TROWBRIDGE LEAGUE

CASTLE Combe (West End) have closed the gap on leaders Broughton Gifford in Division One of the Trowbridge League (sponsored by Just Signs, Trowbridge).

Broughton's game was called off because of the resignation of Lavington from the league and West End beat visitors Seend United 4-1.

Two first half goals, from Rob Holtham and Stuart Wilson, put them in control. Micky Haines pulled a goal back for Seend before Jamie Winks' cross hit the visitors' goalkeeper on the head for a bizarre own goal. James Pope sealed victory with an excellent 25-yard strike.

Russell Francis put Avon Bradford ahead at Melksham Town A. Nigel Newell equalised before half-time and second half goals from Simon Walker, Aaron Richardson and substitute Steward Rogers sealed a 4-1 victory for Town.

Bradford Town Reserves raced into a 3-0 lead inside 20 minutes, with goals from Robbie Simmons (2) and Matt Cottrell, against Calne Town Social Club. The visitors struck back with two goals in a minute from Terry Cox and Steve Baker. Baker equalised before the interval but was forced off with a knee injury early in the second half, leaving Calne with only 10 men.

Lee Weissenbruch hit a winner for Bradford early in the second period.

The Deverills found their form with a 5-1 win against Bratton. Darren Munroe (2), Brett Ball and Daniel Hargreaves (2) scored for Deverills with Marc Lanfear, continuing his good scoring, struck for Bratton.

In Division Two leaders Broughton Gifford Reserves went in at the interval 1-0 down to Freshford United, James Burbedge scoring from a penalty.

Nick Bush and Richard Nash scored second half goals to clinch Broughton the points in a very closely contested game.

Setyres kept in touch at the top with a 5-3 win at Bradford United Reserves. Marc Powell (2), Mike Spong, Simon Spong and Marco Wood scored for Setyres, with Lewin O'Pray and Duggan getting goals for United.

A Steve Wells header on 30 minutes was enough for Steeple Ashton against Bratton Reserves. Ashton moved into third spot behind Broughton and Setyres.

Dursley Arms were 3-0 up against Hilperton United inside eight minutes. Arms then ran riot with goals from Robin Walker (3), Gary Gilling (2), Paul Ford, Shaun Daniels, Dave Mason, Neil Taylor and Neil Sheppard in a 10-1 win. United's consolation goal was also scored by a Dursley Arms' player.

Rob Jenks put Lavington and Easterton ahead at home to Blue Circle, but an own goal presented Blue Circle with a first half equaliser. After the break John Hunt (2), Liam Williams and Steve Martin settled the game for the visitors. Jenks added a second goal for the home side.

In Division Three Rudloe kept their 100 per cent record with an 8-1 rout of Black Horse (Devizes). Andy Matthew scored two quick goals followed by further strikes from Simon Matthews, Jason Walsh (2), Matt Dancey (2) and Dave Morgan.

Rudloe's win kept them two points ahead of Foresters Arms who also had a big win 11-0 away to Bromham Reserves. Shane Thornton (4), Nathan Mantle (2), Trevor Jones (3), Steve Collett and Simeon Mills shared the goals.

Hilperton United Reserves bounced back from their heavy defeat last week with a 3-1 win against Apetito. Chris Hubbard, John Farr and Paul Davis scored for United, with Dean Stevens (penalty) replying for Apetito.

Tim Clotherty hit all three goals in Deverills Reserves' 3-1 victory at Seend United Reserves. A late Seend consolation goal came from James Weston.

Ian Baker put Rowde Sports 1-0 up on eight minutes against Avon Bradford Reserves. Tim House and Neil Hannaford replied with quick-fire goals with Baker netting an equaliser before the break. House put Avon ahead again before a 72nd minute own goal tied the game at 3-3.

In a preliminary round A and B Cup reply (sponsored by Trowbridge Windows and Conservatories) Chippenham Athletic were outplayed by Division One Bradford United. United went 6-0 up through Marc Haynes, John Williams, Alex Edwards, Damien Fricker and Simon Harvey (2) before Jason Cole netted a late goal for Athletic.

Westbury United A and Heytesbury met in a first round reply of the Knockout Cup (sponsored by Reflections Niteclub Westbury).

With 120 minutes of football failing to produce a goal, the tie was settled by penalties.

Heytesbury won through 4-3 with spot-kicks from Darren Guy, Paul Coles, Derek Taylor and Mark Gunter. Andy Gillet, Paul Ralph and Adam McCacken were successful for United. Mark Nicholls was the unfortunate Westbury player his spot-kick being saved by Heytesbury goalkeeper Mike Rowan.