the pitch will also be inspected, with Devizes hoping that the problem will be solved once and for all.

Meanwhile the loss of crowd favourite Thompson has come as a big, if not unexpected, blow to Newlands.

Thompson, who was an ever-present when Devizes won the First Division title without losing a game, has moved on to Dr Martens League Western Division high-flyers Mangotsfield United.

Thompson was on contract and although Devizes receive a small transfer fee his departure is a big blow.

Said Newlands: "Mangotsfield have been trying to sign him for months and we finally agreed to let him go.

"Mangotsfield are paying him a lot more money, but at the end of the day it was the attraction of playing at a higher level that persuaded him to move.

"You can't stand in the way of player who has the chance to progress, although we resisted Mangotsfield's approaches for as long as we could."

"Paul did a fantastic job for us and we reached an amicable agreement for his transfer."

Thompson's replacement is teenager David Rice, a former Bristol City apprentice, who has moved to Nursteed Road as a non-contract player.

"He's a promising player and could become a great asset to us," said Newlands.

Devizes travel to Odd Down on Saturday for a rearranged Premier Division game. Injured duo Mark Brown and Justin King miss the trip.

There was better news for Devizes supporters on Tuesday night when their team beat Downton 3-0 away in the first round of the Wiltshire Premier Shield.

CHIPPENHAM Town hope to finally complete the signing of long-term target Matty Bown from Melksham Town in time for Saturday's Les Phillips Cup game at Hallen.

Chippenham manager Tommy Saunders has been chasing Bown for a long time, and was due to have talks with the player last night and hopes to have him available for selection in the cup tie.

Town are desperate to defend the trophy they won last year, despite the competition being third in their priorities for the season.

Saunders said: "Obviously this comes behind the FA Carlsberg Vase and the league for us, but this is an important game for us. We are determined not to let this cup slip from our hands.

"Hallen have won their last 10 matches, so it is going to be very tough. But hopefully we'll be strong enough to come through."

Chippenham are in a rich vein of form themselves and it promises to be a very close cup tie.

CHIPPENHAM supporters' club are running coaches to the FA Carlsberg Vase tie at Barking next Saturday and for the rearranged Premier Division match at champions Taunton Town on Saturday December 16. Bookings are being taken by Jessica Swanborough, telephone (01249) 656089) after 6pm.

CALNE Town slumped out of the Les Phillips Cup when they were beaten 5-0 away by Premier Division Bridgwater Town.

CORSHAM Town face one of their biggest games since joining the Screwfix League when they entertain Premier Division neighbours Melksham Town in the Les Phillips Cup on Saturday.

Assistant-manager Mark Godley said: "Melksham are a strong physical side, who play good football, so it will be a tough test for our team, but one we are looking forward to. Kick-off is at 1.45pm.